Maltipoo Regular Checkup & Lifelong Care Schedule — Age-Specific Management for Patellar Luxation and Heart Disease

ImmunityBreed HealthMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve organized a lifelong health checkup schedule for Maltipoos, broken down by puppy, adult, and senior stages. You can also review a comprehensive calendar tailored to the breed’s specific needs, including vaccinations, deworming, and home care for common concerns like patellar, heart, and dental health.

Why Regular Checkups Are Key to Lifelong Maltipoo Care

A Maltipoo undergoing a check-up at the animal hospital.

The Maltipoo, a small mixed-breed dog born from the cross between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle, is a breed that benefits from lifelong regular check-ups for patellar and dental health. Textbook-wise, small dogs are more prone to patellar luxation due to developmental abnormalities in the structures supporting the joints (especially inwardly), and their small mouth structure can lead to rapid progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check the patellar and oral conditions from an early age, and as they age, even if they appear clinically healthy, regular check-ups including blood tests to detect early changes in organs are advised. Planning these check-ups in advance allows for early detection and response to any bodily changes.

At-a-Glance Care Calendar by Life Stage

Lifetime health checkups for Maltipoos are divided into three stages: puppy, adult, and senior. During the puppy stage (0–12 months), the focus is on vaccinations, deworming, and deciding on spaying or neutering, with monthly checks on weight and development. In the adult stage (1–6 years), an annual comprehensive health exam and dental scaling are essential. For seniors (7 years and older), blood work, heart health, and joint condition should be evaluated every six months. It’s important to reassess diet, exercise levels, and supplements at each life stage.

Comparison of Recommended Checkup Items by Age

Item	Puppy (0–12 months)	Adult (1–6 years)	Senior Dog (7 years and older)
Checkup Interval	Monthly	Once a year	Every 6 months
Combination Vaccine	5 divided doses	Annual booster	Determined after antibody titer test
Blood Test	Baseline once	Once a year	Twice a year
Dental Care	Toothbrushing training	Scaling once every 1–2 years	Scaling + oral imaging
Patella Exam	Visual assessment	Palpation grade assessment	Detailed X-ray examination
Heart Exam	Auscultation	Auscultation + annual chest X-ray	Echocardiography recommended

The schedule may be adjusted depending on the animal hospital and owner's circumstances

Major Health Issues Maltipoos May Face Throughout Their Lives

Knowing common findings from routine check-ups can be very helpful.

Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position. It’s more common in small breed dogs due to structural or developmental factors that affect joint support, and the kneecap usually dislocates inward.

Eyes and tear staining: Small breed dogs may require extra eye care, so it’s a good idea to regularly check for eye discharge, tear stains, or redness, and consult a vet if you notice any abnormalities.

Heart health: As dogs age, heart murmurs may develop. It’s recommended to have your vet listen to the heart during regular check-ups and discuss further testing if needed.

Periodontal disease: Small breed dogs are prone to periodontal disease because their jawbones are weaker and tartar builds up quickly. Daily tooth brushing and regular dental care are essential.

A veterinarian examining the knee of a Maltipoo.

Go to the Vet Immediately, Regardless of Checkup Schedule, If You See These Signs

If your pet suddenly lifts one leg, limps, or is unable to walk, or if they are breathing heavily and coughing continuously for more than 24 hours, these are serious warning signs. Additionally, if they suddenly lose their appetite and experience repeated vomiting and diarrhea, or if their gums appear pale or turn purple, do not wait for a routine checkup. Seek immediate veterinary care. For small breeds like Maltipoos, dehydration and hypoglycemia can progress rapidly, so missing the critical window for treatment can be life-threatening.

Essential Vaccination and Deworming Schedule

Puppies are vulnerable to infectious diseases like parvovirus enteritis, which primarily affects dogs under six months of age, because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Therefore, it is standard practice to administer core vaccines in multiple doses according to the schedule recommended by your veterinarian and the manufacturer’s protocol, rather than completing them in a single visit. Even after your dog reaches adulthood, the timing for booster shots may vary depending on the vaccine type and year, so it is best to consult with your veterinarian. For senior dogs, antibody testing can help determine the appropriate timing for vaccinations and reduce unnecessary shots. It is also important to consistently administer internal and external parasite preventatives as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Vaccination and deworming schedule for Maltipoo puppies

Daily and Weekly Care Points to Check at Home

Daily: Brush your pet’s teeth with pet-specific toothpaste, wipe away tear stains, and record meal and elimination frequency. Weekly: Check paw pad condition and nail length, and inspect the inside of the ears for odor or discoloration. Monthly: Weigh your pet (seek veterinary care if weight fluctuates by more than ±10%), and brush to check for tangles and skin rashes. Quarterly: Confirm heartworm prevention prescriptions and update deworming medication. Keeping consistent records helps your veterinarian quickly identify changes during check-ups. You can use phone notes or pet health apps for this purpose.

Areas Requiring Extra Attention Due to Maltipoo Breed Characteristics

Small breeds like Maltipoos are prone to patellar luxation due to developmental abnormalities in the structures that support their joints, and it can occur in both knees simultaneously. If you notice your dog lifting or trembling with a leg after a walk, it’s a good idea to have their knees thoroughly examined. Additionally, small breeds such as Maltese and Poodles are more frequently reported to experience injection-site reactions (such as vasculitis) following vaccinations, so please consult your veterinarian if you notice swelling or skin changes after a shot. Given their small size, even minor impacts or jumping can strain their bones, and it’s important to be mindful of keeping them warm in cold environments to help maintain their body temperature.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should a Maltipoo start senior dog check-ups?

Dogs are generally considered to enter their senior years at around 7 years of age. From this point onward, it is recommended to have blood, heart, and joint examinations conducted every six months. Since small-breed dogs tend to age more quickly, it’s a good idea to start these check-ups as early as 6 years of age.

How much does a check-up cost?

While basic physical exam and blood test packages vary by clinic, they typically cost between $70 to $100. If cardiac ultrasound or other imaging tests are added, the cost can exceed $200. For senior dogs, using a package screening program can help reduce expenses.

How often should dental scaling be performed?

Because Maltipoos are a small breed prone to rapid tartar buildup, professional dental cleanings are recommended every one to two years. However, consistent daily brushing can help extend the time between cleanings.

Is it safe to give all the vaccines at once?

During the puppy stage, there are specific intervals for building immunity. It is common to administer the core vaccine series in five doses, spaced two to four weeks apart. Administering multiple vaccines at once can increase the risk of adverse reactions.

When is the best time to have my pet spayed or neutered?

While the recommended age is typically between 6 and 9 months, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal timing based on your dog’s patellar condition and growth stage. You can discuss this during a routine check-up.

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References

[1] Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, Côté E, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 8th Ed, 2017

[2] Schaer M, Gaschen F, Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Ed, 2017

[3] Tilley LP, Smith FWK, The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline, 7th Ed, 2020

[4] Plumb DC, Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed, 2018

[5] 농림축산식품부, 동물 등록제 및 광견병 예방접종 지침, 2024