Why does my senior Maltipoo yelp when I pet or clean her face?

Question

My senior (12-13) Maltipoo has recently started a few seconds of high pitched bark/yelping when we have approached her face. Mostly she is fine but out of the blue, she'll go off on us when we are petting or cleaning her face. Afterward, she is all wags and licks to us wanting to be petted etc. She is not angry as there is no growling or low pitched barking. It's as if she's somewhere else and is completely startled by us. Pet's info: Dog | Maltipoo | Female | spayed | 19 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

If only Sasha could talk and tell you why this is happening!!! From a medical stand point, the main things that come to mind would be neck pain, ear pain or mouth pain. I suppose it is possible that she has pain somewhere in that area and at some point she was petted or picked up and now she has made that association so she cries in anticipation. Dementia does not generally present like this. Typically you expect to see things like getting lost in the house, restlessness at night, having accidents in the house, increased vocalization, and seeming to be "spacey." Lastly, this could be behavioral. Similar to the first paragraph, if something hurt her somehow (maybe during a grooming or while brushing her teeth) then she may cry out in order to make you back away (and thus this 'protects' Sasha from pain). Since Sasha can't talk, I recommend to have her seen by the veterinarian paying special attention to any indication of pain in the head, mouth, ears or neck. If everything is normal then you may work on creating a positive association with being touched on her face. Basically, get a high value treat and start moving you hands toward her face. She gets a treat as your hand approaches. Start moving your hand closer and closer. It's important to not started her and to really work on that positive association. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction! Please post again with any further questions!

Why does my senior Maltipoo yelp when I pet or clean her face?

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