The Top 7 Maltese Care Tips

Here, we will go over the top 7 care tips that every owner should be following to ensure optimum health, comfort, safety, and happiness. 

You will also want to steer clear of by-products, generic meat sources, and foods sourced outside of North America.

It is quite shocking what is found in tap water across the country. There are both regulated and unregulated chemicals, toxins, and harmful agents in tap water, and it is really a shame that not all pet owners realize this. 

Since dogs drink water and nothing else, days, weeks and years of ingesting these sorts of elements can be detrimental to their health.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which updates their findings yearly, generally lists over 100 unregulated contaminants that have made their way into water supplies.

But, it is what is known to be in the water that is troubling to say the least. 

Of concern are the large number of chemicals that are added to water to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. These are often deemed 'safe' based on one 8 oz. serving for a 170 pound adult male. 

One major issue is chlorine. While long term effects have not been studied on dogs, it has been found that cancer risk increases a whopping 93% for people whose water contains chlorine. 

Another issue is fluoride. It is an insecticide that was used as cockroach control pre-1900, to control poultry lice starting in 1915, and was used extensively during WWII to control insects. It discolors human babies' teeth and is toxic to canines. Moderate amounts can cause stomach distress, and large amounts can lead to kidney damage. 

Other concerns are lead, mercury, PCBs, arsenic, perchlorate, dioxins, DDT and Chromium-6 (known cancer-causing agent recently found in the tap water of over 200 million Americans).

And, though it is nothing compared to these very serious possible health risks, if you struggle to keep your Maltese looking pure white, unfiltered tap water is one of the culprits.

This is one care tip that is overlooked by far too many owners, and it often has dire consequences.

Canines are no different than humans in regard to plaque constantly being produced. It clings to teeth, and starts to harden into tartar in as little as 3 days.

If it is not properly and thoroughly removed on a regular basis, it eats away at the enamel. It also travels under the gum line to destroy teeth.

Chewing toys only provides a marginal cleaning, and is not close to what is needed for proper oral hygiene. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent this with your Maltese puppy or dog.  

What to do: There are 4 things that will work together to protect the integrity of your Maltese's teeth:

1. Brush using an effective canine toothpaste. this should be fluoride-free and non-foaming since the paste is meant to be swallowed. It helps if it is a taste that dogs find pleasing, which includes chicken or vanilla. 

2. Use a properly sized toothbrush or pet finger-toothbrush (meant to slip over your index finger). It can be efficient to use a 3-sided brush that can scrub all sides of the teeth at one once. You may find that a fingertip-brush works well for tiny Maltese, as it may make it easier to reach into little mouths to scrub.

4. Offer a quality canine dental chew each day. These are specially designed treats that help remove plaque and should be given on top of which ever method you have chosen to clean your Maltese's teeth at home (brushing or spray). Note that these have a hard consistency and are meant to be given while a dog is supervised. 

While a small toy breed like the Maltese can certainly romp around quite a bit inside, this is not the same as purposeful, outdoor exercise.

A Maltese should ideally have two 20 to 30 minute walks per day, at a pace that is brisk for the puppy or dog.

Sustained, low-cardio exercise such as this has many benefits. It keeps the heart healthy, regulates metabolism, is good for the immune system, and is great to maintain muscle ratios which are all important for physical health. 

And if you space baths too far apart, there will be an accumulation of body oils. This can block skin pores and natural air circulation. It can also cause a dog to have an odd odor. 

You'll want to use a good leave-in spritz, which will protect the coat from the sun, dry air, and contact friction. 

Just about everyone brings their dog to the vet in the event of an injury or illness, but what about preventative visits? 

All adult dogs should have a wellness exam once per year, and seniors 8 years and older need twice-per-year geriatric checkups.

This is the best way to know that you are on track, and to catch any issues early.

These generally consist of a full physical exam, checking a dog's vitals, stool testing, urinalysis, a through visual exam of skin, coat, paws, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, and often a check of the joints including knees and hips. 

During the appointment, you can also take this time to ask the vet any questions that you may have, and the vet will often discuss your dog's diet and exercise program. 

Issues that can occur; treatment and prevention