Maltese Dog Health Guide: Tips for Longevity and Vitality

Maltese dogs are cute and cuddly pets that bring joy to many homes. These small, white dogs need special care to stay healthy and happy. Knowing how to look after your Maltese can help them live a long, active life.

Taking care of a Maltese involves more than just giving them love and attention. You need to know about their common health issues, grooming needs, and diet requirements to keep them in top shape. By learning about Maltese health concerns, you can spot problems early and take steps to prevent them.

1. Regular Vet Checkups

Regular vet checkups are crucial for your Maltese’s health. You should take your furry friend to the vet at least once a year for a full examination. These visits help catch health issues early, which is key for effective treatment. Your vet will check your Maltese’s weight, teeth, eyes, and overall physical condition.

2. Balanced Diet

Feeding your Maltese a balanced diet is crucial for their health. It’s important to have high-quality protein with no fillers and artificial preservatives. This food should be human-grade and fresh, too.

Nutrition for a Lively Maltese

Maltese dogs are small but full of energy, requiring proper nutrition to maintain their vitality and stunning white coat. Fresh, human-grade dog food tailored to their specific needs provides essential nutrients for their overall health. This high-quality diet supports healthy digestion, reduces the risk of allergies, and keeps their silky fur looking its best. With a balanced and wholesome diet, your Maltese will remain active, happy, and radiant.

3. Daily Exercise Routine

Maltese dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. A daily walk of 20 to 30 minutes is ideal for your Maltese. You can adjust the length based on your dog’s energy level and health. If you prefer, you can split the walk into two 15-minute sessions. Let your Maltese set the pace during these walks. Pay attention to signs of fatigue, like slowing down.

4. Grooming: FURminator deShedding Tool

Maltese dogs have long, silky coats that need regular grooming. While they don’t shed much, a deshedding tool can help keep their coat healthy. The FURminator is a popular deshedding tool for many dog breeds. But it’s not the best choice for Maltese dogs.

5. Dental Care: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste

Keeping your Maltese’s teeth clean is crucial for their overall health. Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste is recommended by vets for maintaining your pet’s dental hygiene. This toothpaste comes in five flavors, including poultry, malt, vanilla-mint, beef, and seafood. You can choose the one your Maltese likes best to make brushing more enjoyable.

6. Vaccination Schedule

Protecting your Maltese from diseases is crucial. Vaccinations play a key role in keeping your furry friend healthy. Puppies need their first shots between 6 and 8 weeks old. This initial vaccine includes protection against distemper, infectious hepatitis, and parvovirus.

At 11 to 13 weeks, your Maltese will need boosters for these vaccines. They’ll also get their first rabies and leptospirosis shots. The next round comes at 15 to 17 weeks. This includes boosters for rabies and leptospirosis. As an adult, your Maltese will need yearly check-ups and vaccine boosters. Your vet will guide you on which ones are needed.

7. Healthy Treats

To enhance your pet’s quality of life, especially as they age, consider integrating comprehensive nutritional support through products such as hip and joint chewables, multivitamins, and probiotics, which are designed to address specific health needs effectively.

8. Proper Dog Training

Starting with basic commands helps build a bond of trust and understanding, making obedience training a rewarding journey for both you and your puppy. Early training can set your dog up for a lifetime of positive behaviors, whether you’re working on social skills, leash manners, or responding to commands.

Learning how to communicate with your puppies through training can transform even the most energetic puppies into well-mannered companions.

9. Allergy Management: Apoquel

Maltese dogs can suffer from allergies, causing itching and discomfort. Apoquel is a medication that vets often prescribe to help manage these symptoms in dogs, including Maltese. Apoquel works quickly to reduce itching, usually within 4 hours of the first dose. It targets specific pathways in the body that cause itching, providing relief without broadly suppressing the immune system.

10. Furhaven Cover and Bed

A plush sofa-style dog bed can provide both comfort and a sense of security, making it an ideal resting spot for puppies. Using a soft, durable bed cover can help keep your puppy’s bed clean and cozy, especially during those playful puppy days. With options like bolstered edges and velvety textures, a thoughtfully chosen bed can add an extra layer of comfort to your pet’s daily routine.

A cozy dog bed can give your puppy the perfect spot to relax, offering support as they grow. A durable bed cover for your puppy not only helps with easy cleanup but also keeps their favorite resting place fresh and inviting. Prioritizing pet comfort with a well-chosen bed can make all the difference in helping them feel at home.