The Maltese is a small, white dog breed that has been popular for centuries. They are known for their long, silky coats and friendly personalities. While they may be small in size, they require plenty of care and attention to stay healthy and happy. Here is a guide to Maltese care 101 so you can keep your pup in tip-top shape!
Grooming
Maltese have long, luxurious coats that need regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. It’s important to use an effective canine toothpaste when brushing your pup’s teeth, as this should be fluoride-free and non-foaming since the paste is meant to be swallowed. Additionally, check your pup’s nails weekly for trimming and ears for wax build up.
Nutrition
It’s important to feed your Maltese a quality, nutritionally balanced dog food that meets their specific needs. Most owners opt to feed two meals per day rather than one large meal. Always make sure fresh water is available for your pup at all times.
Exercise
Maltese are energetic little dogs who need plenty of exercise each day. Take them on walks or runs around the neighborhood or play fetch with them in the backyard. If you have stairs in your home, make sure you don’t let them run up and down too often as this can cause joint problems later on in life.
Training
Maltese are intelligent dogs who respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training or reward-based training. Start teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down early on so your pup learns good habits from the start. Socialization is also important for Maltese puppies so they learn how to interact with other people and animals properly.
Health Care
Regular veterinary visits are essential for keeping your Maltese healthy throughout their life span. Vaccinations should be kept up to date according to what is recommended by your vet, as well as any necessary parasite prevention treatments like flea/tick prevention or heartworm prevention medications. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of illness or injury such as vomiting/diarrhea, limping/lameness, coughing/sneezing etc., so you can get medical help right away if needed.
Conclusion
Caring for a Maltese requires dedication but it can also be incredibly rewarding! With proper nutrition, grooming, exercise and health care you can ensure that your pup stays happy and healthy throughout their life span!
