Your Subtitle text
Maltese Grooming - Basics
Basic & Routine Maltese Grooming
When you own a Maltese, you will make a decision regarding which type of look you wish for your dog to have: The show dog look or the family cut. The family cut is also known as the puppy cut. This is preferred by many Maltese owners due to the easier maintenance.
Beside from the element of fur care, a Maltese owner must also groom and care for their dog's:
When you own a Maltese, you will make a decision regarding which type of look you wish for your dog to have: The show dog look or the family cut. The family cut is also known as the puppy cut. This is preferred by many Maltese owners due to the easier maintenance.
Beside from the element of fur care, a Maltese owner must also groom and care for their dog's:
- Ears
- Eyes
- Teeth
- Nails
- Over cleanliness & hygiene
This Maltese has a short "family" cut : easy to maintain. However the reddish color on the face indicates a possible "red yeast" infection.
Bathing
Giving your Maltese a proper bath is vitally important, not only to maintain cleanliness but also to keep the dog healthy. Using the proper shampoos and soaps are crucial in regarding to dog grooming. If you are not showing your Maltese, your dog should have a bath once per week.
Some tips to keep in mind regarding bathing:
A dog's nails can grow quickly and they can also become ingrown or mis-shaped. Most Maltese owners prefer to have a professional trim their dog's nails. Unless you have experience in this grooming element, it is best to leave this to professionals. Trimming too far can cut the "quick" in the nail and cause pain and bleeding. Many Maltese dogs have white or clear colored nails; it will be easy to see the dark line running down the center and know where you must not cut; however there are also many Maltese dogs who have darker nails and seeing this vein is difficult.
If you do choose to trim your dog's nails use professional grade clippers and do not forget about the dew claws.
Ears
A dog's ears must be cleaned and not forgotten about during routine grooming. Using damp cotton balls, the ears should be wiped out until the cotton has no matter on it. Never use a Q-Tip as dipping down too far can cause damage. For show dogs, excessive ear hair is plucked out after applying ear powder, however as long as you keep your Maltese clean there is no need to overdo this. Excessive, straggly hair should be removed as they can hold water and lead to an ear infection. When you bring your Maltese to their professional groomer for a shave, any extra fur will be taken care of.
Fur Care
Beside offering weekly baths, a Maltese should have a good brushing every other day. The fur should be checked around the anus and on the paws. This fur can grow quickly and may need a trim in between full shavings. The frequency of full shavings will depend on your preference and also how rapidly your dog's fur grows.
Around the Eye Stains
With the Maltese being a white colored breed, "tear stains" can be very apparent. What causes a Maltese to have a darker shade of color around the eye? This is usually caused by excessive tearing that leads to a red yeast bacterial infection. Your dog's veterinarian will be able to provide you with topical medication to clear this up.
Stains can also occur to do normal eye discharge that builds up over time. Dogs can get that "sad puppy dog look". You may wipe the eye area with a soft, damp wash cloth. Alternatively you may use doggie eye wipes that are specially formulated to clean this delicate area of the Maltese dog. Shockingly, some breeders or show dog owners use bleach: this should never be used! Read more about Tear Staining
Giving your Maltese a proper bath is vitally important, not only to maintain cleanliness but also to keep the dog healthy. Using the proper shampoos and soaps are crucial in regarding to dog grooming. If you are not showing your Maltese, your dog should have a bath once per week.
Some tips to keep in mind regarding bathing:
- Make sure that your dog's fur is completely wet before you apply the dog shampoo
- Never use human shampoo, soap or conditioner. A Maltese can be allergic to just about any element including shampoo: use a hypo-allergenic shampoo for dogs
- Be sure that no dog shampoo remains before you apply the conditioner
- Dry your Maltese by patting them with a soft towel, rubbing may cause matts to form
A dog's nails can grow quickly and they can also become ingrown or mis-shaped. Most Maltese owners prefer to have a professional trim their dog's nails. Unless you have experience in this grooming element, it is best to leave this to professionals. Trimming too far can cut the "quick" in the nail and cause pain and bleeding. Many Maltese dogs have white or clear colored nails; it will be easy to see the dark line running down the center and know where you must not cut; however there are also many Maltese dogs who have darker nails and seeing this vein is difficult.
If you do choose to trim your dog's nails use professional grade clippers and do not forget about the dew claws.
Ears
A dog's ears must be cleaned and not forgotten about during routine grooming. Using damp cotton balls, the ears should be wiped out until the cotton has no matter on it. Never use a Q-Tip as dipping down too far can cause damage. For show dogs, excessive ear hair is plucked out after applying ear powder, however as long as you keep your Maltese clean there is no need to overdo this. Excessive, straggly hair should be removed as they can hold water and lead to an ear infection. When you bring your Maltese to their professional groomer for a shave, any extra fur will be taken care of.
Fur Care
Beside offering weekly baths, a Maltese should have a good brushing every other day. The fur should be checked around the anus and on the paws. This fur can grow quickly and may need a trim in between full shavings. The frequency of full shavings will depend on your preference and also how rapidly your dog's fur grows.
Around the Eye Stains
With the Maltese being a white colored breed, "tear stains" can be very apparent. What causes a Maltese to have a darker shade of color around the eye? This is usually caused by excessive tearing that leads to a red yeast bacterial infection. Your dog's veterinarian will be able to provide you with topical medication to clear this up.
Stains can also occur to do normal eye discharge that builds up over time. Dogs can get that "sad puppy dog look". You may wipe the eye area with a soft, damp wash cloth. Alternatively you may use doggie eye wipes that are specially formulated to clean this delicate area of the Maltese dog. Shockingly, some breeders or show dog owners use bleach: this should never be used! Read more about Tear Staining
