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Maltese Puppy Care
Overview
If you are buying a newborn Maltese puppy, the puppy will most likely be between 8 and 12 weeks old. Different regions and areas of the world have legal age limits for when a Maltese pup can leave his or her mother. This is for the health and safety of the puppy.
A Maltese is considered to be a puppy until the age of 2 years. Therefore, we will discuss Maltese puppy care that will take you from the earliest age you may obtain a pup until you have an adolescent on your hands!
If you are buying a newborn Maltese puppy, the puppy will most likely be between 8 and 12 weeks old. Different regions and areas of the world have legal age limits for when a Maltese pup can leave his or her mother. This is for the health and safety of the puppy.
A Maltese is considered to be a puppy until the age of 2 years. Therefore, we will discuss Maltese puppy care that will take you from the earliest age you may obtain a pup until you have an adolescent on your hands!
An adorable male 9 week old Maltese puppy
Choosing a Healthy Maltese Puppy
While one cannot foresee most illness that may strike in the future, there are some easy guidelines when choosing your Maltese puppy. It is best to tell yourself that you are going to visit a puppy without a 100% plan to purchase him or her until you check the dog for signs of health. You will also want to make sure that the dog has registration papers and documents showing that the pup is up-to-date with all vaccinations.
Signs of a Healthy Maltese Puppy:
Signs of a Healthy Maltese Puppy:
- A white coat of fur - A purebred Maltese puppy will be pure white. The only other color that is acceptable would be a light cream color mixed into the white. Do keep in mind that most likely only a pure white Maltese will place high at dog conformance shows. If the puppy you look at has any coloring of brown, black, tan or any other color spots do not believe they are "puppy spots" that the dog will outgrow. This is a terrible lie that is sometimes told to potential buyers. The color means that the DNA of the puppy is not purebred.
- Healthy fur & skin - The fur should be soft. Check the skin (especially the tummy), any sores, redness, lesions or rashes is a huge health warning.
- Clear and bright eyes - cloudy eyes or excessive drainage coming from the eye or eyes means trouble. The puppy should also be able to follow you with his gaze.
- No odor - While a dog may never smell like a bouquet of flowers, a strong and unpleasant odor coming from the ears, nose or mouth points to an infectious disease. A professional breeder should know better than to try and sell an ill puppy
- Alertness - The puppy should have energy and playfulness. If the little pup lays still even when you try to play with him or her, this is a large warning sign that the dog has a health problem.
- Normal breathing - pick up the puppy and listen carefully as he or she breaths. There should not be any rasping or coughing.
- A good appetite - Ask the seller if you may see a feeding. Puppies are hungry all the time. If a seller tries to avoid your question, this is a sign that he or she may be hiding something. See if the puppy eats with enthusiasm.
- A dog crate. Whether you plan to crate train, litter box train or use the umbilical cord method, you should still have a dog crate for your little one. The crate must be large enough for the puppy to stand and turn around. Even if you do not crate train, you will use the crate for car trips, travel and there will be times when you must confine your puppy even for a little while for safety sake.
- A dog bed. While you may envision your Maltese puppy sleeping with you in your bed, a puppy or any dog needs a soft place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
- Steps or ramps - you should have dog steps or ramps leading up to any furniture that you wish for you Maltese puppy to have access to, such as the couch or your bed. A puppy can get very bad injuries if they fall
- Plenty of dog toys and chews. Your puppy will be teething and you must have a large supply of the proper toys to help sooth their pain See Chewing and Teething
- 2 leashes, in case you ever lose one of them
- Several collars in different sizes - you may be surprised at how fast your Maltese puppy grows!
- Very high quality puppy food See Feeding
- A small dog food dish that your pup can easily reach into
- A sturdy water dish that cannot be tipped over
- Grooming supplies - dog shampoo, conditioner, brushes and combs
