Maltese Dos and Don'ts

What to know: 

With canines, plaque is created round-the-clock and without proper cleaning, it eats away at tooth enamel. In time, it hardens into tartar (which is difficult to remove) and makes its way under the gum line. This can all lead to tooth decay, bone loss in the jaw, loose teeth, tooth loss, and/or painful and sometimes even deadly infections. Toy breeds like the Maltese are especially prone to these issues. 

What to do: 

One of the best ways to keep the teeth free of plaque and in great shape is to brush them on a regular basis. If your Maltese is not used to this, start with short sessions and work your way up to a full minute or two. 

Most Maltese do well with puppy-sized canine toothbrushes or small fingertip brushes (which are little doodads that slip over your finger). Be sure to use a canine toothpaste that is meant to be swallowed and is foam-free. A set like the Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dental Kit contains everything you need to get started.

As alternatives or in addition to brushing, daily dental chews like Greenies Teenie Dental Treats can help remove some level of plaque due to their shape and hard consistency.

There are also some dental sprays and water additives that can be effective to some degree, often when used in conjunction with brushing and/or dental chews. One to consider is Nylabone Advanced Oral Care Dog Dental Spray.



During your Maltese’s yearly veterinary wellness checks, discuss their dental hygiene with the vet, including possible needs for x-rays and/or professional cleanings.

Although some serious genetic cases cannot be wholly avoided, one possible prevention method is to use a dog harness instead of a collar. In fact, switching to a harness is one of the very first treatment steps when collapsed trachea is first suspected or diagnosed. 

A harness does not rest on the windpipe; rather, it displaces pressure across the much stronger shoulders, chest, and back. 

For tiny dogs like the Maltese, a step-in harness is easiest (there’s nothing to fit over the head). And one like the Lil Pals Comfort Mesh Adjustable Harness has a ‘extra small’ size that fits dogs under 5 lbs. (the small is for dogs 5 to 7 lbs.) with a Velcro wrap closure that makes it easy to place on and take off.

Another recommended option is the Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness. The size extra-small is also designed for dogs 5 lbs. and under (though, do measure your Maltese to double-check the fit). A bonus with these is that they come in a wide range of color options.

What to know:

Dogs (no matter their age) may mouth lots of non-food and non-toy objects simply to answer the question of ‘What’s this?’. And doing so can lead to electrocution, choking, internal blockage, and other serious emergencies. 

Items that small dogs have swallowed that had to be surgically removed include fishing hooks, sewing needles, mini headphones, rocks, gravel, pen caps, rings and more. 

And in regard to electrical cords, electrical bite injury is the #1 type of electrical injury with household pets. It results in oral burns and sometimes damage to the heart and lungs and can be fatal. 

What to do: 

Outside, keep the yard as debris-free as possible and always supervise your Maltese. Be aware that the parts or the whole of countless plants are toxic to dogs (the seeds and nuts of the sago palm, black walnuts, the berries from English holly plants, and much more). 

Inside, routinely go over the floors to keep them free of small objects. Store purses, gyms bags, and other belongings out of reach. Make sure small trash cans are inaccessible. Have locks on any lower cabinets that your Maltese could possibly get into. 

To prevent electrocution, place all electrical wires and cords out of your Maltese’s reach. If that is not possible, use something like PetCords Dog and Cat Cord Protector to prevent injuries.

What to know: 

It’s a myth that small dogs require little to no exercise. Regular moderate cardio exercise has heaps of benefits for dogs of all sizes: It is good for heart health, regulates the metabolism and helps with muscle maintenance. It also stimulates the appetite and promotes regular bowel movements. Just like with humans, it can lower the risk of many diseases. And, last but not least, purposeful exercise allows a dog to engage their canine senses and release pent-up energy (which could otherwise be directed toward excessive barking, chewing, etc.). 



What to do:



Exercise your Maltese daily. Ideally, this will be at least two sessions with a minimum of 20 minutes each. 



Walks are always a great option. Be sure that your little guy or gal is wearing a harness (See previous ‘Do’ #2) and walk at a pace that is brisk for your particular Maltese.

There are other ways to help your Maltese get come cardo. Fetch, whether played outdoors or inside down a hallway, is a good option. Make it fun by using colorful toys like Zanies Mini Tennis Balls for Dogs and be sure to time the sessions. 

What to know: 

Some of the most common topical allergens are artificial fragrances and coloring dyes in dog shampoos and similar products. And one of the top causes of dry skin and irritations are sulfates (a type of soaping agent). 

In addition, many topical pet products contain ingredients linked to health issues including parabens (can disrupt hormone function), and phthalates (linked to liver and kidney damage, neurodevelopmental issues, and more).

What to do: 



Choose all-natural products that have plant-based cleansers (like coconut) with a pH designed for a dog’s skin (between 6.5 and 7.5). There should be no synthetic additives and only natural fragrance (like rosemary or vanilla).



And because the Maltese breed can have very sensitive skin, it’s always helpful for there to be some moisturizing and/or restorative ingredients that promote good skin and coat health such as aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and/or shea butter. 



An example of a great bathing product for Maltese is Earthbath Light Color Coat Brightener Shampoo which helps keep the coat looking beautiful by using natural optic brighteners. 

Shampoo should always be followed with a wash-out conditioner because the hair follicles open during the shampooing process and a conditioner is needed to smooth them back down. Without this, the coat can become vulnerable to the elements and soon dry out. Something like Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner works wonderful for this breed; it contains both colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera to help keep the skin in great shape and the coat super-soft. 

Though, do note that if your Maltese has tear stains, cheek stains, or other stubborn reddish or brownish stains, you may need to take further steps to keep your Maltese white. 

The 5 Top Don’ts for Maltese Dogs

What to know: 



There are many ingredients commonly found in dog food that should be avoided. One grouping is synthetic coloring dyes (Yellow #5 and #6, Blue #2, Red #40); these are linked to issues ranging from allergies to aggression, and insomnia to brain tumors. 



Another is chemical preservatives which is a top cause of allergies and are linked to many serious health issues. Other ingredients to avoid include fillers (like corn and its by-products), high levels of wheat, meat by-products, and generic meats and oils. 



And it’s important to note that name recognition does not equal a good food; some of the most well-known brands have awful ratings. For example, as per DogFoodAdvisor, Cesar Classics recipe cups score a 2.5 (out of 5) for having pork by-products (slaughterhouse waste). And Purina Bella Natural Bites also scores a 2.5 for having corn, wheat, and corn gluten meal as its 2nd, 3rd, and 4th ingredients.

What to do: 



Opt for high quality, all-natural brands that have zero chemical preservatives and only wholesome food ingredients. Added bonuses are that its sized for toy breed dogs like the Maltese and there are extras such as omega-3 (via fish oil) and antioxidants (via fruits like blueberries). 



One recommended brand is Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds . This is a top 5-star food that is 100% all-natural with a base of turkey and oatmeal (great for the tummy), along with carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. It is preserved with a vitamin blend (shows as mixed tocopherols) and has salmon and salmon oil for extra omega-3. Note that aside from the adult formula, there is also puppy and senior recipes.

Other good brands include include Healthy Extension (Little Bits), Merricks, and WholeEarth Farms.

What to know: 



In the US, there are regulations that one would assume keeps drinking water safe. However, a huge problem is that the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) standards are so low that unsafe contaminants can legally be in public drinking water. For example, the EPA does not have a limit on perchlorate, which is a chemical linked to brain damage in developing fetuses and newborn babie

In addition, many Americans get their tap water from facilities that are operating with violations. For example, per the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), in 2015, 77 million Americans had drinking water that violated federal protections. 

Tap water can also contain traces of prescription and illegal drugs, high levels of metals (like barium that is linked to high blood pressure), pollutants, fluoride (linked to bone issues and behavior issues with animals), and more. 

What to do: 



Offer bottled spring water or filtered water. 



Bottled spring water is often an inexpensive and easy choice when it comes to small breeds like the Maltese. 

And with filtered water, options include a filtering system (often linked to the piping underneath the sink), a filtering device that connects to the faucet, or a portable device like the Brita Filter Pitcher. 

What to know: 

Wellness checks at the veterinarian’s office are preventative exams that screen for a wide range of common health issues seen with canines. 

Diabetes, kidney disease, liver issues, thyroid disease, heart problems, vision and hearing issues… these are all things that may not have immediate symptoms. And, it’s vital for the vet to check for breed-specific health issues; for the Maltese, this includes trachea issues, luxating patella, and extrahepatic shunts. 

Catching any health issues early offers the best chances for a good prognosis and successful treatment. In some cases, this will have a direct influence on a dog’s life span. 

What to do:



Puppies are seen often due to having their rounds of vaccinations and de-wormings. Then starting at 1 year old and up to about 7 years old, wellness checks should be scheduled once per year. At the 8-year mark, these often transition into geriatric twice-per-year exams since diseases and health conditions can develop much faster with senior dogs. 

What to know: 

The paws are an often-overlooked body part that pet parents should remember to pay attention to. A dog’s paws have to take on quite a lot. And since the paws are in constant use, it’s easy for issues to become chronic or for small issues to spiral into larger ones. 

In the spring and summer, top concerns are reactions to lawn care products (which can cause itching and irritation) and burns from hot pavement. In the winter, top concerns are snowballing (snow melts between the toes, then quickly refreezes into ice, stretching the sensitive skin there), irritation from ice melt or road salt, and loss of traction on slippery surfaces. 

Year-round, there can be dryness and/or peeling that can turn into cracking if not treated and there can be problems with pebbles, sand, or other small debris getting wedged between pad pads.

What to do: 

Make it a habit to routinely check your Maltese’s paws for any issues. Carefully look between the toes and assess the health of the paw pads. 

In the summer, if you cannot keep the palm of your hand onto the walking surface for a count of 5, it is too hot for your Maltese to walk on. 

Year-round, protect the paws by applying a quality paw wax. One like Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax can offer a layer of protection that keeps the paw skin healthy, a barrier to repel irritants, and offers excellent traction. This should be massaged in about once a week. And while it absorbs pretty fast, you may find it easiest to apply it at bedtime. 

What to know: 

When jumping down, a dog uses their body weight as natural downward momentum. As they land, they must use their front legs to abruptly ‘brake’. With toy breeds that are leaping down 2 or 3 times their own height, this quick yet significant strain on the bones that can cause a sprain or fracture. 

When a dog jumps from a soft surface (sofa, chair, etc.) to a slick one (hardwood, tile, etc.), the quick force of slipping can stretch, tear, or rupture the ligaments in the ankles, causing twists and sprains. 

And a concern for dogs that routinely jump down, is chronic increased wear and tear on the joints. As it is, 80% of dogs 8+ years are affected by some level of osteoarthritis (a disease of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, and eventual structural damage). With routine strain on the joints, osteoarthritis can develop earlier and with more severity.

What to do:

Do not let your Maltese jump down from furniture. 



Admittedly, it can be difficult to ban a dog from sitting up on furniture with their humans (and let’s face it, those snuggles are nice), so one of the most effective methods to fix this is to train the dog to use a ramp or steps. 



If you’d like to consider steps, one that is sized for both small dogs and cats is the PetSafe CozyUp Pet Stairs. It’s fairly compact, has rubber non-slip feet, and carpet on the treads for good traction. 

And for a ramp, we like the Pet Gear Pet Ramp. It’s relatively small and has rubber grippers to help keep it in place. It also has a mat for good traction which is removeable if you want to clean it, so that’s a nice bonus. 

When you’re teaching your Maltese to use the steps or ramp instead of jumping down, be sure to use positive reinforcement. Guide them, offering praise and a training treat for ‘good attempts’ or for successfully navigating. 

And there we have it, the top dos and don'ts. Let's have a look at a summary:

Top Dos:

1. Do take great care of your Maltese’s teeth.
2. Do place a harness, not a collar, on your Maltese when they are on a leash. 
3. Do puppy proof the house and yard, no matter your Maltese’s age. 
4. Do be sure your Maltese has daily exercise. 
5. Do use quality, all-natural bathing products on your Maltese. 

Top Don'ts:

1. Don’t feed your Maltese food with additives or fillers. 
2. Don’t let your Maltese drink unfiltered tap water. 
3. Don’t skip veterinary wellness checks. 
4. Don’t forget about the paws. 
5. Don’t allow big jumps.

While there are certainly other care elements to keep in mind, following these 10 will greatly benefit your Maltese's health, comfort, and general well-being.

How to Help Decrease a Maltese's Emotional Stress - There are lots of reasons why a Maltese may be overly nervous or anxious. But no matter the cause, these tips can help offer a sense of peace and calm.