Difference between revisions of "Care for a Maltese Dog"
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===Deciding if a Maltese is Right For You=== | ===Deciding if a Maltese is Right For You=== | ||
#Determine whether the Maltese personality is right for you and your lifestyle. Maltese do like company and can bark or suffer anxiety related problems if they are left alone for long periods of time. Think about whether you can structure your day so that the Maltese is not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. | #Determine whether the Maltese personality is right for you and your lifestyle. Maltese do like company and can bark or suffer anxiety related problems if they are left alone for long periods of time. Think about whether you can structure your day so that the Maltese is not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. | ||
| − | #*Be aware that because Maltese like to be with people, they can easily become over-dependant on human company and suffer from stress or "separation anxiety" unless trained from a young age to cope in solitude. To train the dog to do this means deliberately spending small periods of time away from the dog so that it learns to be alone. Be careful not to over pamper the dog as this can make it even more difficult for it when you're not there to fuss it.<ref>http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/maltese</ref> | + | #*Be aware that because Maltese like to be with people, they can easily become over-dependant on human company and suffer from stress or "separation anxiety" unless trained from a young age to cope in solitude. To train the dog to do this means deliberately spending small periods of time away from the dog so that it learns to be alone. Be careful not to over pamper the dog as this can make it even more difficult for it when you're not there to fuss it.<ref name="rf1">http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/maltese</ref> |
| − | #*Most Maltese are friendly, outgoing, and relatively fearless but because they are small (4-7 lbs) and have delicate bones, they are easily injured. As a result, they can become fearful or aggressive. Keep an eye on them around larger animals, and show children how to hold the Maltese properly without squeezing or dropping him. If you have very young children, you might want to consider a sturdier breed like a Shih Tzu, Havanese, or Bichon. <ref | + | #*Most Maltese are friendly, outgoing, and relatively fearless but because they are small (4-7 lbs) and have delicate bones, they are easily injured. As a result, they can become fearful or aggressive. Keep an eye on them around larger animals, and show children how to hold the Maltese properly without squeezing or dropping him. If you have very young children, you might want to consider a sturdier breed like a Shih Tzu, Havanese, or Bichon. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#Gauge whether you can care for a Maltese properly. Be aware that the Maltese feel the cold easily. If your home is chilly or you live in a cold environment, then reconsider your choice of dog. Also be aware they have long silky coats, which needs daily grooming and will need to have their hair trimmed regularly because Maltese do not shed like most other breeds. Although this is an added expense (unless you learn to do it yourself), the upside is that the Maltese (like the Poodle) is a relatively hypoallergenic breed. | #Gauge whether you can care for a Maltese properly. Be aware that the Maltese feel the cold easily. If your home is chilly or you live in a cold environment, then reconsider your choice of dog. Also be aware they have long silky coats, which needs daily grooming and will need to have their hair trimmed regularly because Maltese do not shed like most other breeds. Although this is an added expense (unless you learn to do it yourself), the upside is that the Maltese (like the Poodle) is a relatively hypoallergenic breed. | ||
#Prepare to have a dog that lives well into its teens. If you can't commit to such a long term undertaking, or you expect your circumstances to change, then reconsider getting a dog , especially one that can live to be 14 or 15. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, not something to take lightly. | #Prepare to have a dog that lives well into its teens. If you can't commit to such a long term undertaking, or you expect your circumstances to change, then reconsider getting a dog , especially one that can live to be 14 or 15. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, not something to take lightly. | ||
#Pick your specific Maltese wisely. There are thousands of Maltese breeders out there, but there are also plenty of purebreds in animal shelters. If you know someone with a Maltese ask where that person got it. Make sure that before you bring your Maltese home, that it gets along with other pets or children you may have. | #Pick your specific Maltese wisely. There are thousands of Maltese breeders out there, but there are also plenty of purebreds in animal shelters. If you know someone with a Maltese ask where that person got it. Make sure that before you bring your Maltese home, that it gets along with other pets or children you may have. | ||
| − | #*Make sure you see the Maltese puppy with his mother. If for whatever reason the mother is not present, walk away. This is a give away sign that the puppy is from a puppy mill and such immoral breeding programs should not be encouraged.<ref>http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/</ref> | + | #*Make sure you see the Maltese puppy with his mother. If for whatever reason the mother is not present, walk away. This is a give away sign that the puppy is from a puppy mill and such immoral breeding programs should not be encouraged.<ref name="rf2">http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/</ref> |
#*Make sure your Maltese was socialized well as a puppy, as this helps make it become a confident outgoing adult. | #*Make sure your Maltese was socialized well as a puppy, as this helps make it become a confident outgoing adult. | ||
===Grooming a Maltese=== | ===Grooming a Maltese=== | ||
# Maltese dogs have long flowing hair that is easily tangled and, like our own, keeps growing. If you don't want to deal with the upkeep a shorter "puppy cut" looks cute on a Maltese. You will need to have him professionally groomed maybe once every six weeks but will still need to brush his hair daily using a nice, soft brush. Remove excess hair and untangle knots while the hair is dry or with a special detangler. Bathing him first will make the tangles worse. | # Maltese dogs have long flowing hair that is easily tangled and, like our own, keeps growing. If you don't want to deal with the upkeep a shorter "puppy cut" looks cute on a Maltese. You will need to have him professionally groomed maybe once every six weeks but will still need to brush his hair daily using a nice, soft brush. Remove excess hair and untangle knots while the hair is dry or with a special detangler. Bathing him first will make the tangles worse. | ||
| − | #*You may need to use a comb to get to the root of any tangles and knots. Remember to gently tease them apart. Take extreme care cutting out knots, as it is all too easy to nick the skin.<ref | + | #*You may need to use a comb to get to the root of any tangles and knots. Remember to gently tease them apart. Take extreme care cutting out knots, as it is all too easy to nick the skin.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Bathe your Maltese with a mild shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. You may need to bathe a playful puppy once a week, while a calm, older dog will only need a monthly bath.<ref>http://pets.thenest.com/should-bathe-maltese-ruining-coat-11447.html</ref> Wash its hair like it's your own, only be very gentle! Don't forget to clean your pup's face with a washcloth. | + | #Bathe your Maltese with a mild shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. You may need to bathe a playful puppy once a week, while a calm, older dog will only need a monthly bath.<ref name="rf3">http://pets.thenest.com/should-bathe-maltese-ruining-coat-11447.html</ref> Wash its hair like it's your own, only be very gentle! Don't forget to clean your pup's face with a washcloth. |
#Clean around your Maltese's eyes regularly. Maltese dogs have white hair that is prone to tear staining. You will recognize this as the brown streaks down the face of a white dog. This happens when tears overspill onto the cheek and stay there for a few hours. Substances in the tear fluid oxidizes and change to that rust-colored pigment, which causes the staining. | #Clean around your Maltese's eyes regularly. Maltese dogs have white hair that is prone to tear staining. You will recognize this as the brown streaks down the face of a white dog. This happens when tears overspill onto the cheek and stay there for a few hours. Substances in the tear fluid oxidizes and change to that rust-colored pigment, which causes the staining. | ||
#*To avoid this, dry the area around your dog's eyes regularly. The amount of tear overflow varies with each individual dog and is more pronounced when they are teething. If the lower lid area or cheek are constantly wet, then wipe hourly. For dogs with less moisture from the eyes, you only need to wipe twice a day or when you spot gloop in the corner of the eye. | #*To avoid this, dry the area around your dog's eyes regularly. The amount of tear overflow varies with each individual dog and is more pronounced when they are teething. If the lower lid area or cheek are constantly wet, then wipe hourly. For dogs with less moisture from the eyes, you only need to wipe twice a day or when you spot gloop in the corner of the eye. | ||
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#The Maltese can be prone to being a fussy eater so don't encourage this by feeding him human food as "treats". Feed him a high quality dog food and treats recommended by your vet. Always have fresh water and dry kibble available for your Maltese (unless the animal is an adult and is overweight). Maltese puppies can suffer from hypoglycemia, which can be life threatening, if food is not readily available. | #The Maltese can be prone to being a fussy eater so don't encourage this by feeding him human food as "treats". Feed him a high quality dog food and treats recommended by your vet. Always have fresh water and dry kibble available for your Maltese (unless the animal is an adult and is overweight). Maltese puppies can suffer from hypoglycemia, which can be life threatening, if food is not readily available. | ||
#* | #* | ||
| − | #Make sure that your adult dog is not eating too much. It may be that you are giving the dog too much food at meal time or that you are giving too many treats. Consult with your vet if your Maltese is putting on too much weight.<ref>http://www.petmaltese.com/Feeding.html</ref> He or she may have a suggestions for helping the dog lose weight. | + | #Make sure that your adult dog is not eating too much. It may be that you are giving the dog too much food at meal time or that you are giving too many treats. Consult with your vet if your Maltese is putting on too much weight.<ref name="rf4">http://www.petmaltese.com/Feeding.html</ref> He or she may have a suggestions for helping the dog lose weight. |
===Exercising, Socializing, and Training a Maltese=== | ===Exercising, Socializing, and Training a Maltese=== | ||
| − | #Socialize your dog early. A Maltese, like all dogs, needs to be well socialized in order to become a well-rounded dog. While it is important to bond with your pup, its also important that the dog is open to meeting new people and animals. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people and animals when it is young, so that it understands that this is a normal and enjoyable part of life.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=EMgJBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=Socializing+maltese&source=bl&ots=YIDUbr0HSa&sig=DcmsTp-AdnoLPmt4S1Kiv6T8scM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCWoVChMI0OPZ7-LRyAIVhx2UCh0QWglJ#v=onepage&q=Socializing%20maltese&f=false</ref> | + | #Socialize your dog early. A Maltese, like all dogs, needs to be well socialized in order to become a well-rounded dog. While it is important to bond with your pup, its also important that the dog is open to meeting new people and animals. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people and animals when it is young, so that it understands that this is a normal and enjoyable part of life.<ref name="rf5">https://books.google.com/books?id=EMgJBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA56&lpg=PA56&dq=Socializing+maltese&source=bl&ots=YIDUbr0HSa&sig=DcmsTp-AdnoLPmt4S1Kiv6T8scM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCWoVChMI0OPZ7-LRyAIVhx2UCh0QWglJ#v=onepage&q=Socializing%20maltese&f=false</ref> |
#*Maltese dogs that are not socialized can become either fearful or aggressive toward strangers. | #*Maltese dogs that are not socialized can become either fearful or aggressive toward strangers. | ||
| − | #Walk your dog. Although Maltese are good apartment dwellers and don't require a great deal of exercise, it is important for the dog's brain, socialization, sensory system, and enjoyment to get out. Even a fifteen to twenty minute walk can be a nice break for you and your dog.<ref | + | #Walk your dog. Although Maltese are good apartment dwellers and don't require a great deal of exercise, it is important for the dog's brain, socialization, sensory system, and enjoyment to get out. Even a fifteen to twenty minute walk can be a nice break for you and your dog.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Maltese are adaptable when it comes to exercise. They enjoy walks but are also happy to burn energy in a restricted space, by playing games of fetch. Teach your Maltese not to jump off your bed or couch, though, as this can cause injury. The breed is vulnerable to knee injuries (luxating patellas). | #*Maltese are adaptable when it comes to exercise. They enjoy walks but are also happy to burn energy in a restricted space, by playing games of fetch. Teach your Maltese not to jump off your bed or couch, though, as this can cause injury. The breed is vulnerable to knee injuries (luxating patellas). | ||
#*Be aware that a bored Maltese may turn to barking to amuse itself. | #*Be aware that a bored Maltese may turn to barking to amuse itself. | ||
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===Caring For the Health of a Maltese=== | ===Caring For the Health of a Maltese=== | ||
#Take your Maltese for annual vaccinations. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you as to which diseases are prevalent in the area, and which it is necessary to vaccinate against. Some states also require all pets to be vaccinated against rabies, in which case you must comply. | #Take your Maltese for annual vaccinations. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you as to which diseases are prevalent in the area, and which it is necessary to vaccinate against. Some states also require all pets to be vaccinated against rabies, in which case you must comply. | ||
| − | #*Take your veterinarian's advice on preventative healthcare such as heartworm, and regular worming treatments and use them regularly.<ref>http://pets.thenest.com/care-training-maltese-puppies-12481.html</ref> | + | #*Take your veterinarian's advice on preventative healthcare such as heartworm, and regular worming treatments and use them regularly.<ref name="rf6">http://pets.thenest.com/care-training-maltese-puppies-12481.html</ref> |
#Have your dog spayed or neutered but wait until he or she is at least five months old (preferably nine months). If your dog is a pet and not intended for breeding, then speak to your vet about desexing. This helps reduce antisocial behaviors, such as territory marking in the male. It also reduces the risk of certain diseases in the female, such as mammary cancer (if done before the second season) and pyometra (womb infection). | #Have your dog spayed or neutered but wait until he or she is at least five months old (preferably nine months). If your dog is a pet and not intended for breeding, then speak to your vet about desexing. This helps reduce antisocial behaviors, such as territory marking in the male. It also reduces the risk of certain diseases in the female, such as mammary cancer (if done before the second season) and pyometra (womb infection). | ||
#Consider getting your pet microchipped. This is a permanent way of identifying the dog as yours. Should it escape or be stolen, the ID chip allows you to prove ownership, and will help someone who finds your dog locate you (vets can read the chip and find you through the registry). | #Consider getting your pet microchipped. This is a permanent way of identifying the dog as yours. Should it escape or be stolen, the ID chip allows you to prove ownership, and will help someone who finds your dog locate you (vets can read the chip and find you through the registry). | ||
