MALTESE CARE

I was told Maltese puppies have a tendency to have hypoglycemia. Is this true and what precautions should be taken?

Sometimes, there may be a problem of hypoglycemia in Maltese puppies, especially between the ages of five to nine weeks and then again at six months of age. Hypoglycemia is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the level of blood sugar in the dog. The dog will go into shock and, if not cared for properly, will die. Hypoglycemia is a condition never seen in dogs over one year of age, so it may be said to be a puppy disease. It is likely caused by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the dog, especially the pancreas. The brain will receive incorrect signals from the pancreas and thus not send out a correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar into the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia can be an inherited condition. The addition of honey or white corn syrup to the puppy’s food may help to prevent a hypoglycemic attack. Feeding soft, moist foods may help to prevent a hypoglycemic attack due to their high sugar content. If you suspect that a puppy may be prone to attacks of low blood sugar, it may prove helpful to contain him in a small area so that he does not use calories he cannot afford to lose in excessive moving about. The puppy suspected of being hypoglycemic should be kept quite warm, as maintaining proper body temperature takes a tremendous amount of energy in the form of calories, which will be used by the puppy trying to compensate for the loss of body heat. The more calories you can help the puppy conserve in keeping him warm, the better it will be for him. Signs of an attack are a weakened condition, including wobbly unsureness on leg, frothing or drooling from the mouth and a drain of blood from the head. A check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink.



What is the best age to have my Maltese spayed or neutered?

This is something you would want to consult with your vet about. The short answer would be before the first heat for a female, usually around 6 months of age. You would want to coincide any dental work that may need done with the spay or neuter surgery so that the risk of anesthesia is only done once instead of twice. Many Maltese have puppy teeth that might need removed at around the same time. Consult with your vet.

How often should I feed my new Maltese puppy?

First of all, it is very important to use only the best quality foods available (not necessarily the most expensive). It is a good practice to feed the Maltese puppy a small quantity of wet food three times a day until he is six months of age. Afterward, two meals a day are suggested for those Maltese that are very tiny, or for those with poor body weight problems.I feed my puppies homemade wet food three times a day. The wet food consists of 90% meat consisting of either beef, chicken or lamb; 10% brown rice & 10% veggies. I also have dry food available at all times. For dry food I use "Wellness Super 5 Mix Just For Puppy". If you do not have time to cook for your puppy, wellness also has canned food available.

It is recommended to continue feeding the “Puppy” type formula . A Maltese needs maximum nutrition & high protein throughout his/her life. If you dog (as a senior) should become overweight, cut back on the portions. Many times the “Senior” dog foods do not have enough compact nutrition. Of course, you should also consult your Vet, but make sure your vet is very knowledgeable about the Maltese and its unique requirements.

At what age are Maltese full grown?

Maltese are generally fully grown at 1 year of age. After the first year their weight can fluctuate up to several pounds depending on factors such as exercise, diet and overall health

How often should I bathe my Maltese?

Every dog is different however usually once every 7 -10 days works for most. However, if you keep the Maltese coat long, you must brush the coat every day. I suggest a cute “Puppy cut” if you don’t have the time to groom daily. No matter what the cut, a Maltese must be professionally groomed. Their skin is very fragile and easily cuts/tears. Irritation is a major issue. Make sure your groomer is very gentle and is familiar with the different Maltese type cuts available. If your dog comes out of the groomer and it looks like a poodle, never give that groomer another chance. She does not’t know what she is doing. Also, check to see that the fine hair from the inner ear is pulled and the nails cut.

In Florida, it is advisable to have your yard sprayed for ticks and fleas. The Maltese skin is so easily irritated, it is better to treat your yard then to do “Flea Dips” and flea/tick treatment and all sorts of other harmful chemicals.

Do Maltese dogs shed?

Yes, Maltese are single coated and do shed however it is very minimal. Many people that are allergic to dog hair are not allergic to a Maltese.

The Young & Elderly:

Maltese is like a child in many ways. They never like to be left alone. If you work a lot of hours or are away from home many hours a day, you need to either have two Maltese or buy another type breed. These dogs cannot be left alone all day. There will not thrive in such an environment. Also, due to their fragile nature: they are not good with children under ten. Their bone structure is frail and there have been many horror stories of a child sitting or squeezing the dog killing or maiming it. On the other hand, they are great for the elderly. Also for Dementia/Alzheimer's patients. The Maltese will sit and cuddle with an elderly person all day. They give these poor people much love and attention. Also they are very attentive with an elderly person and tend to nurture them, trying to take care of them in their own lovable way.

If you have never owned a Maltese before, I suggest you buy a few books on their care. Amazon.com has many books new and used to choose from. I will help you in any way I can if you need information or advice. If I don’t know the answer to your problem, I have many professionals that I can contact.

Boarding:

I will be glad to care for your Maltese if the need arises. They are comfortable with me, I have a very loving home and most importantly, they are not kept in cages. I have a beautiful backyard where they romp and play and of course I feed them the very best food available. They will be brushed and groomed the day of your return. Most importantly, he/she will get the love and attention it needs. My rates are very affordable, and if it is long term, I will decrease my rates.

Vet Information:

My vet has all the records for all my animals. If you do not receive a Health Certificate, I will send you one when it is available. My vet is Dr. James Bowers, 54124 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, Fl. 33905 Phone: 239-694-8720

If at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog I will always be willing to take back your dog. I feel responsible for every puppy I sell, for the dog's entire life.

Thank you for your interest!