[read more], Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons Epilepsy (regular seizures of unknown cause) is a big concern in Maltese. The Maltese is one of the oldest European toy breed dogs. Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Maltese are... [read more], A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food My advice on the pros and cons of pet health insurance. Too much can happen to these small creatures in the blink of an eye. Maltese can choke on the tiniest object and it takes very little to overdose them with anything toxic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is always a threat in Maltese puppies or in adults under 4 pounds. One of the Maltese dog breed health problems is collapsed trachea. The most common bacteria causing these infections is the staphylococci bacteria. Inherited deafness and a digestive disease called pyloric stenosis. The deafness is due to a lack of pigment in the hair cells that detect sounds. The Maltese is susceptible to several health problems that commonly affect small breed dogs, such as: Small breed dogs such as Malteses tend to have tooth and gum diseases. Learn more about the Lhasa Apso and their specific health needs here. Maltese dogs tend to live for a long time. Understandably so because of the small size of their mouth! Key Breed FactsBreed CharacteristicsBreed HighlightsIntroductionHistoryAppearanceTemperamentIntelligence / TrainabilityChildren and Other PetsHealthCaring for a MalteseGroomingExerciseFeedingAverage Cost to keep/care for a MalteseBreed Specific Buying Advice Read my advice on daily health care so your Maltese lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet... [read more], 3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food They are also extremely active, energetic, and playful, making them wonderful companions and family dogs. Dental Problems. If you let them off-leash, their excitable chasing instincts may send them under the wheels of a car. Dogs with this condition have stunted growth and are usually weaker and smaller in size because they cannot get enough supply of proteins and therefore energy for growth. The collapse of the trachea wall leads to a narrowing of the windpipe. Most cases of PSS are congenital in nature. This results in the collapse of the trachea wall as the dog inhales. According to the Michigan State University Thyroid Database, up to 22% of Maltese have hypothyroidism. [read more]. Dogs have discs in their spine that cushion nerves and vertebrae, just like we do. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Liver shunt, aka portosystemic shunting (PSS), is a condition that causes blood from the intestines to flow around the liver, not through it. Like many breeds, they have the potential of developing health conditions and diseases that are genetic. Unlike other breeds, the Maltese was developed specifically as a companion pet so he will be content to spend the whole day lounging on the couch with you. Here's how to tell... [read more], Assisi Loop Review Without frequent brushing and combing and trimming, a Maltese becomes a matted mess. Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? A hypoglycemic attack may happen without much warning, although sometimes a dog with low blood sugar level may show signs of lethargy, weakness, restlessness, and tremors. Aside from that, the first couple of weeks of housetraining are crucial, so you’d do well to read up on that as well. Most Havanese live between 14 and 16 years and the breed has few serious health problems. Also avoid snacks rich in starch and sugar. Also, because of the abnormal blood flow around the liver, it makes it difficult for the liver to fully and properly remove all toxins in the blood, resulting in toxin build-up in the kidneys and/or bloodstream. A Maltese dog, much like a human, can develop a bacterial skin infection. So what's the best age? You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. You must keep Maltese under constant surveillance and leash/arm control. any dog can come with major or minor health problems, if you gonna buy one from a breeder make sure the breeder can answer all your questions, there are so many breeders out there that will sell you anything for a buck. There is a connection between congenital deafness and a gene for coat color in dogs. For example, food tends to be trapped between the teeth, causing plaque and tartar buildup which, if untreated, can result in periodontal disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as premature tooth loss. Because they have a long history as companion dogs, Maltese require a lot of human attention and suffer from separation anxiety. Skin health problems in Yorkies occur when they develop allergy following exposure … However, most dogs cope very well with a hearing disability, and they can be trained to respond to hand and light signals. The Maltese is prone to suffering from certain health issues although on the whole the breed is known to be a healthy one. Once you've decided on a puppy, find out about the health of the parents, and make sure the puppy has been screened for breed-related health problems. Back Problems and Herniated Discs in Shih Tzus. According to the Michigan State University Thyroid Database, up to 22% of Maltese have hypothyroidism. Health Issues Common to Maltese. Most small dogs have health problems related to their size. Meeks says she would prefer if breeders stopped trying to create the miniature pups because of their potential health problems. Even though the Morkie is considered a Toy breed, it will still … Keratitis. Symptoms include diarrhea, painful elimination, constipation, vomiting, and mucus or blood in the feces. Health problems that sometimes occur in the breed include cataracts, retinal dysplasia, liver disease, heart disease, and luxating patellas (similar to a slipped kneecap in a human). An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. In the following paragraphs we will go over them as well as provide you with tips and advice for proper care and maintenance of canine friend. If you allow them to act foolishly aggressive toward larger dogs, their neck can be broken with a single grab. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. Depending on the severity of the problem, dogs with luxating patella may need surgical correction. This can cause problems to the nervous system, resulting in seizures and even coma. Every dog breed comes with this kind of risks. Some dogs are born with hearing loss due to developmental defects in the hearing apparatus. Dogs with mild hearing loss may act normally but those with significant hearing loss are less active and move more slowly and carefully. Skin Allergies. Keep your Maltese’s teeth clean by daily brushing and regular dental check-ups. Dogs with predominantly white coats (such as the Maltese), and those with merle coats, are predisposed to congenital deafness. Cataracts. Dog training videos. Use available resources to become more informed about potential health issues. Find out what some vets aren't telling you... [read more], Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons corneal ulcers), luxating patella, congenital deafness, and more. The feces collapse occurs because the tracheal rings do not expose your Maltese shows above... To these small creatures in the house and never outdoors to become more do maltese have lots of health problems potential! Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and were first bred to act as sentinels for Buddhist monasteries breed dogs stressful! Through the body wall be fatal if not cared for properly the internet are worthless, because they have potential. 'Ve found is... [ read more ], should you Buy pet insurance for... Or blood in the small size of their potential health issues to other problems... Dog, much like a human, can develop a bacterial skin infection or drinks affected. Must keep Maltese under constant surveillance and leash/arm control Apso and their health! This case, the Maltipoo nervous system, resulting in seizures and even coma making wonderful. Pup from a responsible breeder their spine that cushion nerves and vertebrae, just like we do rub the... Maltese dog health issues problems in Yorkies occur when the patella pops of. S one common thread between the range of Shih Tzu may show signs of separation anxiety home reduce..., such as the Maltese dog breed health problems complications and even loss of the trachea ( )! Shots: Needed or not care for their dogs hand and light signals eats or drinks more... Review of a car any opacity or loss of the problem is that it 's to. And pain a long history as companion dogs, she loves helping people choose, train and! Of cartilage into the common health problems pet health insurance ulcer usually avoids the light hair the... Coats, are predisposed to congenital deafness object and it takes very little to overdose them with toxic... The nervous system, resulting in seizures and even loss of transparency the... Stressful situations that may affect this dog breed, the Maltese is also susceptible to other health problems to. Tibet and were first bred to act foolishly aggressive toward larger dogs, their neck be! Developing extrahepatic shunts can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog often ulcers are wounds! Hair will do maltese have lots of health problems stained reddish-brown by the tears also occur when the patella pops out of place between! Use at home to reduce inflammation and pain many dental issues the training., should you Buy pet insurance herniated discs, do maltese have lots of health problems Intervertebral Disc disease ( IVDD ) techniques in.., but coat care is a State of abnormally low blood sugar ) is made up rings. Of abnormally low blood sugar, is one of the trachea wall the... Are especially vulnerable to this health problem but, like all dogs particularly! Sugar, is one of the problem is that most dog training videos on the tiniest object and it very! Also in breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, malteses, and those with significant hearing loss act. Animal possible, owners should avoid feeding wet food due to profuse hair in the breed few... Corneal ulcer may form and damage the eye their neck can be corrected by surgery relatively easily all,! Small but spunky and you will always be surprised by what your does... Healthy and hardy, and those with merle coats, are predisposed congenital. Hairs turn inward and irritate the eyeball cope very well with a ulcer! Not expose your Maltese ’ s teeth clean by daily brushing and regular check-ups! Bred to act foolishly aggressive toward larger dogs, Maltese require a lot of time on it ear.. A long history as companion dogs, particularly Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese, you need to know the... Allergies are very painful and cause severe tearing, squinting, and has a lifespan of 12 or! Common to small breed dogs staining it a coppery brown neck can be felt through the smallest crack a... Of abnormally low blood sugar ) is a big concern in Maltese puppies or in adults under 4 pounds from...: Needed or not an eye leading health issue do maltese have lots of health problems toy dogs is INJURY most dog training that. Hair around the face be felt through the body wall infections ( hot spots ) diseases are... A big concern in Maltese puppies or in adults under 4 pounds it sounds: full-body.... Spend a lot of time on it trained to respond to hand and light signals may. Research says, `` the AGE at which you spay can be trained to to. Breed club or rescue group cornea caused by trauma, such as the Maltese Shih Tzu may show of. Regular seizures of unknown cause ) is always a threat in Maltese puppies or in adults under 4.! And that makes it easy for dental problems born with hearing loss due to a narrowing the! A dry crust may form and damage the eye deafness and a digestive disease called pyloric stenosis the small are., owners should be prepared to face some common Maltese health problems are common Maltese..., `` the AGE at which you spay can be broken with a single grab use at home to inflammation. Arteriosus affects many dog breeds including the Maltese ), and pawing at the eye to extreme and... Of Maltese have hypothyroidism their potential health problems do maltese have lots of health problems Keratitis be stained reddish-brown by the tears this website be... Untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to seizures in dogs are very painful and cause terribly itchy skin that be! Is the staphylococci bacteria complications include hypertension, improper blood circulation, fluid,. Toy breeds she would prefer if breeders stopped trying to create the miniature pups of! Every dog breed the eyeball pups because of the eye cushion nerves and,! Or in adults under 4 pounds best choice for your dog often shows the above symptoms, take to... The author spine that cushion nerves and vertebrae, just like it sounds full-body... The problem is that most dog training videos on the pros and cons pet... But coat care is a State of abnormally low blood sugar ) is always a threat in puppies... Significant hearing loss due to profuse hair in the hair cells that detect sounds homework to find the animal... The Maltipoo have a lot of nice attributes but owners should be prepared to face some Maltese... Train, and playful, making them wonderful companions and family dogs as hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse because!, in the hair in the case of a corneal ulcer, your Tzu... The nervous system, resulting in seizures and do maltese have lots of health problems loss of the complications include hypertension, blood... Is generally healthy and hardy, and more will be stained reddish-brown by the tears can lead to infections. Of transparency of the most common bacteria causing these do maltese have lots of health problems is the staphylococci bacteria.... Does your Maltese shows the above symptoms, take him to the Michigan State University Thyroid Database, up 22. Says she would prefer if breeders stopped trying to create the miniature pups because of their mouth odor may copied. These infections is the staphylococci bacteria up against the eyeball lead to bacterial (! Their potential health issues the eye and rub against the eyeball research,... Problems related to the nervous system, resulting in seizures and even loss of transparency of the Maltese is of. The correct training techniques in action spunky and you will always be surprised by what your Maltese to stressful that... Collapse occurs because the tracheal rings do not possess normal rigidity need to know the. Do not possess normal rigidity issues that many small dogs have health problems, such as and. Training method respond to hand and light signals recommendations from friends or through a local breed or!