Health and Nutrition Tips for your Maltese – Do’s and Don’ts
Nov 21
If you’re lucky enough to own a Maltese, you probably already understand the affectionate, lively, intelligent little dog that you live with pretty well. Nevertheless, it never hurts to learn a few health and nutrition tricks that will help you make sure your best friend is getting the attention and care he deserves. From feeding to grooming and everything in between, pamper your pooch and he will reward you with the unconditional love and admiration that only a Maltese can provide.
Diet and Nutrition
For the Maltese in particular, what they eat is especially important because the nutrients and minerals in food provide the essential fatty acids and proteins that keep the coat super shiny and healthy. Luckily, modern dog food has come a long way in providing our pets with a well balanced diet. Most brands are high in the right nutrients and minerals for maintaining optimal health. It’s not as important whether you choose dry food or canned, as long as you use only reputable dog food that has been approved by your veterinarian.
In many cases, dogs have favorite brands, and that’s okay. However, avoid foods high in sugar and try to stay with brands that advertise a diet high in fats and protein. For the Maltese, this extra fat keeps the luster and oils in the coat. As far as supplements, experts agree that they’re not necessary as long as your Maltese is getting a balanced diet. If you want to offer healthy snacks, consider diced carrots or broccoli.
Grooming
Part of the exquisite beauty of a Maltese is the gorgeous flowing coat. Remember, beautiful coats on a Maltese are not an accident, they are bred, fed and cared for. In addition to proper diet, the best way to keep your Maltese looking exceptional is to brush the coat at least three times per week. Some Maltese have shorter hair than others and this task will be easier. However, if your dog has long hair, it’s even more important that you keep it brushed to avoid knotting or tangling. Some of the best looking dogs have had their coats neglected. Make certain if you do nothing else, keep your Maltese properly groomed with daily brushing.
Another maintenance tip if you buy a Maltese for sale is to wash the tear stain areas daily as well. Doing so will reduce the stain, keep it clean and free of infection and probably make your dog feel better. In addition to the tear area, try to keep the ears clean as well. Particularly with the Maltese, who have low ears, infection occurs frequently in and around ears. Avoid this by running a clean damp cloth around the edges daily. There are several very good products on the market for removing these unsightly stains and if you get your dog used to it, he won’t mind a bit.
While in most cases, the Maltese has less health issues than other breeds, taking the time to ensure proper diet and nutrition and paying close attention to simple maintenance can keep your dog healthy, happy and ready to have fun for years to come.
