Maltese dogs, with their silky white coats and endearing personalities, are beloved companions. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Understanding these potential problems can help you provide the best possible care for your furry friend and ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.

So, You're Thinking About a Maltese? Let's Talk Potential Bumps in the Road.

Before you welcome a Maltese into your home, it's wise to be aware of the health challenges they might face. Knowing what to look for allows for early detection, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. Let's dive into the most common concerns.

Teeny Tiny Troubles: Dental Issues in Maltese

Maltese, being small dogs, are particularly susceptible to dental problems. Their small mouths can lead to overcrowding, making it difficult to properly clean their teeth. This overcrowding creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to:

  • Tartar buildup: This hard, yellow substance can irritate gums and lead to inflammation.
  • Gingivitis: An inflammation of the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding.
  • Periodontitis: A more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
  • Early tooth loss: Due to the progression of dental diseases.

How to Combat Dental Drama:

  • Regular brushing: Aim for daily brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste.
  • Dental chews: Offer dental chews designed to reduce plaque and tartar.
  • Professional cleanings: Schedule regular professional dental cleanings with your veterinarian. They can remove stubborn tartar and assess your dog's overall oral health.
  • Dental diets: Consider a dental diet formulated to help scrape teeth clean as your dog eats.

Shaky Knees and Slipping Discs: Joint and Bone Issues

Maltese are prone to several orthopedic conditions, including:

  • Patellar Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position. It can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant. Symptoms include limping, skipping, or reluctance to jump.
  • Legg-CalvĂ©-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint, causing the bone in the femur (thigh bone) to spontaneously deteriorate. It typically affects young Maltese puppies (usually between 4 and 11 months old). Symptoms include limping, pain in the hip, and muscle atrophy in the affected leg.
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): While not exclusive to Maltese, their small size and long backs make them vulnerable. IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine rupture or herniate, pressing on the spinal cord. This can cause pain, weakness, paralysis, and loss of bladder or bowel control.

Keeping Their Joints Jumping (for the Right Reasons):

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on joints.
  • Provide joint supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can help support cartilage health.
  • Avoid excessive jumping: Minimize activities that involve high impact on their joints.
  • Use ramps or steps: Help your Maltese access furniture to reduce strain on their joints.
  • Regular, low-impact exercise: Swimming and short walks can help maintain joint mobility.

Tiny Trachea, Big Problems: Collapsing Trachea

Collapsing trachea is a condition where the trachea (windpipe) weakens and flattens, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. This is more common in small breeds like Maltese. Symptoms include:

  • A "goose honk" cough: A distinctive, dry cough that sounds like a goose honking.
  • Difficulty breathing: Especially during exercise or excitement.
  • Wheezing: A whistling sound during breathing.
  • Gagging: Especially after drinking or eating.
  • Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the gums due to lack of oxygen (a medical emergency).

Helping Them Breathe Easy:

  • Use a harness instead of a collar: Collars can put pressure on the trachea.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can worsen the condition.
  • Avoid irritants: Smoke, dust, and allergens can trigger coughing.
  • Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help open the airways or reduce inflammation.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reinforce the trachea.

Little White Dog, Sensitive Skin: Skin Allergies and Issues

Maltese dogs are prone to skin allergies, which can manifest as:

  • Itching: Excessive scratching, licking, or biting.
  • Redness: Inflamed skin, often in the armpits, groin, or between the toes.
  • Hair loss: Patches of missing fur.
  • Skin infections: Secondary bacterial or yeast infections due to scratching.
  • Hot spots: Localized areas of inflamed, infected skin.

Common causes of skin allergies include:

  • Food allergies: Reactions to certain ingredients in their food.
  • Environmental allergies: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and other allergens in the environment.
  • Flea allergy dermatitis: An allergic reaction to flea saliva.

Keeping Their Skin Happy:

  • Identify and avoid allergens: Work with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the allergies.
  • Hypoallergenic diet: Feed a diet formulated for dogs with sensitive skin.
  • Regular bathing: Use a hypoallergenic shampoo to remove allergens from the skin.
  • Flea control: Use a reliable flea preventative to prevent flea infestations.
  • Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications to manage allergy symptoms.

Tears of Joy (and Sometimes Sadness): Eye Problems

Maltese dogs are susceptible to a variety of eye conditions, including:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of inherited diseases that cause the retina to gradually degenerate, leading to blindness.
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the lens of the eye, which can impair vision.
  • Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness.
  • Epiphora (Excessive Tearing): This can be caused by blocked tear ducts, allergies, or other irritants. It can lead to tear staining, a reddish-brown discoloration of the fur around the eyes.
  • Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): A condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential damage to the cornea.

Keeping an Eye on Their Eyes:

  • Regular veterinary eye exams: Early detection is key to managing eye conditions.
  • Clean the area around the eyes: Gently wipe away any discharge to prevent tear staining.
  • Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops or other medications to treat specific eye conditions.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct eye problems.

Little White Shivers: Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common problem in small breed puppies, including Maltese. Because of their small size, they have limited glycogen stores (stored glucose), which can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms include:

  • Weakness: Lack of energy and difficulty standing or walking.
  • Tremors: Shaking or trembling.
  • Disorientation: Confusion or incoordination.
  • Seizures: In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures.
  • Collapse: Loss of consciousness.

Keeping Their Blood Sugar Balanced:

  • Frequent meals: Feed small, frequent meals throughout the day.
  • High-quality puppy food: Choose a puppy food that is high in protein and fat.
  • Glucose supplement: Keep a glucose supplement (such as Karo syrup or Nutri-Cal) on hand in case of a hypoglycemic episode.
  • Veterinary care: If your Maltese puppy experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia, seek veterinary care immediately.

Breathing Problems: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)

While Maltese are not considered a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, some individuals may have slightly shortened muzzles, which can predispose them to breathing difficulties. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) refers to a combination of anatomical abnormalities that can obstruct airflow. While less common than in breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs, it's something to be aware of. Signs include:

  • Noisy breathing: Snorting, snoring, or wheezing.
  • Difficulty breathing: Especially during exercise or hot weather.
  • Exercise intolerance: Getting tired easily during physical activity.
  • Gagging or vomiting: After eating or drinking.
  • Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the gums due to lack of oxygen (a medical emergency).

Helping Them Breathe Easier (If Needed):

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can worsen breathing problems.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise: Especially in hot or humid weather.
  • Use a harness instead of a collar: Collars can put pressure on the trachea.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical abnormalities.

Heart Murmurs and More: Heart Conditions

Maltese can be prone to certain heart conditions, including:

  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This is a common heart condition in small breed dogs, where the mitral valve (which separates the left atrium and left ventricle) doesn't close properly, leading to blood leaking back into the atrium. This can eventually lead to heart failure.
  • Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): This is a congenital heart defect where a blood vessel that is supposed to close after birth remains open. This can lead to increased blood flow to the lungs and eventual heart failure.

Keeping Their Hearts Healthy:

  • Regular veterinary checkups: Your veterinarian can listen for heart murmurs and recommend further testing if necessary.
  • Echocardiogram: This ultrasound of the heart can help diagnose heart conditions.
  • Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage heart conditions and prevent heart failure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Health

  • Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic? Maltese are often considered hypoallergenic because they produce less dander than many other breeds; however, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic.
  • How long do Maltese dogs live? Maltese dogs typically live between 12 and 15 years, but with proper care, some can live even longer.
  • Do Maltese dogs shed a lot? Maltese dogs shed very little, which is another reason why they are often considered hypoallergenic.
  • Are Maltese dogs easy to train? Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.
  • What is the best diet for a Maltese dog? A high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds is generally the best option, consider one formulated for dental health.

Wrapping Up: A Healthy Maltese is a Happy Maltese

Being aware of the common health problems that can affect Maltese dogs is crucial for providing them with the best possible care. Early detection and proactive management can make a world of difference in their quality of life. Remember to schedule regular veterinary checkups and be observant of any changes in your dog's behavior or physical condition.