Maltese - Dog Breed Information

Maltese-specific health concerns.

Maltese, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. Understanding potential problems is crucial for early detection and preventative care.

Here are some common Maltese health issues¹:

Patellar Luxation: this is a common condition in small breeds like Maltese, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing pain and lameness.

Hypoglycemia: Maltese, being a small breed, are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially puppies. This can cause weakness, lethargy, tremors, and even seizures. Regular, small meals are important.

Eye problems: Maltese can be prone to several eye conditions, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended. Tear staining is also a common cosmetic issue.

Tracheal collapse: this condition, where the trachea (windpipe) collapses, can cause breathing problems, a "goose honk" cough, and exercise intolerance.

Heart conditions: Maltese can be predisposed to certain heart conditions, such as Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). Regular checkups with your vet are important for early detection.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Maltese.

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a Maltese can experience.

Conditions.	Symptoms can include.^◇	Highest cost for a single treatment.^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin. Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.	$3,107.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. Blood or mucus in stool/vomit. Increased frequency/urgency passing stool. Weight loss. Loss of appetite and interest in food. May seem more tired than usual.	$6,288.
Heart conditions.	Increased tiredness, reluctance to exercise or slowing down on walks. Panting excessively when at rest. Gagging and/or coughing. Swollen abdomen or limbs. Weight loss. Loss of appetite.	$8,268.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching or rubbing at one or both ears. Head shaking. Odour or discharge coming from the ears. Ears may be red or warm to the touch.	$6,324.
Arthritis.	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s). Stiffness on rising. Reluctance to jump, use stairs. Swelling on legs.	$3,224.

Other health considerations.

Vaccinations: consult your vet for a personalised vaccination schedule tailored to your Maltese's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Core vaccinations typically include distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. Optional vaccinations, such as parainfluenza, leptospirosis, and Bordetella, may be recommended depending on your dog's exposure to other dogs and environments.

Flea and tick prevention: protect your Maltese from fleas and ticks with regular preventative treatments. Discuss options with your vet, including topical solutions, chewable tablets, and collars. Consider the best option for your dog's individual needs and potential sensitivities.

Worming: regular deworming is essential for Maltese. Work with your vet to establish a worming schedule that covers heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. They can advise on the most effective products and frequency of treatment. Learn more about worming your dog or puppy.

How Everyday Pet Insurance can help.

Unexpected vet bills can be stressful. Pet Insurance can help cover the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and medication for various health conditions, including those specific to Maltese.

Here are some benefits you can enjoy with your Everyday Pet Insurance policy:

Policy terms and conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover. Please read the Pet Insurance Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

VetAssist 24/7 online vet chat.

VetAssist connects you to licensed Australian vets via video or chat online. All Everyday Pet Insurance customers get free^† access to vet advice through VetAssist, available online 24/7. Access VetAssist via My Insurance Portal

Learn more about VetAssist

Claim on the spot with GapOnly®.

GapOnly® reviews and calculates your pet insurance claim while you’re still at the vet. You can claim on the spot and only pay the 'gap', the difference between the vet's bill and your eligible insurance benefit.⁼

Learn more about GapOnly®

Get 30% off pet prescription medication**

PetScripts is a leading online Pet Pharmacy for your pet's medication. They're proudly Australian owned and operated by veterinarians, with registered Australian Pharmacists. Offer is valid until 30 June 2025. T&Cs apply. **

Learn more about this offer

Grooming your Maltese.

Maltese have a long, silky, white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats, tangles, and keep it looking its best. Their coat doesn't shed much, but consistent upkeep is essential.

Maltese grooming needs:

Regular brushing: daily brushing is crucial for Maltese. Use a slicker brush, a pin brush, and a metal comb to work through the coat, preventing mats and removing any debris. Pay close attention to areas behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail, where mats are more likely to form.

Bathing: bathe your Maltese only when necessary, typically every 2-4 weeks, using a dog-specific shampoo designed for white coats. Over-bathing can dry out their skin. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and use a good quality conditioner to keep the coat soft and manageable.

Eye care: Maltese are prone to tear staining. Gently wipe the area around their eyes daily with a damp cloth or a specialized tear stain remover. Consult your vet if tear staining is excessive or if you notice any signs of eye irritation.

Ear care: check your Maltese's ears weekly and clean them as needed with a dog-specific ear cleaner and cotton balls or pads. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal. If you're unsure how to clean your Maltese' ears, ask your vet for advice.

Nail trimming: keep their nails trimmed to avoid discomfort and mobility issues. Trim them regularly with dog nail clippers, being careful not to cut the quick (the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves). If you're unsure how to trim your dog's nails, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.

Advanced coat maintenance tips:

Coat health: a healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids contributes to a shiny, healthy coat. Talk to your vet about adding supplements like fish oil if needed. Proper nutrition is key to preventing dryness and breakage.

Grooming tools: invest in high-quality grooming tools specifically designed for long-coated breeds.

Slicker brush: essential for removing tangles and mats.

Pin brush: good for general brushing and fluffing the coat.

Metal comb: used to check for mats after brushing and to help detangle.

Tear stain remover: a must-have for managing tear staining.

Nail clippers: keep nails trimmed.

Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls for ear cleaning.

Learn more about grooming your dog at home. You can also consider professional grooming every few months for a trim and deeper coat care.

Nutrition and diet to fuel your Maltese.

A balanced diet can be essential for your Maltese's health and well-being.

High-quality food.

Choose a dog food with high-quality protein as the main ingredient. Avoid foods with excessive fillers and artificial additives. There are 3 different diet types:

Kibble: convenient and affordable, but choose a high-quality brand.

Raw: requires careful handling and preparation but can be beneficial for some dogs.

Home-cooked: allows control over ingredients but requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance.

Learn more about human foods dogs can and can't eat.

Tip: like many dog breeds, Maltese can experience food allergies and sensitivities (chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat are common culprits). Maintaining a healthy weight is important for Maltese, as excess weight can put extra stress on their joints, especially their knees (patellar luxation). A proper diet, portion control, and regular, gentle exercise (avoiding high-impact activities that could stress their joints) are key to managing their weight and supporting their overall health. Consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations and exercise plans suitable for your Maltese.

Keeping your Maltese engaged.

Maltese are intelligent and playful, though sometimes they can be a bit stubborn. They need mental and physical stimulation, but their small size should be considered.

Enrichment activities.

Puzzle toys: small, dog-safe puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can keep their minds active and prevent boredom. This can help curb unwanted behaviors.

Interactive games: Maltese enjoy gentle play. Hide-and-seek with small toys or chasing a laser pointer can be fun. Short play sessions are best, and always supervise.

Training: early, consistent, positive reinforcement training is important. Focus on basic commands (sit, stay, come, down). Trick training can be a good mental exercise.

Socialising: socialise your Maltese puppy early to help them become comfortable around people, children, and other animals. Positive experiences are crucial, especially when young. Continue socialization throughout their life, but be mindful of their small size.

Maltese community and resources.

Connect with other Maltese owners and enthusiasts! Online forums, breed-specific social media groups, and local kennel clubs are great resources. Search for "Maltese" groups in your area or online. These communities can offer valuable advice, support, and information specific to the breed, including grooming tips, dealing with tear staining, and recommendations for vets experienced with Maltese. You can often find information on local events, training opportunities, and advice on finding reputable breeders.

While there isn't one single, centralised website, a quick online search for "Maltese owners" or "Maltese rescue" will reveal numerous resources dedicated to Maltese, including breed information, care guides, and online communities. If you're unsure about any advice you find, make sure to consult your vet.

Everyday Pet Insurance is here for you.

Caring for a Maltese is a rewarding experience, filled with love, laughter, and endless cuddles. By understanding their specific needs, from health considerations to grooming and nutrition, you can help your furry friend enjoy a happy life by your side. Remember, proactive care is key to preventing problems and catching any potential issues early. This includes regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, appropriate exercise and consider having protection in place for unexpected events.

Thank you for being part of the Everyday Pet Insurance family.

Just like your Maltese relies on you for their well-being, Everyday Pet Insurance can help protect you and your furry best friend.

We process 90% of claims within just 1 day.^»~

We don't keep you waiting. Make a claim online whenever you need with MyPet Portal via My Insurance Portal.

Learn more about making a claim

Pet Insurance with treats for you and your dog.

Save up to $600 a year on your groceries with 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month.° Plus, get up to 5% off on Woolworths eGift Cards.*

Learn more about this offer

Access your cover information anytime.

Read the PDS for more information about your cover and easily access forms for your policy in our Useful Documents section.

Access useful documents

We're here when you need us.

Contact us Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm (AEST/AEDT) (except public holidays). Chat with Mandy and find answers in our Help & FAQs section.

Contact Everyday Insurance

Important Information.

Sources:

¹https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs
https://www.akc.org
https://ofa.org

** Offer is valid until 30 June 2025 (Offer Period). This entitles you to a 30% discount off your prescription medication purchase from PetScripts Pty Ltd ABN 73 610 444 427 (PetScripts) whilst your policy remains in force during the Offer Period and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer only applies to medication prescribed to the pet insured under Everyday Pet Insurance Policies. Services provided by PetScripts are separate to your pet insurance policy. The 30% discount offer is subject to PetScripts' general Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Policy which are available online at www.petscripts.com.au. Everyday Pet Insurance may withdraw or extend this offer at any time without notice.

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^◇ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^†Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to vary or remove this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such changes.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text

^>>Once all required claims documentation has been received.

^~Based on PetSure data February 2023 to January 2024.

text: ° This offer is only available for policyholders who have a registered Everyday Rewards Card linked to their eligible active Everyday Insurance policy. This offer is limited to one in-store Woolworths Supermarket transaction up to $500, with a maximum saving of $50 per Everyday Rewards Card, per month, regardless of the number of Woolworths services you use. For full T&Cs click here.

text: ^* Up to 5% discount on Everyday WISH eGift Cards, Woolworths Supermarket eGift Card, BIG W eGift Card purchased via the Everyday My Insurance Portal. Discount amount depends on the type of eGift Card purchased (3% off Everyday WISH eGift Cards, 4% off Woolworths Supermarket eGift Card and 5% off BIG W eGift Cards). Offer is available until 23:59 AEST 28/06/25. Valid for Everyday Insurance Policyholders only who have a registered My Insurance Portal account linked to their policy. Offer valid on Digital Gift Cards (eGift Cards) only. A minimum of $5 and a maximum of $500 can be loaded onto an eGift Card when purchasing online via My Insurance Portal. Maximum of 5 eGift Cards per transaction. Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket and BIG W eGift Cards. Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket and BIG W eGift Cards have no expiry date and are redeemable at participating stores only. For a list of participating stores and full Gift Card Terms and Conditions visit woolworths.com.au/giftcards. Discount will not be applied to purchase of eligible eGift Cards purchased directly through https://giftcards.woolworths.com.au or https://www.woolworthsgiftcardstore.com.au/deal/default. Woolworths reserves the right to vary or cancel this offer at any time, and will provide reasonable notice of such changes.

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Maltese owner's guide: loving and caring for your furry companion.

We're looking forward to continuing to protect your Maltese with Everyday Pet Insurance.

Here's some information about providing great care for your furry friend.

Maltese-specific health concerns.

Here are some common Maltese health issues¹: