Origin and characteristics of the Maltese Dog

Their long, smooth fur creates a graceful and luxurious beauty. Long hair sweeps close to the ground, often tied to the top of the head or left hanging down. The typical fur color is pure white. They always show nobility, even when eating or drinking.

Maltese Dog Personality

The personality of the Noble Maltese dog is adorable, they often show docility and obedience. They make the owner feel loved and cared for.

If you are looking for a lovable friend who just needs to stay indoors and be held and stroked often, then this breed is a good choice for you. They are very approachable and love to be loved, always creating special emotions when their owners hug and caress them.

Although they do not need many lessons and do not require daily walks, walks and exposure to the outside environment are still necessary. They can participate in activities such as walking on a leash, playing ball, and searching for toys. However, it is necessary to avoid letting them come into contact with small children because Maltese are very small and can be injured if children tease them too much or feel threatened.

Maltese Dog Care

The Maltese dog is one of the dog breeds that requires the most sophisticated and meticulous care among all dog breeds. They are often beautified and wear expensive branded fashion products. To maintain the aristocratic look, owners must spend hours grooming and using specialized dog grooming tools.

In addition to brushing, keeping their coat wrapped is important to protect it from dirt and particles. If you have a short-haired Maltese, you also need to take good care of it. When you dress your dog, keep the following in mind:

• Choose a coat with good quality fabric to avoid causing pain and dermatitis to your dog.
• Be sure to clean the eye area to prevent the formation of eye rust, a problem that can be unsightly. Eye and ear care products for dogs will be helpful in this case.
• This breed often has a more pleasant smell than many other breeds, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Brush regularly and keep your dog’s coat clean and trimmed short to limit the amount of hair that causes allergic irritation.

Common disease in Maltese dogs

The Maltese dog breed has some unique health problems that owners need to pay attention to. Here are some of the common diseases:

Patellar Luxation

The knee joint of this breed tends to dislocate out of its normal position, this is because the patella – an important part that helps protect the knee – is disturbed. This condition often causes dogs to become lame and have difficulty moving. However, many Maltese dogs can still live a fairly normal life despite this problem.

Portosystemic Liver Shunt

This is a condition in which an abnormal blood vessel does not flow through the liver, reducing its ability to filter and detoxify waste and toxins from the blood.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is a slow visual degeneration that results in the gradual loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye. As a result, the dog may gradually go blind, even before there are obvious signs.

Hypoglycemia

This is an acute condition, caused by an excessive drop in blood sugar. Symptoms may include weakness, loss of coordination, unsteadiness, and possibly seizures.

Epileptic

Usually starting when the dog is between six months and three years old, epilepsy mainly affects white dogs. Symptoms include a feeling of shakiness, incoordination, and rapid eye movement.

Tracheal Swelling Disease

The trachea, the important airway that carries air from the mouth to the lungs, tends to swell easily. This causes symptoms such as chronic cough and dryness.

Reverse Sneezing

This is a less serious condition that usually occurs when the dog is excited or eating or drinking quickly. This condition can end in a few minutes once the dog calms down.

First Aid and Treatment for Maltese Dog Diseases

Patellar Luxation

First Aid: Place the dog in a supine position and gently apply pressure to the knee to put it back in position.
Treatment: Severe cases may require surgery. This must be decided by your veterinarian.

Portosystemic Liver Shunt

First Aid: There is no first aid method at home. Needs to be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
Treatment: Surgery is the most effective treatment, often accompanied by a special diet and medication.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

First Aid: No first aid available. Take it to the vet to confirm.
Treatment: There is no cure, but placing items in your home in a permanent location can help your dog adapt.

Hypoglycemia

First Aid: Provide foods rich in sugars such as honey or sugar immediately.
Treatment: Consider diet and reduce excessive physical activity.

Epileptic

First Aid: Make sure your dog is in a safe environment, away from bright lights and loud noises.
Treatment: Based on the treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian, usually anti-seizure medication.

Tracheal Swelling Disease

First Aid: There is no first aid at home. Take it to the vet.
Treatment: Treatment may include the use of medications to reduce inflammation and, in severe cases, surgery.

Reverse Sneezing

First Aid: Gently stroke the dog’s throat and hold the dog in an inclined position to reduce tracheal pressure.
Treatment: This usually resolves on its own and does not require special treatment.

Note: Their illness needs to be diagnosed and treated according to the advice of a professional or veterinarian. You should not do it yourself at home to avoid making the illness worse for your lovely puppy.

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