| The Maltese dog is one of today's most beloved pets. | | | | Feeding Your Maltese |
| Both rich and average households have them and | | | | The Maltese's diet is a simple one. Although the |
| they have a natural trait of love and devotion to their | | | | Maltese tend to be intolerant to rich foods, by feeding |
| owners. The Maltese is usually less than 10 pounds | | | | your dog three small portions of meat and vegetables |
| and is covered in long, straight and silky white hair. | | | | along with diets rich in protein, you can expect a |
| These dogs are very sweet and lovable, however | | | | healthy outcome. |
| taking care of them is a bit more work than loving | | | | Exercising Your Maltese |
| them. So, exactly what does it take to care for your | | | | Maltese dogs are generally indoor dogs and are |
| Maltese? | | | | usually happy living that way. They still need their |
| Grooming Your Maltese | | | | exercise though. You can keep them busy indoors |
| The Maltese dog's silky coat requires daily grooming. | | | | with special toys and playtime on your part and you |
| They do not shed so much but their coat tends to mat | | | | can also take them for quick walks outside daily, |
| and get dirty. Combing your Maltese's coat daily is | | | | however this is not necessary. Most of the Maltese will |
| essential and you can get the supplies needed (combs, | | | | get their proper exercise playing around the house. |
| brush and dog shampoo) at any grocery store or pet | | | | Kids and Your Maltese |
| shop. You will also need to bathe your Maltese often | | | | Maltese dogs are very fragile and can easily get |
| since they enjoy jumping in puddles and rolling around. | | | | injured. It is important to watch your children around |
| Make sure that you dry your dog off completely after | | | | your little dog. Small things such as "big hugs", playful |
| each bath so they do not catch pneumonia. | | | | wrestling and handling the dog too roughly can easily |
| Another part of the Maltese that needs special | | | | cause broken bones. It is important that you set down |
| grooming is their eyes. This breed of dog is susceptible | | | | rules with your kids if you are going to have a Maltese. |
| to tear stain, a condition which causes the dog to have | | | | Explain to them the importance of being gentle with |
| watery eyes which then form discharge at the corner | | | | your dog and show them how it is done. In the result |
| of each eye. This condition causes the area under the | | | | of a broken bone, bring your dog to the veterinarian as |
| Maltese's eyes to turn a rust color. You can keep tear | | | | soon as possible and do not leave it unattended until it |
| stain under control by keeping the dog's hair away | | | | heals. |
| from their eyes (easily done by tying it back) and | | | | These are just a few important steps to follow when |
| wiping the discharge from their eyes frequently. There | | | | caring for your Maltese. Although caring for the |
| are also tear stain removers out there that you can | | | | Maltese can get a bit tedious, it is well worth it as |
| use as well. | | | | these dogs make very lovable pets. |