Maltese dogs are very friendly and loyal. They love to be around people and interact with them.

Do Maltese dogs have separation anxiety? YES. Maltese dogs may have what is called “separation anxiety disorder” (SAD). This is when the dog experiences distress when left alone by the owner, but then calms down when the owner returns home.

Maltese, more than most other breeds, require a lot of human company and dislike being left alone for more than a few hours. They use destructive chewing and barking as a way to convey their anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Before we move on to explain in detail, let’s first know what separation anxiety is!

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that can happen when a person experiences anxiety or stress when they are separated from the people or things they love. Dogs are susceptible to this as well, and it can be difficult to distinguish between normal dog behavior and separation anxiety.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include pacing, excessive barking, destructive behaviors, urinating and defecating in the house, drooling, whining, howling, and crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Maltese dog then they are likely suffering from separation anxiety.

The most common cause of separation anxiety in dogs is a change in routines such as moving from one home to another or a move from one country to another. This can lead to increased stress, causing the dog to act out. Another common cause is when a new pup is welcomed in the home and the dog experiences a lack of attention and affection.

Do Maltese Dogs Have Separation Anxiety?

Yes. Maltese dogs are prone to Separation anxiety.

Maltese dogs are extremely affectionate and friendly. Even as puppies, they have a high level of confidence in people. Their trusting and outgoing character is not limited to humans; they are frequently amicable with other dogs and pets. This characteristic makes the breed ideal for homes with several pets. The Maltese dog breed is known for being inquisitive, lively, and playful.

Human connection is extremely important to Maltese dogs. This breed enjoys being cuddled and hugged, and their tiny stature makes them ideal for the task. As such, these canines might get lonely or worried if they do not receive enough connection from their owners. This can lead to Separation anxiety.

How to Help A Maltese That Has Separation Anxiety?

Regardless of how much your Maltese suffers from being alone at home, there is room for progress. Here are some tips to control Separation anxiety in your Maltese:

1. Leave the door of your Maltese’s playpen open when you get home. Make sure you keep some of their favorite toys on hand, and if they appear to be in need of sleep, encourage them to snuggle up on their own bed. Not only should the playpen be available when you are gone, but it should also be accessible at all times.

2. Make sure you plan for plenty of time before you go to work. A 20-minute or 30-minute morning stroll is great, as it allows a puppy or dog to stretch their muscles after a night’s sleep and can help tire a dog out. You’ll also want to provide yourself enough time to put your Maltese in their pen 20 minutes before you depart.

3. Finish your goodbyes and hugs prepared before you go. When you do this right before you leave, your dog could feel panicked a little nervous.

4. When you get home, don’t rush up to your Maltese with adoring words or your undivided attention. This may add to the impression that your absence was dreadful and that your return was miraculous. Check your mail, get a sip of water, and casually move about without establishing eye contact for around 5 minutes. Then, open the pen door and lavish affection on your Maltese.

Some FAQs Related To Maltese Dog’s Adaptability

Are Maltese Dogs Good For First Time Owners?

Yes. The Maltese can be good for first-time owners if they’re willing to make the commitment to care for this breed in every way possible. These are gentle and affectionate dogs but can suffer from separation anxiety and are prone to become destructive if they’re left alone for long periods of time. So, an owner should be willing to devote a significant amount of their time and energy to this breed.

This breed should also be trained from a very young age. They have a mind of their own, and so an owner must be ready to invest a large amount of time and effort in training this breed.

These dogs also require a significant amount of grooming to keep their coats healthy, so be prepared to brush the Maltese’s coat every day.

Are Maltese Dogs Apartment Friendly?

Yes. Maltese dogs are known for their small size. They are often referred to as “purse dogs” because they can be carried around with ease. This makes them a good option for apartment dwellers who may not have the space for a larger dog.

However, Maltese dogs need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. They are not suited for those who want an inactive pet that lounges on the couch all day. They do not need a lot of space to roam around but they do need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Do Maltese Dogs Bark A Lot?

If you’re wondering if Maltese dogs bark, the answer is yes, they do bark a lot and loudly. The Maltese share a feature with most toy-sized dog breeds: they have a highly sensitive temperament that causes them to bark compulsively for a variety of reasons.

If Maltese dogs aren’t given enough attention or activity, they will, however, bark excessively. They enjoy being the center of attention, which typically implies they need to be interacted with on a regular basis. If they don’t get enough attention, this can result in unnecessary barking.

But it’s important to remember that barking is a Maltese pup’s natural instinct. Dogs communicate through barking, and your Maltese will instinctively feel the urge to inform you when anything unusual occurs. So, they won’t be completely silent if that’s what you want, but they can be trained to communicate effectively and act responsibly.

Conclusion

Maltese dogs are known for their cute appearance, intelligence, and loyalty. They are also known for their adaptability to different environments.

The Maltese is an intelligent dog who can learn commands quickly and is easy to train. However, they do need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation as they don’t like being kept in one place for long periods of time without any attention or stimulation.

Thank you for reading the article.

Here are other articles on Maltese dogs if you’re interested to know more about the breed.

What is it like living with your Maltese? Let us know in the comments!