The Maltese is a very healthy breed with a long average lifespan of fifteen years. Yet, like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to some health problems.
They are likely to have respiratory problems, although these are typically controllable without medical assistance. They’re also at risk for heart disease and parasite infection.
Here are 5 common Maltese dogs health issues:
1. Heart Diseases:
In the Maltese breed, heart diseases are becoming a serious issue.
Patent Ductus Arteriosis is a disorder in which a tiny conduit that transports blood between two sections of the heart does not shut as it should immediately after birth. This leads to an excessive amount of blood being delivered to the lungs, fluid build-up, and heart strain.
Heart failure is the major cause of mortality among the elderly Maltese. It is caused by the weakening of a valve. A heart valve gradually deforms to the point that it no longer closes firmly. The heart is then strained as blood flows back around the valve. This condition is known as Mitral Valve Disease and it causes a heart murmur in pets.
2. Parasites:
Worms and vermin of many types can infest your Maltese’s body, both inside and out. Fleas and ticks, as well as ear mites, can infest their skin and ears. Drinking polluted water, treading on contaminated dirt, or being bitten by an infected mosquito are all ways for hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms to enter their system. These parasites may cause pain, suffering, and even death in your dog, so it’s critical that you get them tested on a regular basis.
3. Collapsed Trachea:
Small breed dogs, such as the Maltese, are prone to Collapsed Trachea. There is a hereditary weakness in the cartilage rings that surround the windpipe, resulting in the ring(s) falling inward.
Aside from the hereditary tendency, a toy breed might suffer from a sudden neck injury, and that leads to the collapsed trachea. This is frequently caused when the dog is on a leash and collar. This is painful and difficult to treat. Excessive coughing, exercise intolerance, and/or wheezing are all symptoms.
Treatments might range from drugs to surgery, depending on the severity.
4. Skin Conditions:
Dogs with a single-layered coat are prone to a variety of skin problems, and Maltese dogs are no exception.
The Maltese are prone to a number of skin issues, including sebaceous adenitis. Your dog’s skin may be dry, scaly, and they may have patches of hair loss over the top of their head, back of their neck, and back.
Various other types of skin illnesses and disorders might also affect your Maltese. One of them is Malassezia dermatitis. It produces itching, redness, and a dark waxy discharge when it affects the ears. It causes oily, hairless regions on the skin, especially around the neck and throat, as well as a distinct odor.
5. Eye Disorders:
A variety of eye disorders can be inherited or developed in Maltese.
Distichiasis is a disorder caused by additional hairs growing inside the eyelid and rubbing against the eye’s surface. This is one of the most prevalent genetic illnesses in dogs, and your Maltese has a higher risk of developing it than other dogs. This can induce conjunctivitis, as well as an excessive amount of tear production. As a result, tear staining behind the eye occurs, which is common in white and light-colored canines.
Eye ulcers are also common in tiny dogs, and veterinarian treatment should be sought as soon as possible to avoid long-term harm. They are frequently brought on by anything as simple as a bump or a scrape. The condition is generally resolved quickly once a veterinarian prescribes appropriate eye ointment or eye medications.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Maltese?
Maltese dogs have an average life expectancy of 15-16 years. With proper diet and exercise, the breed is also known to live up to eighteen years.
How To Keep Your Maltese Healthy?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense. But sometimes they need a little extra care. Here are some tips on how to keep your Maltese healthy:
- Keep an eye on their diet and nutrition.
- Make sure they get plenty of exercise.
- Wash their coat and groom them on a regular basis.
- Call your vet or a pet emergency hospital if anything appears out of the ordinary.
- Follow all the checkups and vaccine plans that your vet proposes for them.
You can also sign up for pet health insurance for your pet. Throughout their life, they will almost probably require medical tests and operations, and pet health insurance can assist you in covering those costs.
Conclusion
Maltese dogs are active, but they have some health problems. The most common health problems for these dogs are heart diseases, parasites, collapsed trachea, skin conditions, and eye disorders.
Getting a dog, regardless of its size, is a significant commitment. Because they can’t tell you what’s upsetting them, you must continually monitor your dog for signs of discomfort or disease.
The majority of your dog’s ailments, whether congenital or not, maybe readily treated if caught early on. You might not be able to detect early warning signals of potentially life-threatening illnesses. As a result, you should never skip a visit to the veterinarian!
Thank you for reading the article.
Here are other articles on Maltese dogs if you’re interested to know more about the breed.
What health problems have your Maltese suffered from? Let us know in the comments!