What do Maltese love the most

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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13 Most Common Maltese Old Age Problems & Care

As they age, Maltese dogs may develop various health problems.

From vision impairments to arthritis and beyond, many of these issues can be managed with the right care.

In this article, well explore the 13 most common old age problems that affect Maltese dogs and what you can do to help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life.

Maltese Old Age Problems

Maltese old age problems are common in elderly individuals who may experience a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities as they age.

One of the biggest challenges faced by Maltese seniors is the risk of falls due to weakened muscles, reduced bone density, and vision problems.

As a result, they are more likely to suffer from fractures and other injuries that can impact their mobility and quality of life.

Additionally, seniors may struggle with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, dementia, and heart disease, which can make it difficult to perform routine tasks and maintain their independence.

However, with proper care and support, Maltese seniors can lead fulfilling lives into their golden years.

Lets explore the most common old age problems that affect Maltese dogs and what you can do to help your Maltese live a happy and healthy life:

1. Dental issues and tooth loss

Dental issues and tooth loss are some of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their teeth can become weak and brittle due to wear and tear from chewing on hard objects or poor dental hygiene.

This can lead to painful infections, difficulty eating, as well as other health complications if left untreated.

Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush is important for maintaining good oral hygiene in these breeds of dog.

Additionally, regular checkups at the vet should be done so that any potential issues can be identified early on before they become more serious.

2. Osteoarthritis and joint problems

Osteoarthritis and joint problems are the most common old age problem in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their joints can become stiffer and more painful due to wear and tear of the cartilage between bones.

This can lead to difficulty walking or even lameness if left untreated.

It is important for owners of these breeds to be aware of this issue so that they can take steps early on such as providing a comfortable bedding area, regular exercise, weight control, and supplements to help reduce symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

3. Vision and hearing loss

Vision and hearing loss are the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their eyesight can become blurry or cloudy due to cataracts, while their ears may start to lose some of their sensitivity.

These issues can cause a dog to be less responsive when called or have difficulty navigating around obstacles like furniture.

It is important for owners of aging Maltese dogs to monitor these changes closely and take steps such as providing extra lighting at night.

Or using sound cues during training sessions so that the dog does not miss out on any commands given by its owner.

4. Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their hearing can become impaired due to a variety of factors such as genetics, environmental noise exposure and aging.

This condition can be very frustrating for owners who are used to having an attentive companion that responds quickly when called or given commands.

Its important to keep an eye out for signs of hearing loss such as not responding to sounds or appearing startled by loud noises.

If you suspect your Maltese may have a hearing problem, its best to take them to the vet so they can receive proper treatment and care.

5. Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive Dysfunction is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including disorientation, confusion, changes in behavior and sleep patterns, as well as decreased activity levels.

Its important to be aware that these signs may not always be obvious or easy to spot.

However it is important for owners to monitor their dogs health closely so they can identify any potential issues early on.

If you notice your Maltese displaying any unusual behaviors or if there are sudden changes in its daily routine then it might be worth consulting with a vet about cognitive dysfunction.

6. Skin problems and tumors

One of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs is skin problems and tumors.

As these animals get older, their immune systems can become weaker which makes them more prone to developing skin issues such as allergies, infections, or even cancerous growths.

These conditions can be painful for your Maltese and may require medical attention.

Its important to keep an eye out for any changes in your Malteses coat or behavior that could indicate a problem so you can take action quickly if necessary.

7. Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

Symptoms can include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy or loss of appetite.

If left untreated it can lead to congestive heart failure which may require medication or even surgery in some cases.

Its important for owners to watch out for any signs that their dog might have this problem so they can get them treated as soon as possible.

8. Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

It can cause pain and discomfort, as well as difficulty with mobility.

The condition usually develops slowly over time, but it can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

Regular exercise and proper nutrition are important for keeping joints healthy, while supplements such as glucosamine may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

With early diagnosis and treatment, many dogs can live long lives without significant issues related to their arthritis.

9. Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their metabolism slows down and they become more prone to gaining weight if not properly cared for.

This can lead to a number of health issues such as joint pain, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

Its important for owners to monitor their dogs diet and exercise routine so that obesity does not become an issue later on in life.

10. Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and diet.

Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, lethargy and increased appetite.

If left untreated it can lead to serious complications such as cataracts or even death.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing diabetes in older Maltese dogs so that they can enjoy their golden years with good health and quality of life.

11. Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

As they get older, their risk for developing cancer increases significantly due to a variety of factors such as genetics and environmental exposure.

Unfortunately, there are no known preventative measures that can be taken to reduce this risk other than providing your Maltese with regular veterinary check-ups.

And monitoring them closely for any signs or symptoms associated with cancer.

Early detection is key when it comes to treating canine cancers so if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your pet then make sure to take them into see a vet right away.

12. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

This condition occurs when the kidneys are unable to filter out toxins from the blood, leading to a build-up of waste products and electrolytes that can cause severe health issues for your pet.

Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy and poor coat quality.

If left untreated it can lead to organ failure and even death.

Early detection is key so regular checkups with your vet are essential as well as providing them with an appropriate diet tailored specifically for their needs.

13. Incontinence

Incontinence is one of the most common old age problems in Maltese dogs.

This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, nerve damage or even urinary tract infections.

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms early on so that it can be treated quickly and effectively.

Common signs include frequent urination, leaking urine when sleeping or being inactive for long periods of time, and difficulty controlling their bladder muscles.

If your Maltese shows any of these symptoms you should take them to see a vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Factors That Contribute To Old Age Problems In Maltese Dogs

Old age problems in Maltese dogs can be caused by a variety of factors.

Genetics, nutrition, environment and lifestyle are all important considerations when it comes to the health of your pet.

Here are 8 Factors that contribute to old age problems in Maltese dogs:

1) Poor Nutrition A lack of essential nutrients or an imbalance of vitamins and minerals can lead to poor health;

2) Lack Of Exercise Regular exercise helps keep muscles strong and joints flexible;

3) Overweight/Obesity Excess weight puts extra strain on bones and joints leading to pain;

4) Dental Disease Plaque buildup leads to infection which affects overall health;

5) Arthritis Joint inflammation causes stiffness, swelling and pain;

6) Heart Disease Congestive heart failure is common among older pets due to weakened valves or clogged arteries;

7) Cancer- Malignant tumors can cause organ dysfunction if not treated early enough;

8) Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)- Memory loss, confusion & disorientation may occur as part of aging process.

Taking care of these issues will help ensure your dog has a healthy life for many years!

Prevention And Management Of Old Age Problems In Maltese Dogs

As Maltese dogs age, they can develop a variety of health problems.

It is important to be aware of these issues and take steps to prevent or manage them in order to keep your Maltese healthy and happy.

Some common old age problems that may affect Maltese dogs include arthritis, dental disease, obesity, cognitive decline, vision loss, hearing loss and skin conditions.

To help prevent or manage these issues it is important for owners to provide their pet with regular exercise and proper nutrition as well as regular veterinary check-ups.

Additionally providing mental stimulation such as interactive toys can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline while supplements like glucosamine chondroitin sulfate can help ease joint pain associated with arthritis.

Taking proactive measures now will ensure your beloved companion has a long and healthy life!

Read on Why Is My Maltese Shaking: 11 Most Common Reasons & Prevention

Tips For Keeping Your Maltese Dog Healthy And Happy In Their Golden Years

Keeping your Maltese dog healthy and happy in their golden years is important for both the pet and its owner.

Here are 8 tips to help you ensure that your beloved Maltese stays fit, active, and content:

1) Provide a balanced diet with plenty of fresh food;

2) Make sure they get enough exercise each day;

3) Take them for regular check-ups at the vet;

4) Give them lots of love and attention;

5) Keep up with vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian;

6) Brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental disease;

7) Trim their nails regularly to avoid overgrowth or infection;

8) Monitor any changes in behavior or activity levels so you can address any issues quickly;

With these tips, you will be able to keep your Maltese dog healthy and happy throughout their lifetime!

7 Ways Your Maltese Is Saying I Love You

Most dog owners I know of wonder if dogs share the same feelings owners do about them. We wonder if they care, worry and love us humans or if they only see us as a guardian, food source or ball of warmth to lean and cuddle up against. It is one of those quintessential questions that dog owners have, like what do dogs dream of and whats my dog thinking of when they tilt their head?

What are some ways your Maltese might be expressing affection towards you? Because your Maltese cant speak, it can only display love to you through its body language, such as:

When they are happy when youre home
Through facial expression
Yawning with you
Display positive reactions to your voice
Enjoying and being comforted by your scent
Energetic tail wagging
Snuggling and sleeping with you
Leans on and curls around you

It should be noted that animal-human bond behavior is something that is continually studied. Your Maltese might be uncomfortable with wrapping your arms around them in an embracing hug, but it doesnt mean it dislikes you but just a particular way of conveying that love. Some behaviors are inherited from their wolfish pack animal days, so its natural for them to give their cues of affection in subtle ways humans dont readily pick up.

1) They Become Really Happy When Youre Home

They get really happy. Like giddy happy and jumping around I-dont-know-how-to-even-express-myself kind of happy. Your Maltese is probably ready and waiting by the door, garage, gate or wherever you normally enter (mainly if they know your routine). Theyll be wagging their tail, pacing around excitedly, giving you a sniff or two (in yes, of course, a frantic manner) and maybe a friendly bark. Sometimes theyll also bring their/your favorite toy, lick your hands and face.

Check out this comic by Matthew Inman at theoatmeal.com for an amusing impression of a dog greeting its owner. All credit and rights go to him for the full image and page click on this link.

Occasionally, they may even urinate themselves out of excitement like a little happy pee. This tends to happen with puppies instead of adult Maltese dogs and is a sign of submissiveness. Naturally, this can be a bit alarming to the owner, but this can be dealt with through training. Amy Shojai over at thesprucepets.com provides an excellent overview of this symptom, click here to read it.

Often it doesnt even matter if youre gone for half a day, or from your two-hour shopping trip. Theyll act as though youre their buddy they havent seen in years. Perhaps time passes by a bit differently to dogs than to humans? We may never know.

2) You Can See It in Their Facial Expression

The Maltese are known for having a very expressive face which should make this next point a bit easier for you to identify. Subtle expressions in your Malteses face include raised or wiggling eyebrows, perked ears, and a toothy, open mouth smile. Their overall expression should be warm and relaxed, perhaps a little attentive. They may also appear to be gazing or seeking attention from you and will look into your eyes when the opportunity arises.

A combination of these signs is your Malteses way of saying that you are important to him/her and that they care about you. As in humans, the act of gazing into the eyes of another releases the chemical hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin plays a vital role in social bonding and makes both you and your Maltese feel good and encourages further gazing between you and your fur baby.

A paper published by a team of Japanese researchers noted that:

[the Team] show that such gaze-mediated bonding also exists between us and our closest animal companions, dogs They found that mutual gazing increased oxytocin levels, and sniffing oxytocin increased gazing in dogs, an effect that transferred to their owners. Wolves, who rarely engage in eye contact with their human handlers, seem resistant to this effect.

Just be wary when a stranger dog does this it could be a challenge for dominance. And that could include your best friends dog youre seeing for the first time.

3) They Yawn With You

Yawning has been long regarded as a sign of empathy amongst some social animal species such as primates. The fact that your Maltese is yawning when it sees or hears you yawning may be a sign that they have an empathetic bond with their owner. Dogs can yawn for a variety of reasons, like tiredness, stress or to diffuse potential threats, e.g., stranger dogs or humans, which are the traditional ways researchers have interpreted yawning in dogs.

A different study conducted by yet another Japanese research team viewable here gave the following conclusion about human-dog contagious yawning:

Our findings are consistent with the view that contagious yawning is modulated by affective components of the behavior and may indicate that rudimentary forms of empathy could be present in domesticated dogs.

Though they do claim that our findings go further in supporting the empathic bias of contagious yawning in dogs, the team did caution that further research should test for alternative hypothesis and control for factors that are known to affect the occurrence of yawning in animals.

4) They React Positively to Your Voice

A classic one that you can test right now. If your Maltese is not deep asleep or tired, try calling out his or her name chances are, your pup will come bounding from a distance away right to your side. I lived in a single story house with false timber flooring, and amusingly this meant that I could hear the frantic tapping of my Malteses paws become louder as she approached. Sometimes she would be playing with a toy or sniffing around at the front door and would immediately abort to run to my moms voice as though her life depended on it.

Dogs also have the uncanny ability to decipher the hidden meaning behind your voice, based on the pitch and tones. They can tell when were happy, sad, excited, etc., even though they have no clue what were trying to say (save the words weve trained them on). Assuming all is well, they will most likely be happy to see you attempting to communicate with them. They dont need meaning the same way humans do, but it doesnt matter. And thats what makes their bond with humans so fascinating.

5) They Enjoy Being Around Your Scent

No, not just you but also your scent. Some telltale signs of this include finding a piece of garment and lying on or near it or sleeping near where their owner recently sat at. Your Maltese might also choose to sleep in your bedroom when youre gone, or steal any clothes lying around there and move it to their dog bed. If your Maltese is taking clothes from your room while youre gone, it may be a good idea to look into why and prevent it from happening in the future.

Otherwise, as a harmless one-off occurrence, your Maltese is probably just telling you that it enjoys your company and misses your familiar scent. As a needier breed compared to most, it might just be their coping mechanism to deal with the prolonged absence of their owner so they can feel comfortable, safe and secure.

6) They Cant Help Wagging Their Tail

A pretty common, and a well-known sign of happiness is wagging. It is perhaps one of the most honest ways that a dog can express its emotions. Food is arriving? Whomp whomp whomp. You open your door is it playtime?! Whomp whomp whomp. Maybe youre just looking their way? Whomp whomp whomp.

I cant tell you how many times that Ive been able to sneak a glance at my (presumably not sleepy) Maltese on the opposite side of the couch, only for her to notice and start wagging her tail against the sofa like a professional janggo player. Look away, and it stops. Look back, and it starts again! And through all this time, shes just lying there trying to sleep, with her head between her paws. Approaching her would make the wagging more furious and eventually lead to some belly rubbing. Its like an amusing litmus test for dog emotions.

If your Maltese is standing around and wagging his/her tail, check to see if the tail is raised loosely, and tilted to one side when stationary. Along with the tail, the facial expression of the Maltese should be happy because it is relaxed, comfortable or excited. On the flipside, if the tail is stiff and raised high, your Maltese might be feeling alarmed, wary, defensive or stressed out particularly if this behavior can be accompanied by raised hackles, tense muscles, and flattened ears.

7) They Want to Snuggle, Lean Against or Sleep With You

Your Maltese might seek to lean against you. Ever notice that during intense Netflix session that your pup decides to bound up on the sofa, lie down on one side, only to adjust and prompt plant itself right up against your thigh? It might be feeling a little anxious, lonely or wants a bit of comfort and security and it knows the best way to do this is to snuggle against its owner. It makes them feel safe and secure and will only do this if they see you as a trusted protector. So be honored!

An even better example of this is when your dog sleeps next to you at night. Dogs draw this behavior from their pack animal ways in the wild and this allows them to share body warmth and a sense of bonding and belonging through body contact. While you might suspect that theyre only doing this to leech some warmth from you on a chilly night, its probably more than likely that theyre seeking out your bed because YOU are on it, not that electric heat pad over there (although it is probably the second best option in winter).