1. Take your new puppy for it's first veterinarian visit within the first few days and establish a vaccination schedule. Most Maltese puppies will have received at least 2 to 3 vaccinations before leaving their breeder. Present your vet with the health record provided all immunizations, wormings and any treatment that your puppy has had prior to "coming home". *We recommend that you be very cautious at the vet since that is the place where people take their sick animals. Never put your puppy on the floor or allow them to come in contact with any other animals while there. It is also a good idea to make sure the examination table was disinfected prior to placing your new puppy on it. Always disinfect your shoes after a visit to the veterinarian’s office. Bleach will kill parvovirous, Lysol will not. We keep a spray bottle of 50/50 bleach water by the door.
2. Your new puppy will require a safe place to rest and sleep, a carrier or "den" make a nice safe haven.
3. Purchase a good Maltese Breed book and study up prior to bringing your new family member home.
4. Socialization is a very important part of your puppy's development. Spend lots of time training, playing and loving your puppy. This will create a wonderful bonding between you. Take caution not to over tire your puppy. A puppy development class/obedience class, is also a good idea, the habits learned now will last a life time.
5. If your puppy will be alone during the day, make sure plenty of safe toys and a restricted safe area are provided. An exercise pen, play yard, or an area with a tiled or linoleum floor, like the kitchen, and the exits blocked works well. Baby gates can be used to block exits...Plenty of food, water, and puppy paper or potty pads should be provided as well as safe toys...You should make arrangements to check on the puppy during the day, especially at first...A young Maltese puppy should not be left alone for extended periods.
6. Do not allow small children to handle your new puppy unless under very strict supervision. A puppy can leap from a child’s arms or trip up a child causing injury to both. One cannot expect a child to understand that a puppy is a fragile living being; to a youngster he is like his stuffed dog. A young child could unknowingly cause serious injury to a small puppy.
7. Keep your puppy on the food supplied or suggested by the breeder for at least a week or two, then gradually begin mixing in the food you have chosen -or the vet recommended- if it's a different brand.
8. Call your veterinarian or breeder with questions, they are there to help. Have fun and relax. Guidelines are to help keep things safe, experience will fill in the blanks.
Miss Jolieu, my friend and one of my moms. The picture isn't that great as it was taken on my cell phone at a show! BTW she travels EVERYWHERE with me.
GROOMING
You can usually find a good groomer in your city who will maintain your pet WEEKLY for about $16-$18. Weekly is the key.
You must keep the appointments,
otherwise, the upkeep will be about $35 per visit.
If you choose to maintain the coat and bathe your friend yourself,
here are a few guidelines.
First and foremost be sure to purchase a good Maltese breed reference book.
Consulting a local groomer will also be helpful.
Here are a few basics:
1. Bathe once a week, depending on the coat length and how much time your maltese spends outside. Whitening shampoo and a good conditioner are recommended. 2. Maltese, if kept in full coat should be brushed thoroughly at least every other day. A metal pin brush with smooth rounded bristles and close tooth metal comb or a detangler comb should be used. Brush and comb clear to the skin to remove and prevent matts.
3. Nail clippers will be needed to keep toenails trim. Consult your vet or groomer for advice your first time.
4. Brush your puppies teeth each time you bathe. A good dental care kit can be purchased from your local pet supply dealer.
5. A good finishing spray will help to keep the coat lubricated and manageable.
6. Keep the hair on the bottom of the feet scissored off.
7. The hair growing down the inside the ears should be plucked out carefully, consult your vet.
8. The hair around the anus should be inspected daily for any debris which could lead to a blockage, and cleansed as necessary. Some people prefer to keep this area trimmed to avoid complications. But ONLY if you are NOT showing them.
Show Dogs are not trimmed here.
9. Although it's impossible to completely eliminate tearing while puppies are going through the teething stages it is important to keep puppy's face clean and as dry as possible to help reduce tear staining. Most Maltese pet owners (not show dogs)prefer to keep the hair clipped away from the eyes. This will help to cut down on tearing caused from the facial hair brushing against the eyes, causing them to water.
10. Follow a consistent routine and be very patient when grooming. In time you can teach your puppy to lay on its back and stand while grooming. To teach it to lay, lay the puppy in your lap and begin rubbing its tummy. You can then begin to groom the puppy's tummy and inside of the legs from here. To teach it to stand, use a collar and a thin show leash. Have the puppy stand on a flat surface and drape the end of the leash over your shoulder, out of the way. Command "stand" and give lots of praise and attention for good behavior. You can groom easily from the stand once the puppy learns this. Be very careful that a wary puppy doesn't leap from a table while learning. Short sessions and rewards are best.
2. Maltese, if kept in full coat should be brushed thoroughly at least every other day. A metal pin brush with smooth rounded bristles and .
