Maltese Health Problems & Prevention
Common health issues, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your Maltese healthy.
Common Maltese Health Problems
Data from 4 Maltese owners
Neurological disorder causing recurring seizures, often genetic but sometimes caused by other conditions.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle twitching
- Confusion after episodes
Prevention Tips
- No known prevention
- Genetic screening before breeding
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Medication controls symptoms
A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing the ball and socket to grind instead of sliding smoothly.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Limping or bunny-hopping gait
- Difficulty rising or jumping
- Reduced activity or reluctance to exercise
- Loss of muscle mass in hind legs
Prevention Tips
- Maintain healthy weight
- Avoid over-exercising puppies
- Use joint supplements (glucosamine)
- Choose reputable breeders with hip-tested parents
Bacterial or yeast infections in the ear canal, common in breeds with floppy ears or those that swim frequently.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Head shaking
- Ear odor
- Brown or yellow discharge
- Scratching at ears
Prevention Tips
- Weekly ear cleaning
- Dry ears after swimming/bathing
- Regular vet checks
- Treat underlying allergies
A health condition that may affect some Malteses based on owner reports.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Behavioral changes
- Physical discomfort
- Changes in appetite or activity
Prevention Tips
- Regular vet checkups
- Maintain healthy lifestyle
- Early detection through monitoring
Malteses may be prone to:
General Health Concerns
Regular vet visits help catch issues early
Maltese Health Timeline
What to focus on at each life stage to keep your Maltese healthy.
Puppy
0-1 year
- Complete vaccination series
- Spay/neuter discussion with vet
- Socialization and training foundation
- Deworming and parasite prevention
- Establish dental care routine
Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months
Adult
1-7 years
- Annual wellness exams and vaccinations
- Dental cleaning as needed
- Maintain healthy weight
- Watch for early signs of breed-specific conditions
- Regular heartworm and flea prevention
Annually, more often if concerns arise
Senior
7+ years
- Bi-annual wellness exams
- Blood work and organ function screening
- Joint supplements and pain management
- Adjust diet for senior needs
- Watch for common age-related conditions in Malteses
Every 6 months, with comprehensive bloodwork annually
Maltese Allergies
Allergy data from 5 Maltese owners. Allergies can develop at any age.
No food allergies reported for this breed.
Signs Your Maltese May Have Food Allergies
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy skin (especially paws, ears, rear end)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive gas
When to see a vet: If symptoms persist for more than a few days or are causing significant discomfort.
Questions to Ask Your Vet About Malteses
What breed-specific health screenings do you recommend?
Are there any genetic tests available for common Maltese conditions?
What's the ideal weight range for my Maltese?
When should we start joint supplements or senior care?
What early warning signs should I watch for based on the breed's health profile?
Do you recommend pet insurance for Malteses?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common health issues in Malteses?
How long do Malteses typically live?
Are Malteses prone to allergies?
How often should I take my Maltese to the vet?
Should I get pet insurance for my Maltese?
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