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While it may seem like there are a lot to taking proper care of a Maltese puppy, once you have knowledge, the right supplies, and understand the routine for each important task, you will be confident and ready to raise a healthy and happy Maltese puppy.
Any with any new dog transitioning to your home, it takes time. Consider the 3-3-3 rule.
The transition to your home can be very exciting for you and your Maltese puppy. But it can also be very stressful for you both as well. With a little preparation, you make make it easier for everyone. Have all of your supplies (food, bowls, treats, toys, crate, bed, collar, harness, leash, etc.) ready ahead of time. You will also want to puppy-proof your home. They will experience the world through their mouth so you will want to move small objects (choking hazards) out of their reach. Cords, shoes, bags and other personal items may be very attractive to your puppy. You may need to rethink their placement.
In the first few weeks as your puppy adjusts to their new home, you may want to keep visitors to a minimum. After a couple weeks as your puppy settles in, slowly introduce the extended family, friends and neighbors. Keep all new introductions calm so to not overwhelm the puppy.
Select a veterinarian ahead of time as well. Ensure you know your options. The closest clinic may not always be the best for you and your puppy. It may take some time to select a veterinarian with which you feel comfortable. Your puppy should see your selected veterinarian within the first few days after bringing them home. While we do routine veterinary care while they are with us, it is important for you also continue proper care and keep up with their health needs.
You can give your Maltese puppy a bath when you bring them home. Baths should be given once every 3-4 weeks. A good conditioner will help keep their Maltese coat looking its best. Whitening shampoo can be used every other bath to help brighten their coat.
Daily teeth brushing should also be part of your routine. Maltese are prone to dental problems so daily care is your best potential preventative. If their gums get red or inflamed, you may want to use colloidal silver. You can get this as a direct spay for their gums or as an additive for their water.
Maltese may also get tear stains around their eyes. To help prevent tearing, keep their fur trimmed away from their eyes. The eye gets irritated when their fur gets in it, resulting in tears.
Maltese puppies have a TON of energy! Since they are so small they can burn through that energy fast. They may seem like a ball of fire in one moment, ready for a nap the next and back to play time before you know it. They will keep you on your toes. Young puppies may sleep most of the day. At about 6 months, many pups will be a bit calmer, as they will have experience in most of what they see, hear, smell, and interact with. Around 1 year, Maltese puppies calm down a lot as they adjust to your routine and training. They will gradually transition to a normal adult Maltese sleep routine of 10-12 hours per day.
You will likely want your puppy to burn some of their energy off with outdoor exercise. This can help them remain more calm when inside your home. Starting your puppy on an exercise routine will also set up a healthy foundation for the rest of his life. Maltese puppies should be walked at least twice per day, for 20 to 30 minutes, and at a pace that is brisk for the puppy.
Maltese puppies up to 12 weeks should have access to food at all times. This helps reduce the chances of hypoglycemia, or a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. One cause of this condition is not eating often enough.
Once your puppy is at the 3 month mark, they should be fed 3 times per day plus treats and snack.
It is best if treats are reserved for rewarding good behavior, like for a successful potty outside.
All of our puppies have been crate trained. However, accidents should be expected in the transition while they learn your routine.
We do recommend continuing with the use of the crate for both the comfort and safety of the puppy.
Your puppy will need to go outside frequently for potty breaks. When they do their business, reward with lots of praise. Treats may be helpful too!
While you may want to take your new Maltese puppy with you everywhere, until two weeks have passed since your puppy has had all of their shots (typically at the 4 to 4.5 month mark), you should avoid taking your pup out to public spaces. They are still in the process of receiving his inoculations. Antibodies passed to them from their mom are wearing off, but his body has not yet built up enough antibodies from the vaccinations. During this time, puppies are susceptible to disease and infection. Do not bring him to any areas in which there could have been dogs present. You may bring him out to your own private yard; however, if you have any other dogs that visit that area, be sure that they are up-to-date with their own boosters.
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