Maltese
DogSmallWeight 1.5β4 kgLifespan 12β15 yrs
An elegant white companion β tartar, luxating patellas and tear staining are the daily care themes; guard toy puppies against hypoglycemia.
Temperament: Gentle and clingy, lively, perfect for apartments
π©Ί Common diseases & risks
High
Periodontal disease
Almost inevitable in small dogs β brush daily
Common
Luxating patella
Common in small breeds
Watch
Portosystemic shunt (liver)
Odd puppy behavior/poor growth β screen the liver
Common
Tear staining
Very visible on a white coat
π Recommended screening & frequency
- #1Dental check (annual)
- #2Knee check (annual)
- #3Liver assessment at puppy exams
π Nutrition
Small-bite formula; frequent small meals for toy puppies against hypoglycemia.
π Daily care
Brush the long coat daily or keep it clipped short; wipe tear stains; keep warm.
π Related symptom pages
Tags link to the symptom pages most characteristic of each disease
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