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    Maltese SecretsBy

    Sarah Reeves

    SurfDocs, 2003 This publication is for the express use of the customers ofSurfDocs. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, ortransmitted in any form without the express written permissions of SurfDocs, LLCSurfDocs cannot accept any responsibility of the content of this information,inaccuracy of its errors, and or any consequences of the information hereinprovided. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION IS UNLAWFUL.

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    Table Of Contents

    Chapters Page No

    Foreword 3

    1. Maltese dogs-a snapshot 5

    2. Bringing Up Your Maltese Puppy 8

    3.All About Grooming 20

    4.Feeding Your Maltese 25

    5.Health Problems That Could AffectYour Maltese 30

    6.Exercising Your Maltese 45

    7.Teaching Them To Love & Obey 47

    8. Vaccinating Your Dog 50

    9. When Your Maltese Becomes Old 54

    10. Facts About Breeding Your Maltese 58

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    11. First Aid 60

    12.FAQs 67

    When To Call The Vet 74

    Body Condition Chart 76

    Foreword

    The Origins:

    The exact origins of the breed are still nebulous. The Maltese descendsfrom one of the most ancient dog breeds to be found in recorded history.It has been estimated that the breed originated around 6,000 B.C., or8,000 years ago.

    The earliest known representations of Maltese dogs on artifacts found atFayum, Egypt (600-300 B.C.), suggest that the Maltese was one of thedogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Numerous pictorialrepresentations of the Maltese can be seen in Greek ceramic art, such asthe vases found at Vulci (about 500 B.C.), and the dog is mentioned inthe writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, and other ancientpoets and historians.

    Know to many as "ye ancient dogee of Malta", the first written record ofthe Maltese was by Aristotle in 350 BC. As indicated by its name, thebreed originated in Malta, a busy trading island. The tiny dog's size andpersonality led it to be used as barter, often as gifts to monarchs andaristocrats. From the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries, the breed'senduring popularity was affirmed by its continued appearance in

    paintings by famous artists.

    Assuming the place of origin of the Maltese to be Asia, the tiny dogsprobably made their way to Europe through the Middle East with themigration of nomadic tribes. The Isle of Malta (or Melita as it was knowthen), was a geographic center of early trade and explorers undoubtedlyfound ancestors of the tiny white dogs left there as barter for necessitiesand supplies.

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    As civilization thrived in Europe references have been made to the tinywhite dog. An indirect reference of Aristotle's to the Maltese clearlyindicates its co-existence along with other varieties of dogs indigenous toSouthern Europe. Aristotle likens the small dogs to a "Canis Melitae . . .

    of the tiny sort, being perfectly proportioned not withstanding its verysmall rise." During these times, the Maltese was a favorite lap dog of theupper class, aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. The Maltese was evenbelieved to possess medicinal powers of healing-the ailing would placethe dog on their stomach or chest for comfort. Because of this practice,and the dogs warm, affectionate nature and small size, the Maltesebecame known as the "Comforter." The dog was particularly popular inEngland during Elizabethan times (the late 16th century). Two notableowners of Maltese in those times were Queen Elizabeth I and MaryQueen of Scots.

    Maltese were first seen in the United States in the late 1800's to the early1900's. Maltese were participants in the earliest versions of theWestminster Kennel Club shows in the 1870's. The first registrations ofMaltese occurred in 1888, when SNIPS and TOPSY -- both bitches --appeared in the studbooks. From where the early Maltese in the US wereimported from is unknown. What is know is that the Maltese line in theUS today was a result of importation from Great Britain, Canada,Germany, France and Italy.

    With somewhere between 25 and 80 centuries of evolution, the Maltesehas had lots of time to become the gentle, affectionate, and playful

    companion dog it is today.

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    Chapter 1Maltese Dogs-A Snap Shot

    The Maltese is the classic companion dog, lively and playful, gentle andloving. The dog is devoted to its master and friendly with other peopletoo. Highly intelligent, the dog is easily trained and can even learn to doa few tricks. They get along well with other animals and with olderchildren. They enjoy being groomed and petted and love attention. Thisfurry little white dog makes a great companion for individuals andfamilies.

    Country of origin:Italy.

    Height:8-10 inches (20-25 cm)

    Weight:6.5-9 lbs (3-4 kg)

    Colours:Pure white. Sometimes-light ivory

    Living Conditions:The Maltese is a great dog for apartment living. Theyare very active indoors and do not even require a backyard.

    Exercise:This dog remains active and playful well into its old age. Littleeffort is required to keep the Maltese healthy and fit due to their highactivity level indoors.

    Health Issues:May sunburn along the hair parting. Prone to skin,respiratory, eye and tooth problems. Feed these dogs dry food to keeptheir teeth healthy and strong. These dogs may get chills in cold weather;make sure to keep them out of damp areas. Try and avoid weatherextremes whenever possible.

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    Care and Grooming:The Maltese' longhaired coat requires dailygrooming, but remember to be gentle as their skin is sensitive and thecoat very soft.

    Life Span:14 years-18 years

    Group:Toy

    Adequate Living Space:Small Apartment will do

    Shedding of Coat:Little to no shedding

    Hypo allergenic:Yes

    Purebred Puppy Price:$600-$5,000

    Monthly Food Cost:About $15

    Obedience Level:Good

    Dominance Level: Submissive

    Is Maltese the dog for you?

    The Maltese Dog is a type of small toy spaniel. It has a long silky coat ofhair with no undercoat, which is pure white, or cream in color, andhangs evenly down each side from a parting that extends along thecenter of the back from the nose to the root of the tail. Othercharacteristics of the animal are a slightly round skull; a black nose;drooping ears generously covered with long hair; very dark, alert-lookingeyes; short, straight legs; and a graceful, well-feathered tail.

    Intelligent, lively and playful, the Maltese makes an ideal pet, albeit witha few demands. It requires human companionship. It will keep itself busyduring the day, but expects to be your constant companion once you arehome. As a puppy, it needs gentle but firm training and socializationotherwise it can become neurotic and jealous of other animals andpeople. Besides, Maltese are good with older children, but not very

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    tolerant of young children and toddlers, who don't know how to treatlittle dogs.

    Maltese make great apartment dogs too, as they are active indoors andhave few exercise needs. They are not big barkers either. They enjoy a

    walk or romp in the park, but should be kept on a leash. Especiallybecause of their tendency to attack larger dogs, despite their small size.Besides, they enjoy rolling in the mud and playing in puddles. Malteseneed daily brushings and frequent shampooing of their long hair. Theydon't shed and are thus good for allergy sufferers.

    What Can You Expect From Your Maltese

    Your Maltese will constantly want be your companion. He will be happy

    sitting by you side while you read a book or watch television. But he willalso like to accompany you wherever you go. They enjoy a walk with theirowners and a trip in the car is always welcome. Maltese make goodwatchdogs and will growl when a stranger comes to the door. But oncewelcomed into the home everyone is his or her friend. Phrases known tomany are that "they will kill you with their kisses" or "they would gohome with strangers". Maltese despite their diminutive size are veryhardy dogs. Compared to many breeds they are quite free of genetic orcongenital medical problems. Your Maltese will live well into his teensand you can expect him to be his same playful and mischievous self formost of those years.

    Not A Companion For Rough Play

    Maltese are definitely entertaining little bundles of energy. With their lovefor people and small size many children are naturally drawn to them. Butthey are very delicate. If you have young children who wish to roll andplay with the dog, on the floor you may wish to consider a hardier breed.Because of their delicate bone structure a Maltese can easily break bonesfalling off chairs, tables and when caught in the middle of pile of overlyzealous children. Many reputable Maltese breeders will not sell puppiesto families with children under six or seven years of age.

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    Chapter 2Bringing up Your Maltese Puppy

    From Where To Buy Your Maltese:

    Generally, you should refrain from buying your Maltese from Pet Stores.This is because Pet Stores are not very particular to know from where thepuppy comes from and under what conditions it was bred. Besides, theyseldom provide any health records for puppies and their healthguarantees are also very limited. A pet store would also, normally notprovide any registration papers with a puppy, so the purebred status of apuppy cannot be proved. Also, many pet store puppies are from "puppymills" where the parents of the puppies may neither be in good health

    nor be clean. The puppies could also have been separated from theirmothers at a very early age!

    Thus, it may be a good idea to buy your puppy from a reputable Maltesebreeder. Who should guarantee your satisfaction by allowing you at leastenough time to have your vet check the Malteses health and give you achance to decide if the puppy is right for you (and vice versa)--usually 24to 48 hours from the purchase date--and allow you to return the dog forrefund or exchange if necessary. The breeder should also guarantee thepuppy against death due to congenital defects -up to one year of age. Inthe case of death, he should give you a replacement puppy.

    Once you've found a good breeder, look for a puppy that fits yourlifestyle. For example, if you are active, energetic, or you have children;look for a puppy with those qualities. On the other hand, if you want alap dog or you need a quieter relaxed atmosphere, look for a puppy thatis a little shy or reserved. Maltese personalities vary as widely ashumans. Try to visit the breeder and spend a little time with the puppies

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    to determine which has the personality to suit you. The breeder shouldalso be able to help you get the right puppy.

    According to the American Maltese Association Maltese puppies shouldnot be sold before they are 12 weeks of age. By that time a puppy leaves

    for his new home he should have had several vaccinations as well as aveterinary check-up to ensure that he is in good health. If you arepurchasing your Maltese from a source that does not meet theserequirements you should seriously reconsider your purchase.

    How Much Will It Cost Me?

    The costing for a purebred Maltese from a reputable breeder will dependupon the quantum of time, effort and money that has gone into makingsure that the little bit of fluff you bring home is in the pink of health. The

    Maltese can cost you from $600 to $5,000.

    Pricing is usually based on a number of factors, and will vary betweenbreeders. An average price for a Maltese of solid, championshipbloodlines, DNA tested and verified, will probably average around $1,000- $2,500 from a reputable breeder. The amount of money the breederspends on stud fees, nutritional supplements, veterinary bills, puppyshots, nursery accommodations, and food also varies by breeder.

    Maltese live a long life of 14 to 16 years. Thus, if you buy the puppy for$2,500 and he lives for 15 years, your cost per year would be roughly$166. What about those $600 Maltese? Well, you can buy one for thatprice, and then risk spending another $1,000 or more in the first monthsof his life to correct a genetic defect, and suffer the pain and trauma ofthe experience along with your pet. In short, the prices reputablebreeders charge, (the ones that stand behind their puppies and offerhealth guarantees), are well worth it. For an average cost of $166 peryear, you will receive a very attractive return on your investment in termsof enjoyment that you will receive from owning a very healthy Maltese.

    Why are Registration Papers important?

    Registration Papers are proof that your puppy is registered with theAmerican Kennel Club (AKC), or one, or more of the three registryorganizations. AKC is generally preferred because their standards arehigher than the other registries. For example, AKC requires DNAcertification on all studs used over five times a year. This helps

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    guarantee that the sire is indeed of the bloodline shown on theregistration papers. Also, because they have started a voluntary DNAregistration of all females, when you receive a puppy from a mother andfather who have both had DNA testing, you are guaranteed that thebloodlines shown on your registration are valid and true. The papers you

    have on your registered puppy mean that the puppy has been reported tothe registry as having come from a mother and father that were alsoregistered with that registry.

    Pedigree-What Does It Imply

    A pedigree means that there is record of the ancestry of your dog filed at

    a registry database. There are lots of places that you can contact to get arecord of your puppy's pedigree; however, they all get their informationfrom the American Kennel Club Stud Book Registry.

    Do Registration Papers Prove That Your Maltese Is A Purebred?

    Not really! There are several types of unscrupulous breeders who registera litter under a father or mother that never actually sired or gave birth tothat litter. What they do is that each time they register the birth of alitter; they contact AKC and state the birth of say, three boys, two girls inthe litter. They give the AKC the sire's name and registration number and

    the dam's name and registration number. The AKC sends litterregistration forms for each of the puppies. Now, let's assume that therewere actually, only two boys and two girls, or one of the puppies dies.The breeder now has extra litter registration papers than is required.Thus, he can use the extra papers to register puppies that either are notpurebred puppies, or have been bred inline (brother/sister,father/daughter, mother/son), or are from parents that are not AKCregistered -because they could not meet the qualifications for AKCregistration. Thus, having AKC registration papers does not necessarilymean that your puppy is a purebred Maltese.

    Identification

    Owners of purebred show and stud dogs use tattoos to comply with therules of identification of the American Kennel Club. Many pet ownersalso tattoo their dogs to make it easier for them to find their dog if theyare ever lost. The tattoo is done on the inside of the dog's thigh near hisabdomen.

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    A recent addition to identification is the microchip- where a tinytransponder- the size of a grain of uncooked rice-is implanted under thedog's skin and read by a chip scanner. Implantation is done with aninjector that places the chip under the loose skin, over the dog'sshoulder. The implant process to is quick and no more painful than a

    vaccination. The number is unique and the owners name and address isavailable on regional or national databases. Thus, a lost dog can bereturned quickly and safely.

    Preparing To Take Your Puppy Home

    So, you have decided on a Maltese. Now you have the pleasant task ofbringing your new, fluffy, bundle of energy home. Though exciting foryou, it could be a traumatic for your puppy. Because he is suddenlyconfronted with a new place, no litter mates, and no mother for comfort.Here are some tips that can make the transition a little easier for both ofyou.

    1.Visit A Vet:Make an appointment with your veterinarian to give the

    puppy a complete checkup within 72 hours of your purchase. If you donot have a vet yet, ask the breeder or local kennel club for arecommendation. Most Maltese puppies would have received at least 2 to3 vaccinations before leaving their breeder. Present your vet with thehealth record provided by your breeder. The health record should includeall immunizations, de-wormings and any treatment that your puppy hashad. When you visit the Vet, remember not to put the puppy on the flooror allow him to come in contact with any other animal. Ensure that theexamination table was disinfected prior to placing your puppy on it. Itmay be a good idea to disinfect your shoes after a visit to the Vet. If yourVet offers microchip ID implants, this an excellent time to get one. You

    should also discuss with your veterinarian plans for spaying or neuteringyour puppy when he or she is older.

    2.Name for your puppy. Coin a good name for your puppy and startcalling the puppy by that name, immediately. Names that are one or twosyllables are easier for both you and your puppy. Names that end in an"o" or an "a" are usually easiest for the puppy to remember. You can callyour Maltese puppy anything you like, but while choosing the name to

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    register with the AKC (especially if you are thinking of taking yourMaltese into the show ring) you need to pick an official name- more inkeeping with the dignified heritage of this breed. This will be the namethat will be announced as your Maltese enters the ring.

    3. A Home For Your Puppy:Your Maltese puppy will need a spot that isjust for him. Your puppy has just left the littermates and its warm,snuggly mom. A small bed that has a warm place to curl up in should beready and waiting when you first bring the puppy home, along with thechew toys. Putting a warm water bottle and a ticking clock in the bed willhelp ease the transition from the warmth of the litter mates and mom,and the familiar beat of mom's heart. A crateis just a modern version ofa den. It can make training your dog a lot easier. House breaking ismuch faster when you use a crate and destructive chewing becomeseasier to control. Traveling is safer for both you and your dog when he'sin a crate.

    The most popular crates are made of plastic or heavy welded steel wire.Plastic crates are lightweight, portable and are easily taken apart forstorage or travel. Some of them come in decorative colors. Most plasticcrates meet federal regulations for airline travel. Wire crates are also verypopular and depending on your dog's needs, may be a better suited thanplastic. Look for sturdy crates with heavy gauge wire that are easilyfolded down into a "suitcase-style" shape for transportation and storage.Although the wire crates are not approved for airline use, they offerbetter ventilation.A crate need only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around andlie down comfortably. The crate should be large enough for your Maltese

    to stretch out on his side to sleep.Put a blanket, old rug, or soft towel in the crate, rather than expensivecushions - at least until he is past the chewing stage. Further security isachieved by placing a blanket or towel over the top and sides of the crate,making it a real "den," especially at night. Put play toys, and feed thepuppy in the crate so that he has only a very pleasant association with it.Never punish him with the crate, or "force" him into it - if he goes to sleepelsewhere, just gently pick him up, place him inside and shut the door.He will be too sleepy to care. Soon, he will seek the crate automaticallywhen he is tired.Use these frequent periods to advantage, and don't hesitate to confine

    him to the crate several times a day for short periods of time, especiallywhen you are too busy to watch him. This is important until he ishousebroken and also for his safety. Puppies like and need to chew, butchewing the cord of an electrical appliance can result in immediate andpainful death.Always confine him in the crate when you are out of the house! He mayhowl a lot at first to show his resentment at your leaving him behind.Leave him a bowl of fresh water and give him a rawhide bone or

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    something absolutely safe to chew and which is also good for his teeth,something he will enjoy. Don't worry, and don't weaken, he will settledown as soon as you are gone.The puppy's brain is fully developed by the time it reaches seven weeksof age, and he will learn with or without your help. He may as well learn

    what you want, rather than learn on his own and pick up bad habits inthe process.Always remember to remove his collar, when keeping him in the create.Especially since a collar can get caught in the mesh and badly frighten orinjure your dog. Confine yourpuppy to his crate all night and solve thehousebreaking problem very quickly. Remember - feed no liquids andvery little food late in the evening. One of the greatest advantages of thedog crate is that the dog won't soil it unless he is desperate because it ishis home.The dog crate, intelligently and properly used, can indeed spell realhappiness for both the dog and owner. A good collapsible wire crate lasts

    forever and the cost is soon forgotten...a real bargain considering itsmany advantages.

    4.Leash & Collar.Your Maltese will need a leash and collar. The hairsaround their necks make the leather and metal types unworkable. Themetal collar can get caught in the furry coat and the leather ones canwear down the coat. Thus, try a thin nylon one-piece collar. That seemsto work the best. Many of these have a ring at one end to which the leadcan be clipped. Select a lead that is made from a similar lightweightmaterial. Alternately you can use the loop type one-piece show leads that

    have a slip knot closure.

    5.Dishes for Food & Water.You will need small lightweight bowls forfood and water. These can be made of metal, plastic or a ceramicmaterial. Many Maltese owners avoid using plastic bowls, as there havebeen cases of facial hair getting stained by their use. Your breeder will letyou know the food your puppy was eating and it is wise to not changethat food immediately, as this can cause stomach upsets. Maltesedrinking water from water dishes get their faces wet as well. The wetfacial hair can be a breeding ground for yeast, which causes tearstaining. Many Maltese owners offer water to their Maltese from a waterbottle -such as those used for rabbits- to alleviate this problem.

    6.Toys to play with. If your puppy will be alone during the day, makesure plenty of safe toys and a restricted safe area are provided. Providefor plenty of food, water, and puppy paper or potty pads. Look for things

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    that squeak and things that are interactive. Maltese particularly like thefuzzy, plush, soft toys as well as the latex chewable ones. The smalltwisted ropes with knots at both ends can be a wonderful game whenthere are more than one Maltese in the household to play tug-of-war.Gumabones and Nylabones are great for exercising the gums. All Maltese

    seem to want to chew paper as puppies. One solution to this is to givethem an empty toilet paper roll to carry around. A "nutritious" toy manyenjoy is a mini carrot or a piece of vegetable

    7. Make Your Home Puppy-Safe. When you bring your new Maltesepuppy home, try not to over-pamper it, especially the first night. Dontrun in and offer comfort or tell the pup to be quiet each time it whimpersor whines. If you do, your pup will learn that crying brings attention.Since Maltese love to sleep with you, if you bring the puppy into yourbedroom and your little bundle snuggles down and goes to sleep, you willhave established its nightly routine -- whine until the puppy can get intoyour bed next to you! By the way -- they make excellent bed warmers asthey love to snuggle -- ask any Maltese owner. Most of them will tell you

    their Maltese shares the bed with them.

    Prior to your little Maltese arrival, puppy-proof your home by makingsure you have removed from the puppy's area any toxic house plants,chemicals, electrical cords that looks delicious to chew, small articlesthat could be swallowed, cleaning chemicals, or open holes large enoughfor the puppy to wiggle into. To a puppy, the world is new andfascinating. He is seeing it all for the first time and absolutely everythingmust be thoroughly investigated. Puppies do most of their investigatingwith their mouths. Invariably, a puppy will be most attracted to things heshould not be-- electrical cords, the fringe of your expensive oriental rug,

    your brand new running shoes, etc.

    Preventing destructive and dangerous chewing is easier than trying tocorrect the puppy every second. Look around your home. Check forobjects that could be kept out of the way of a curious puppy. Bitter Applespray can be applied to furniture legs, woodwork and other immovableitems. If there are rooms your puppy should not enter, install a baby gateor keep the doors to these rooms closed.

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    Take a walk around your yard looking for potential hazards. If your yardis fenced, check the boundaries and gates for openings that could bepotential escape routes. Puppies can get through smaller places than anadult dog.Puppies cant recognize dangers. It is up to you to take stepsto make sure your puppy is safe and your personal articles are protected.

    In a nutshell:

    1. Electrical cords, extension cords, etc. should be secured to thebaseboard or better still make them inaccessible. Puppies love tochew on them. Your Maltese could suffer electrical shock, burnsthat could prove fatal.

    2. Never burn candles if the puppy is within reach as the flame willattract them.

    3. Wherever there are steps is a hazard. If you have a cellar, keep thedoor closed. Pups are curious. Curiosity has injured and even

    killed many young puppies.4. Needles & pins are other deadly hazards if swallowed. Never leave

    them around, where your puppy may get to them.5. Be very careful about other pets coming to your home. Remember

    that your Maltese puppy is much more likely to catch an infectionthan an adult dog.

    6. Anti-freeze is extremely toxic. Its a known fact that the scent ofanti-freeze attracts all dogs. Keep it out of reach or locked in acabinet. Clean up any dripping immediately.

    7.Toxic plants. Be sure you know which are and which are not.8. Pesticides and rodent control poisons should be used with extreme

    caution. Hanging flypaper is toxic! If you must use these, keepthem out of reach of your puppy.

    9. If you plan on using a flea collar, you should wait until yourMaltese is at least 16 weeks of age.

    10. Make sure your trash cans, both in the house and outside,have a lid. Puppies could easily get a hold of a chicken or turkeybone. These bones are dangerous to your pup if swallowed

    11. Around the Christmas holidays, many decorations such asChristmas balls are no more than glass pieces, if broken. Be on thesafe side and purchase ones that are not made of this material.

    12. If you are a smoker or leave cigarette butts in ashtrays, take

    care. Cigarette butts consumed by your puppy could easily lead tonicotine poisoning.

    13. Toilet bowl cleaners are toxic. Keep the lid closed, as puppiesmay be tempted to drink out of them.

    14. Any type of medication need to properly stored in a medicinecabinet or just out of reach. Childproof containers are not enoughas the bottles are usually plastic. Your pup would have no problemin getting his sharp teeth into the contents of that bottle.

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    8.Keep A Watch On Young Children.Do not allow small children tohandle your new puppy unless under very strict supervision. A puppycan leap from a childs arms or trip up a child causing injury to both.

    One cannot expect a child to understand that a puppy is a fragile livingbeing; to a youngster he is like his stuffed dog. A young child couldunknowingly cause serious injury to a small puppy

    9. What to feed your puppy.Puppies should be fed three times a dayuntil they are three months old. They should be then fed two times a dayfor the rest of their lives. If you are feeding a dry kibble you can soak thekibble in water to soften it for younger puppies. By the time they arethree to four months old they should be eating the kibble dry or with alittle canned food mixed in it.

    Feed your puppy the same brand of dog food that the puppy ate whilewith the breeder. Introduce any new foods gradually, mixed with the old.Having the same food to eat in a new home will help your Maltese puppyfeel "at home " until the puppy gets used to everything.Do not give your puppy fresh milk. If you have problems getting yourpuppy to eat you may consider adding a little cottage cheese or somebaby food meats to his kibble.It is important that you check your puppy's rectum daily as stool can getstuck in their hair and prevent them from having a good bowelmovement. This can cause serious problems and be very painful.Trimming the hair around the rectum can help prevent this.

    10.Create a Puppy Area.Decide where to put the puppy's crate, andhave it set up and ready for his arrival. The place to keep the crate willdepend on what's most convenient for you as well as the puppy'sresponse. Many puppies don't like to be isolated in one part of the housewhile their family is in another but some puppies won't settled down intheir crates if there's too much activity going on around them. You willhave to experiment with different locations until you zero in on whatworks best for both you and the puppy.

    11.Housebreaking your puppy.Draw up a schedule for your puppy. He

    should be taken to his outside relief spot last thing at night and firstthing in the morning, as well as after meals and naps, and that heshould be praised when he does his job.Don't use newspaper to papertrain; use the ready-made "puppy pads" from the local pet store. Theydon't smell like newspaper and have a special "puppy scent" that tells thepuppy that this is the place to go. If you use newspapers, the smell ofprinters ink will signal the need to mark the place, and you will find your

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    morning newspaper or magazines left in the puppy's territory dulymarked even after the puppy knows it is supposed to "go" outside.Take your Maltese out every 2 hours to the "potty" area, whether it haseaten or not. Don't play with the puppy until he relieves himself. If hedoesn't urinate and defecate within 10 minutes, bring him inside and

    place him in his crate for 10-15 minutes, then try again. Continue thisroutine until he is successful, and then praise him.Many Maltese owners live in apartments and have found that they preferto train their puppies to the disposable pads such as those used inhospitals, which have a plastic backing. Puppy's train well to these padsand many use these for their entire life.

    In a Nutshell:

    1. Remember that young puppies do not have much control. Helpyour puppy by understanding its needs, establishing a

    feeding/watering/walking schedule, and learning to observe andcorrectly interpret its behavior.

    2. Do not free-feed your puppy. Feed your puppy according to aschedule, depending on its age, and remove leftover food until thenext scheduled feeding time. Take the puppy outdoors to relieveitself after each feeding time.

    3. When it is time for a trip outdoors, put the leash on the puppy andlead it to the door (using the same door each and every time), whileusing a phrase such as, "Do you want to go outside?" Use thesame phrase, in the same tone of voice, each time. Your pup willsoon begin to respond to the phrase.

    4. Select the place outdoors where you want your puppy to eliminate.Take your puppy, on leash, to your selected location and standthere until you get the results you want, and then praise thepuppy. While the puppy is sniffing you may tell him/her to "gopotty", again in the same tone each time. If you want to take yourpuppy for a walk, do it immediately after a successfulhousebreaking trip.

    5. Keep the same schedule every day of the week, even if you workduring the week and are off on the weekends. It's not fair to walkyour pup early in the morning for the five days and then expect itto wait several hours later on weekends.

    6. Limit your puppy's area. Use a crate, a leash (even indoors--itreally helps!), close doors, installing baby gates, or whatevercombination of methods you think will work for you, but keep thepuppy confined or within your sight every minute.

    7.Take your puppy outside after every feeding, after it wakes up fromsleep, after (or during) play, and any other time it starts sniffingand/or acting restless. Watching its behavior is extremelyimportant and understanding what it is doing is critical.

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    8. Go outdoors with your puppy each time, even if your yard isfenced. It is important to praise your puppy for relieving itself inthe spot you have chosen, and you can't do that if you are inside.

    9. Be on time for meals/water/walks, even if you have to enlist theassistance of a friend, neighbor, or relative.

    10. Your puppy will attempt to return to the same spot everytime, so if you are vigilant at first and prevent accidents, yourpuppy will soon begin to "ask" to go out.

    11. If your puppy has had an accident, use vinegar and water toclean the spot, then keep the puppy away from that spot.

    12. If you change your puppy's diet, do not change it abruptly,as this may cause diarrhea.

    13. Gradually extend the time between meals/walks. Don'tabruptly go from every three hours to every six hours. On theother hand, don't get "stuck" in a three-hour schedule for too long.Your dog will become so accustomed to it that it may be nearly

    impossible to extend the time. Learn to watch your dog forindications that it may be ready to wait a little longer, and then doit.

    Never rub your puppy's nose in the mess it may create.

    12. Socializing Your Puppy.Socialization is a very important part of

    your puppy's development. Spend lots of time training, playing andloving your puppy. This will create a wonderful bond between you andthe puppy.Decide what rules you want obeyed, and stick to them from day one.Inconsistent rules do not work. If you don't want your Maltese to begwhile you eat, never feed it from the kitchen or dining room table, andnever feed it soon after you eat. By feeding your Maltese before you eat,feeding it in a place away from where you eat, and requiring it to remainaway from the table while you eat, your puppy will become a polite dog. Ifyou allow the puppy to jump up on people when it is small, it will do thesame when it is an adult. Decide on what rules you want the adult dog to

    obey in your house and apply them to your puppy now.Exposure to new environments, situations, people and animals is all partof the socialization process. If your dog has had limited exposure to theoutside world start slowly, keeping in mind that it may be stressful foryour dog. Gradually add distractions and new locations. Socialization islike any other part of training, building on small successes to make thefoundation strong. Reward your Maltese when he exhibits relaxed

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    behavior, by using treats, praises, petting or play. Make a list of all theplaces you can take your dog and start taking him or her.

    14. Dont punish your puppy for mistakes.Once you're fairly confidentthat the puppy understands where to relieve himself, scold him for

    mistakes, but don't spank, scream, or push his nose in the mess. Thespot should be cleaned up, preferably with an enzyme odor eliminator. Ifthe odor is left untended, the dog will find it again, even if people cannotdetect any smell. If a puppy reaches four or five months of age and is stillhaving regular accidents in the house, make sure he does not have abladder infection, intestinal parasites, or other medical reason for hisfailure to signal that he needs to go outside.Then redouble the efforts toteach him what you want him to know.

    If your puppy must be left alone during the day, turn on talk radio inyour bedroom and close the door so your puppy can hear human voices.

    Or, turn the TV on to a news channel. Make the training sessions shortand fun. Puppies learn better when they don't have to learn too much atonce.

    15. Work out a schedule.Work out a schedule for your puppy.Housetraining is much easier when the puppy's meals, exercise andplaytimes are on a regular schedule throughout the day. Plan yourhousebreaking schedule and create a game plan before the puppyarrives. Many people like to bring their puppy home on a weekend inorder to devote extra time to settling in and housebreaking.

    16. Growing up.Maltese breeders usually use the weighing scales atabout 10 - 12 weeks, to gauge the size of a Maltese when they becomeadults. Double the weight is the catchword. A female will be slightlysmaller and a male perhaps slightly larger. For example, if your femalepuppy weighs 2 1/4 pounds at around 3 months of age (the age youbought your puppy from the breeder) you can expect her to weightaround 4 - 4 1/2 pounds as an adult. A male puppy that weighs 2 3/4pounds at 3 months will probably mature out to around 6 pounds. Bothof these puppies would be well within the standard for the Maltese breed.

    The first weeks your Maltese is with you will be busy and demanding.There may be times when you wonder if getting a puppy was such a goodidea. Things will get better if you have patience and keep your sense ofhumor. Remember that puppy hood only happens once. The extra effortyou put into it now will pay off in the future.

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    Chapter 3All About Grooming

    Regular grooming is an important part of keeping your dog healthy.There are four major areas to focus on: coat, teeth, nails, and ears. Whilethis care requires effort, it will pay off, because your dog will stayhealthy. It is important to start these activities as early as possible -preferably at the puppy stage itself - to get your dog accustomed to andcomfortable with these activities.

    Regular grooming does more than keep your pet looking at its very best.As you groom your pet, you will become familiar with its distinctive

    characteristics. By learning what is normal for your pet, you will be ableto observe changes in its appearance that may be warning signs ofpotential health problems. If diagnosed and treated early, minorproblems can usually be prevented from developing into major ones.

    Ears:You should check your Maltese ears on a weekly basis. This isespecially important because your Maltese is a drop-eared dog withexcessive hair in their ears. Regular ear checks are also important forMaltese that are bathed regularly.

    Indications of ear problems are sensitivity to touch, heavy wax buildup,

    debris, inflammation, strong odor, shaking or scratching the ears ortilting the head to the side. These are conditions that require a visit toyour veterinarian. Maltese dogs are susceptible to bacterial and fungusinfections.

    Your Maltese will get excessive hair in and around the ear canal. Youshould have the hair removed to allow the air to circulate. This can be

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    done when a dog is professionally groomed, or it can also be done athome.

    To remove the hair, sprinkle baking soda on your fingers (be careful notto get it in the ear canal!) or use ear powder, available at pet supply

    stores. If you use ear powder, sprinkle a small amount on the ear canalmaking sure to cover the ear hair. Holding the earflap up with one hand,use your fingers to gently pluck out the hairs growing in the ear canal.Most Maltese will not mind this because it does not hurt. Don't pull anyhairs on the inside of the earflap.

    If your Maltese ears are clean, without excess wax and not oversensitiveto touch, you do not need to clean them.

    Dirty ears or ears filled with a waxy, dark substance may be anindication of ear mites. Use cotton balls(never use Q-tips which can

    push material even further into the ear!) dampened with mineral oil,hydrogen peroxide or ear cleaner for dogs. Holding the earflap in onehand, wipe the inner surface of the ear as far down as you can reach. Begentle but thorough, changing the cotton when it is soiled.

    Toes: Maltese toenails grow like humans. The ends of the toenails aredead tissue and the quick of the nail contains blood supply. The idea isto trim off as much of the dead tissue without cutting the sensitive livetissue.

    Sometimes dogs will file their nails just by running on concrete. But

    most dogs should have them clipped every two or three weeks. Nails thatare too long can scratch your bare skin, distort the way your Maltesestands and even interfere with his/her gait.

    If you accustom your puppy to having his nails clipped regularly, youwon't have problems when he becomes an adult. Teach him to sit and tohand you his paw while you clip each nail. Adult dogs that are unused tohaving their feet handled may wiggle too much and you risk painfullyclipping the quick. For some adult dogs, however, it is better to make anail clipping appointment with your vet or dog groomer.

    Clip your Maltese nails under good lighting. Most Maltese nails are whiteor light colored, and the darker area of the quick is unmistakable. Afteryou clip them, filing the nails with a human or dog nail file helps tosmoothen the sharp edges.

    If your puppy is very young, for example 6-8 weeks, it is important to clipthe nails every week - preferably after a bath, when the nails are soft.

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    Trimming the hair from between the toes should be done at least everyother week.

    A young pup especially, must have good solid footing for the musculatureand bones to grow, knit, and mature properly. A dog with untrimmed

    nails and hair growing so thick between its toes that it is slips or slides(especially on hard flooring) must overcompensate with exaggeratedmovements in order to maintain its balance and move itself around. Byignoring this simple and quick grooming regimen you may cause yourpup to develop an unnaturally poor movement in its front as well as tocause the toe pads to become "splayed" prematurely.

    Teeth: Your Maltese should have its teeth brushed each day, especiallyolder dogs, which are more likely to have plaque buildup. Do not usetoothpaste made for humans as it may contain ingredients that cancause your Maltese to have an upset stomach. All good pet supply stores

    sell toothpaste made for dogs. Puppies are open to new experiences, sothey are more likely to accept brushing than older dogs and will continueto do so into their adult lives. To start your Maltese puppy out, rub itsteeth and gums with your finger for a few days. Adding some soft dogfood to your finger may help to make the experience more pleasant. Aftera few days, switch to a small amount of toothpaste on your finger andcontinue to rub. The next step is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If thepuppy rejects this, add the soft dog food to the brush and later switch tothe canine toothpaste. Brush the teeth and gums gently. A circularmotion is most effective, but brushing back and forth is easier.

    Coat:. A good bathing schedule for a Maltese would be to bathe it every 7

    to 10 days. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner. Beforebeginning the bath, brush and comb your Maltese thoroughly toeliminate dead hair, knots and mats. Keep everything you need ready-the towels, shampoo, conditioner etc. before you put your puppy in thetub. Clean your puppy's ears if necessary and place a small ball of cottonin the ears to soak up any water accidentally entering the ear canal (acommon cause of infection). Place a rubber mat or towel on the bottom ofthe sink or bathtub. A hand-held rubber spray attached to your faucetcan make things much easier.

    Apply dabs of shampoo to the back, each leg and under the tail of yourpuppy. Work up a good lather down to the skin, proceeding from back tofront. Take special care to clean the anal area and paw pads. Rinse thecoat thoroughly and shampoo again. Rinse again. Wash your puppy'sface with a washcloth. If you are not using a no tears shampoo, takecare that it does not enter the eyes. Tip the head up to rinse. Rinse everypart of your puppy's body until all traces of soap are gone and the waterruns perfectly clear

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    At this point, you may add a conditioner. Allow it to stay in the coat forthe time recommended by the manufacturer and then rinse it from thecoat. When the bath is finished, squeeze all the excess water from theears, legs, and tail before removing the dog from the tub. When towel

    drying your Maltese, squeeze or blot the coat with the towel to remove asmuch moisture as possible. Do not rub the coat with the towel as thiscan cause tangling and mats.

    Maltese coats need good brushing to stay healthy. Unless the hair is keptvery short, regular brushing is required to prevent snarl-ups. And thebrushing must be done gently to prevent damage and hair loss. Brushingneeds can vary considerably depending upon length, texture andcondition of the hair, as well as the dog's behavior and environment.Inexperienced or new Maltese brushers would do well to start with ashort, strong, healthy coat and grow in brushing expertise along with the

    hair. The most important time to brush a Maltese is after his bath, whenhe is just damp out of the towel. Snarls are most likely to give up to thebrush when they are washed, rinsed with conditioner and oil, and not yetdry.

    In a Nutshell:

    1. If you want your Maltese, in full coat, you should brush himthoroughly at least every other day. A metal pin brush with smooth

    rounded bristles and close tooth metal comb or a detangle comb shouldbe used. Brush and comb clear to the skin to remove and prevent mats.

    2. Nail clippers will be needed to keep toenails trim. Consult your vet orgroomer for advice.

    3.The hair around the anus should be inspected daily for any debris, andcleaned as necessary. Some people prefer to keep this area trimmed toavoid complications.

    4. Follow a consistent routine and be very patient when grooming. In

    time you can teach your puppy to lie on its back and stand whilegrooming.

    5. Brush your puppys teeth each time you bathe it. A good dental carekit can be purchased from your local pet supply dealer.

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    6. Bathe once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the coat length and howmuch time your Maltese spends outside. Whitening shampoo and a goodconditioner are recommended.

    7. A good finishing spray will help to keep the coat lubricated and

    manageable.

    8. Snipe off the hair on the bottom of the feet.

    9. The hair growing inside the ears should be plucked out carefully.

    10. Although it's impossible to completely eliminate tearing whilepuppies are going through the teething stages it is important to keeppuppy's face clean and as dry as possible to help reduce tear staining.Most Maltese pet owners prefer to keep the hair clipped, to ensure that itdoes not brush against the eyes. This will help to cut down on tearing.

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    Chapter 4

    Feeding Your Maltese

    Feeding Facts To Remember:

    * Vitamin and mineral supplements are unnecessary unless yourveterinarian recommends them

    * Feeding your Maltese dry food will help to reduce tartar build-up.Tartar starts with a soft deposit called plaque. Hard food helps to scrape

    away the plaque before it turns to tartar. If you feed your dog, cannedfoods, biscuits or hard chew toys, it will help to reduce plaque. YourMaltese should have its teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once ayear.

    *The desire for a variety of foods is an acquired habit. Scientific studiesshow that pets are happy to eat the same food day after day. YourMaltese will be happy if you consistently give him a correct diet

    * There are many factors that make a dog bloat. It could be dietary.Perhaps not! Poor digestible diets, especially if fed in large quantity at a

    time can stretch the tissues supporting the stomach, (which could allowtwisting to occur). Diets containing excessive amounts of calcium maylead to changes in the stomach that may result in a bloat. There areways to prevent bloat -* Feeding a balanced, digestible diet without calcium supplements.* Dividing the amount of food given per day into several meals.* Minimizing excitement and activity before and after a meal.

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    * Different pets have different nutritional needs. The more closely youmeet these needs with the diet, the better the chance of maintaining yourMaltese's health. It is important you feed your dog with a diet having thecorrect amount, of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

    Your veterinarian will help you to determine your pet's nutritional needs.

    What should you know about Pet Foods: If you step into a pet foodstore, you see before a mind boggling range of food items- cans, bags,boxes -all attractively packaged and displayed, waiting to catch your

    attention. Many products sport tags- adult formula, natural,premium, and gourmet. So which one is right for your Maltese?

    U.S. consumers spend more than $11 billion a year on cat and dog food,according to the Pet Food Institute. And pet food manufacturers competefor consumers dollars by trying to make their products stand out amongthe many types of dry, moist, and semi-moist foods available.

    Pet foods, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration'sCenter for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), must carry certain information ontheir labels. Consumers can be confident that their pets are eating anutritionally sound food if they understand the full significance of theselabels.So, how do you zero in on the right food for your dog? You can study thethree parts of the pet food label: the life stage claim, the contactinformation of the manufacturer, and the list of ingredients used in thefood. Pet owners should look for the word "feeding" in the life stage claim(found in the nutritional adequacy statement on the label). This meansthe food was proven nutritionally adequate in animal feed tests.Another item to check on the label is the contact information. Pet ownersshould look for the manufacturer's telephone number. Actually, only themanufacturer's name and address are required, but how can people callmanufacturers to ask questions about their products, if there is notelephone number?The ingredients list on the label is an area of consumer preference andsubjectivity. Pet owners who do or do not want to feed a pet a certainingredient can look at the list of ingredients to make sure that particularsubstance is included or excluded.

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    Is it safe and nutritious:No matter what choice they make, consumerscan take comfort in knowing that pet food is manufactured under aseries of standards and regulations. These regulations require somenutrients and additives, disallow others, and stipulate that certaininformation must be on the label. The labels of packages and cans of

    commercial dog food must list five pieces of information: guaranteedanalysis, nutritional adequacy statement, ingredients, feeding guidelines,and the manufacturer's name and address.

    With the exception of a nutritional adequacy statement, these items mustalso appear on commercial food labels for other pets as well.

    Guaranteed Analysis -The guaranteed analysis specifies the product'sminimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat. It also gives themaximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. ("Crude" refers to a

    specific method of measuring the nutrient, and is not an indication ofquality.) Although not required, some manufacturers also specify thepercentages of other nutrients, such as, calcium and phosphorus in dogfood.

    The amounts of crude protein and most other nutrients appear less forcanned products than for dry ones because of differences in moisturecontent. Canned foods typically contain about 75 percent water, whiledry foods contain only about 10 percent

    Nutritional Adequacy-The nutritional adequacy statement assuresconsumers that a product meets all the nutritional needs of your pet.The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an advisorybody of state and federal feed regulators, develops recommendedstandards for nutrient contents of dog and cat foods. AAFCO alsopublishes ingredient definitions and regulations.The FDA's CVM works in partnership with AAFCO to determine safe petfood ingredients and testing protocols. In addition to federal regulation ofpet food, most state governments regulate pet foods and labeling throughtheir agricultural departments. AAFCO has created a model feed bill thatstates often adopt in their own laws.

    Ingredients-Like human foods, pet foods are regulated under theFederal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and must be pure and wholesomeand contain no harmful substances. They also must be truthfullylabeled. Foods for human or pet consumption do not require FDAapproval before they are marketed, but they must be made with

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    ingredients that are "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) or ingredientsthat are approved food and color additives. If scientific data show that aningredient or additive presents a health risk to animals, CVM canprohibit or modify its use in pet food.

    Dietary Supplements-Just as dietary supplements for people aregrowing in popularity, so are animal food supplements for pets. Manypeople treat their dogs like their own children. They want to give themthe best. The FDA considers animal food supplements that are notapproved nutrients or GRAS to be unapproved food additives orunapproved new animal drugs. As such, they are not permitted in petfood. Nevertheless, consumers will see on some dog food labelsingredients such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which are claimed toalleviate joint stiffness and pain, and St. John's Wort, purported to treatdepression and relieve stress.

    Be careful with leftover food: Some people think that the food they eatis also good for their pets. This is just not true. Some human foods, infact, may be dangerous to pets. Most pet owners simply do not know thatsmall amounts of chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts and bread doughcan be fatal if ingested by a dog

    Feeding Guidelines-Feeding directions on pet food provide only a broadguideline. Nutritional requirements vary according to a pet's age, breed,

    body weight, genetics, amount of activity, and even the climate in whichthe pet lives.Many owners are guilty of overfeeding their pets, and even a "light" foodcan cause weight gain if fed in excess of caloric needs. It's estimated thatabout 25 percent of dogs and cats that enter a pet clinic are overweight.Obesity can shorten a pet's life by contributing to heart and liverproblems, diabetes, arthritis, bladder cancer, and skin disorders and itcan put a pet at higher risk while undergoing anesthesia for surgery. Petowners should consult their veterinarians for the appropriate amountand type of food to give their pets, especially those that are overweight.

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    Chapter 5Health Problems That Could

    Affect Your Maltese

    Dental Problems

    According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80percent of dogs develop gum disease by the age of three years.Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition, affecting dogs,mainly due to thebuild up from plaque and calculus.

    Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth (temporary) and 42 permanent teeth.Deciduous or "milk" teeth begin to appear when a puppy is about fourweeks of age, and fall off gradually between 14 and 30 weeks of age.During this time, puppies may eat slightly less and chew more. Hardrubber or rawhide toys made especially for dogs are ideal to help preventhousehold damage during this time.

    When your Maltese eats- food, bacteria and saliva may accumulate andadhere to the tooth surface, forming a soft plaque. If plaque buildupcontinues, it hardens and turns into tartar, or calculus. If the tarter isnot removed, the gums become inflamed, and develop into a condition

    called gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis leads toperiodontitis- a breakdownof the periodontal tissues.

    Common signs of dental problems in dogs include:

    Loss of appetite Red, swollen and bleeding gums

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    Drooling Blood in the saliva Yellow-brown tartar at the gum line Broken teeth Foul breath

    Dogs sometimes suffer from broken teeth; often a result of biting onsticks or rocks. A cracked or broken tooth can be painful if the nervetissue is exposed; if it becomes infected, there is the danger of theinfection spreading through the bloodstream. Prompt veterinary attentionis recommended.

    Treatment

    Most of these conditions are easily treated. The first step is to take yourMaltese for a veterinary examination. Your veterinarian may offer a fullrange of dental procedures- from tarter removal to root canals, or mayrefer you to a veterinarian who specializes in dental care.

    Cost is a major issue with dental procedures. Basic cleaning can start ataround $50, and orthodontics could push up the price to well above$1000. Part of the high cost is because the dogs must be sedated formost of the procedures.

    Preventing Problems

    To begin with, hold your Maltese puppy; rub its teeth and gums withyour finger for a few days. Adding some soft dog food to your finger tohelp to make the experience more pleasant. After a few days, apply asmall amount of canine toothpaste on your finger and continue to rub.The next step is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the puppy rejectsthis, add the soft dog food to the brush and later switch to the caninetoothpaste. Brush the teeth and gums gently. A circular motion is mosteffective, but brushing back and forth is easier.

    Dogs should have their teeth brushed each day! This is especially

    important for older dogs, which are more likely to have plaque buildup.Diet can also play a role in the health of your dog's teeth. A study hasshown that biscuits could be effective in removing tartar above the gumline. Rawhide products should not be given to your Maltese as they couldeasily choke on it if they decided to swallow it.

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    Ear Mites

    This is a common problem that dogs experience. Here are some of theearly warning signals to look out for:

    excessive and persistent scratching around the ears shaking the head often restless behavior; the ears are painful to the touch and the pet may yelp in pain; brown material present in the ears; a foul-smelling odor.

    The ear mites are tiny parasites that live on the surface of the skin lining,in the ear canal. They pierce the skin surface to feed, causinginflammation and discomfort. If left untreated, bacterial infections maytake place leading to loss of hearing.

    Puppies can acquire an ear mite infection from their mother. Ear mitescan be transmitted from one household pet to another. If ear mites arepresent in a multiple-pet household or a kennel or cattery, it is likelythat if one animal is treated, the mites will move to another resident. Thebest preventive measure is to treat all residents for mites.Dogs with long, floppy ears are more prone to ear mite infections. Airmovement is restricted, promoting infection and bacterial growth. Whena dog shakes its head excessively, blood vessels may rupture and softswellings form on the earflap. This condition is called Hematoma andimmediate treatment is needed to avoid pain to the dog and possible ear

    deformity.

    Ear mite infestation is often found where flea infestation, ringworm, andviral infections are present. Stress in on multiple-animal environments,such as kennels and catteries, is associated with this disease.Maintaining strict sanitation procedures and avoiding overcrowdedconditions are essential.

    Fleas & Ticks

    Fleas and ticks can make your puppy or dog miserable. The symptomsoften include a lot of scratching, red skin and inflamed areas. Flea salivairritates a dog's skin, causing him to scratch, bite and chew - which canlead to infection.

    Fleabites vary in effect from short-lived itching welts to an overall rash,which may last over a year, depending on the sensitivity of the victim.

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    Commonly, a small red spot appears where the skin has been pierced.Fleas are the intermediate hosts of the dog tapeworm larvae. The fleairritation causes the dog to bite the flea. Ingestion will cause thetapeworm larvae to migrate through the dogs blood system to theintestine where it will reside.

    Tickscan cause a variety of problems. For instance, depending on thenumber of ticks, the size and age of the animal as well as its overallhealth. Ticks can draw enough blood to seriously deplete a pet. Thisblood loss may result in poor hair coat, weight loss, poor performance oreven death.

    Prevention

    Indoors- wash or vacuum all pet bedding and sleeping areas on aregular basis. Cracks and crevices should be vacuumed and sealed,especially the area between the baseboard and floor. Dispose of vacuumcleaner bags to prevent reinfestation. Pets should be given bathsregularly and treated with insecticides if necessary.Pet bedding should be periodically checked for flea eggs and dried-bloodfeces (frass) of adult fleas. This has been described as "salt and pepper"because it looks like small flecks of black and white debris.

    In places with cold winters, fleas and ticks are a seasonal problem- mostsevere in the summer and fall. In some warm states, it's a year-roundbattle.

    If you want to control fleas, you have to treat your dog and itsenvironment.

    Treatment in a nutshell

    Treating your dog: Powders, sprays, shampoos and dips are your

    best weapons. Be careful, though. Read and follow labelinstructions.

    Flea collars provide some control. However, some dogs are allergicto them.

    Treating the inside of your house: Thorough cleaning andvacuuming may do the trick. However, it might also take spraysand foggers.

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    Treating the outside: Sprays and foggers.

    Always check with your vet first. Combinations of more than one flea ortick treatment can sometimes be harmful to your dog.

    Heartworm prevention:

    This is a mosquito-transmitted disease and can be fatal to your dog. Thebetter course is prevention. Getting rid of heartworms once a dog hasbecome infected takes a lot of strong drugs and even hospitalization.

    Start with an annual test to see if your dog is already carrying thesedeadly worms. This test involves having a blood sample taken andanalyzed.

    If the test is negative, your veterinarian will recommend a preventiveheartworm medication. This may be given either once a month or daily.These medications keep heartworms from maturing. Some veterinariansrecommend giving your dog the medication year-round, but it shoulddefinitely be given during the months when mosquitoes are active

    Obesity

    Obesity is the number one nutritional disorder among dogs. Studies

    suggest that approximately 25 percent of the dogs examined byveterinary clinics are overweight. This extra weight puts pets at risk forcertain health problems involving cardiovascular, respiratory andskeletal systems. Knowing how to recognize the signs of obesity and takecorrective action is important. But more important is to ensure that yourdog does not put on weight in the first place.

    The causes of obesity generally fall into three categories:

    Diet

    Obesity is more normally attributed to inappropriate feeding andexercising of the pet. The weight gain is a result of eating more caloriesthan the pet uses. When calorie intake equals calorie expenditure, theanimal will maintain its body weight. If intake exceeds output, theanimal will gain weight. As a result, there are two ways to bring down theanimal's weight. The first is to feed fewer calories and the second is toincrease the amount of exercise the pet gets.

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    Genetic Predisposition

    Certain breeds seem to be more susceptible to obesity than others. Whilesome breeds of dog may gain more weight easily, it does not mean thatan animal must become overweight. Maintaining a healthy body weightrequires careful attention to the amount of food and exercise the pet

    receives.

    Hormonal Disorders

    Diseases, which affect the hormone balance in pets, may contribute tothe development of obesity. These include thyroid or pituitary glanddysfunction.

    Castration and spaying also alter the hormonal balance of pets,sometimes causing reduced activity and changes in metabolism.

    Weight Control Guidelines

    1Reduce or eliminate snacks and treats. These are often high in calories,which adds to the dogs body weight.

    2Reduce the quantum of the regular pet food. By measuring the amountof food. And ensuring that the serving size does not increase

    3Increase the amount of exercise the pet receives. By walking it moretimes or increasing its playtime

    4Consider switching to a low-calorie pet food. These products are low infat and high in fiber

    5Consult a veterinarian before beginning any weight reduction program.Besides, weigh your pet periodically to track progress.

    Maltese dogs-Liver Shunts

    Under normal circumstances, blood passes through the liver to bedetoxified. When one eats, many by-products of digestion are formed inthe blood -- some of these by-products are beneficial, but some are not.Amongst the liver's many functions is its role in detoxifying the blood ofthe bad by-products -- excess bile acids, ammonia, and other

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    substances. In Portosystemic Shunt, the blood that would normally go tothe liver to be detoxified bypasses the liver. Toxins build up in the bloodand affect the brain, which leads to changes in behavior and severelethargy, depression, and weakness. Seizures often occur as well.Portosystemic shunts are a congenital problem that can be seen in some

    Maltese

    What are the symptoms?

    There can be a lot of variation of clinical signs depending of the severityof the condition, which could depend on how much blood flow is divertedpast the liver. Signs of Portosystemic Shunts include poor weight gain,sensitivity to sedatives (especially diazepam), depression, head pressing(pushing the head against a solid object), seizures, weakness, salivation,vomiting, poor appetite, increased drinking and urinating, balance

    problems and frequent urinary tract disease or early onset of bladderstones. If the signs of problems increase dramatically after eating this isa strong supportive sign of a Portosystemic Shunt.

    In a nutshell, some of the clinical signs of Portosystemic shunts include:

    Failure for a puppy to grow Poor weight gain Depression, listlessness, apathy Weakness Seizures

    Salivation, drooling Vomiting Poor appetite Balance problems Bladder stones Blindness

    How is Liver Shunt diagnosed?

    There are a number of possible abnormalities that might point towards aPortosystemic shunt. These can be determined by conducting tests given

    below:

    Routine Lab workRadiographyRadioisotopeUltrasound

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    How is it treated?

    Surgery appears to be the only cure for Portosystemic shunts at thistime.

    White Shaker Dog Syndrome

    White Shaker Dog Syndrome is characterized by generalized tremoroccurring in young, predominantly small dogs. Because this syndromewas initially observed in large numbers of dogs with white coats, thename White Shaker Dog Syndrome was coined. Maltese and WestHighland White Terriers are commonly affected.

    What is shaker dog syndrome?

    This disorder develops suddenly in young adult, primarily small whitedogs, causing a diffuse tremor of the entire body. The cause is unknownalthough there is speculation that there may be a generalizedneurotransmitter deficiency due to an autoimmune reaction.

    What are the symptoms?

    This disorder usually develops suddenly in young adult dogs (6 monthsto 3 years of age). The signs become progressively worse over 1 to 3 daysand then remain the same until treatment begins. There is an all-overtremor that can range from mild to so severe. The dog may also havedifficulty in walking. This is called an intention tremor; meaning that it isworse when the animal is excited or trys to perform a specific action(such as eat, walk towards an object, etc). The tremor decreases ordisappears when the dog is relaxed or at rest. Commonly there are rapid,random eye movements as well.

    The condition is not painful and your dog's personality is unaffected.Treatment is generally effective; some dogs require medication for life tocontrol the tremors.

    How is it Diagnosed?

    Your veterinarian will diagnose this condition based on the clinical signsand the fact that tests for other possible causes of these signs show no

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    abnormalities. For the veterinarian: Intention tremors may be mild tosevere, affecting all 4 limbs and the head.

    How is it treated?

    Most dogs recover completely with early treatment with Corticosteroidsand/or Benzodiazepines. Your veterinarian will start your dog at arelatively high dose, which is gradually decreased over several weeks.Clinical signs usually begin to improve within a few days of starting thetreatment, but if treatment is stopped too early, the signs usually return.Some dogs may have to remain on a low dosage on alternate days for life,so as to remain free of signs of the disorder.

    Many dogs, after being treated for three to six months withCorticosteroids, may be normal and may not require additionaltreatment. Some dogs may require low doses of Corticosteroids every

    other day to keep clinical signs under control. Overall, the disease israrely fatal.

    Collapsing Trachea

    The trachea (windpipe) is composed of 35-45 C-shaped rings of cartilagethat are joined by muscle and ligaments to create a tube-like structure.Certain conditions can result in the trachea's losing its tube-like shapeso that it collapses. When it collapses, air can no longer move freelythrough it. Then the animal breathes with difficulty and exhibits ahonking cough.

    Causes include trauma to the windpipe, nerve damage, inheritedtracheal weakness, degeneration of cartilage and abnormal airflow in andout of the lungs. This condition is commonly found in small breeds ofdogs including Maltese. Except for the congenital forms of trachealcollapse, most cases occur in middle-aged or older, overweight, small-breed dogs.

    Why does it happen?

    Most experts do not completely understand how this condition develops.However, they know that these dogs have an abnormality in the chemicalmakeup of their tracheal rings. They also know that it occurs in certainbreeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa

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    Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Maltese. Because of this fact, they suspect thatthere is a genetic factor involved.

    What are the clinical signs?

    The most common clinical sign is a chronic cough. It is often described as dryand harsh and can become quite pronounced. Coughing is often worse in thedaytime and much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement,pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating.

    Can it be treated?

    Collapsed trachea can be treated medically or surgically. Some Malteserespond well to Bronchodilators and various types of anti-inflammatorydrugs. The trachea of these dogs is easily infected, so antibiotics areusually part of the treatment. If obesity is present, weight loss is often

    beneficial. Excitement and vigorous exercise are likely to cause a relapse,so they should be avoided as much as possible.

    Some Maltese may respond well to the medical approach, while others donot. If medical therapy is not successful, the Maltese should be evaluatedfor possible surgery. Radiographs and Endoscopy are used to determinehow much of the trachea is collapsed. If the only abnormal part is thatsegment between the throat and the point where the trachea enters thechest (the thoracic inlet), surgery may be curative. However, if thesegment of the trachea that is within the chest cavity is abnormal,surgery is not likely to be helpful because that part is not accessible to

    the surgeon.

    Giving a Bronchodilator regularly, reducing weight in obese dogs, andmaintaining a low-stress environment works well for many Maltese dogswith uncomplicated "collapsing tracheas." If your Maltese has no otherheart or lung problems and is not obese, and if your veterinarianconcurs, you could try a Bronchodilator such as Aminophylline ortheophylline.

    Canine Cough Syndrome

    Canine Cough Syndrome (also called Infectious Tracheobronchitis orKennel. Cough) is a highly contagious, respiratory disease of dogs.It is caused by certain viruses and bacteria the prominent one being abacteria -Bordetella bronchiseptica.

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    Many people think that this cough is picked up, only from the kennels.But this is incorrect. Your Maltese can pick up the disease from anyplace where there are many dogs. Besides, they can also get it fromexposure to just a single infected animal. Kennel cough often occursfollowing exposure at these most likely places:

    1. A kennel2. Your groomers3. A show4. Veterinarians or clinic5. Congregation of other dogs

    The Symptoms

    A dry, hacking cough is the most common sign. For example, simplywalking the dog on a leash may cause a sudden fit of coughing. Ownersmay suspect that the dog has something caught in its throat, or that it istrying to vomit.Sometimes the coughing can lead to nausea. Fever, malaise, and loss ofappetite, are uncommon.Most cases of canine kennel cough will resolve in 10 days to 3 weeks, butowners can make their dogs more comfortable by minimizing thecoughing with a cough suppressant obtained from their veterinarian. The

    dog should definitely be seen by the veterinarian if the disease persistslonger than 2 weeks or the animal begins to show systemic signs- actsdepressed, has a fever, has lost its appetite, is not drinking as muchwater as normal, or is looking sick.Generally, 7 to 10 days is required after exposure to an infected animalbefore a dog develops the characteristic cough.

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    Physical exam, history, and appropriate lab tests are used to diagnosethis problem.

    Treatment consists of medications to reduce secondary bacterialinfection (antibiotics), medications to reduce inflammation, andmedications to suppress the cough.

    Vaccination does not offer 100% protection

    Its true that the regular Distemper/Parvo 7-way vaccination does protectagainst two of the viruses that can cause Canine Cough (Parainfluenza

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    virus and Adenovirus type II) but it does not give protection againstBordetella Bronchiseptica which is the most threatening of the infectiousagents which cause Canine Cough.An intranasal vaccination (squirt required dosage up each nostril) is usedto protect against Bordetella or your veterinarian may prefer the

    injectable vaccine.

    Tear Stains

    Causes

    If your Maltese sheds tears or if his eyes water, it could cause a stain,that is distinctive, especially because of his pure white coat. The tearingcould be due to many reasons- such as eye infections, blocked tearducts, diet, allergies, teething, fleas, genetics, ear infections, mites, illhealth, and low-grade eye infection. First check the obvious, and then athorough examination by your vet should determine how to proceed.Finding out the cause is your number one step to cure. Until you curethe problem, you will not get rid of the stain.

    In many cases, the primary reason for tearing is ears. For example livingin Florida where it is very humid, many dogs are prone to yeastinfections in their ears. Once this problem is cured, you can successfullyclear up their tearing. However this may not be the case for all dogs!

    Teething can be a major cause. Hair is another important factor andcare must be given to keep the hair out of the eyes. If the hair constantlybrushes against the eyes, it can cause infections and major irritations.

    Here are some ways to minimize tear staining* Wash the face daily, especially the stained area with a mild shampoo.

    Be careful not get the shampoo into the eyes. A soft bristle toothbrushworks well for this. Rinse well. Eye cleansing pads are very convenientand would work well for daily cleansing also. After cleansing, apply atearstain product such as Tearclear, or Diamond Eye. Follow themanufacturers instructions. Be careful not to get the product into theeyes.

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    * Try bottled water; many wells or local water supplies have a lot ofminerals in them, which can cause discoloration.

    * Make sure your food is of high quality and free of colors and dyes.

    * Ask the vet about allergies. This could be a very likely cause ofexcessive tearing, especially if you notice an increased problem duringpeak allergy seasons. Note: If you smoke around yourMaltese, this isanother likely cause of allergic reactions and eye irritation.

    * Control fleas. Fleas can be a major source of staining.

    * Have your vet check for ear mites. This tiny parasite can cause stainingas well as terrible discomfort to your Maltese.

    * Try a daily cleaning/removal product.

    Tearstain removal is possible, however every attempt to find a permanentsolution otherwise it will only reappear.

    Possible remedies

    One is just to wash the face everyday and allow it to go out naturally.Another is to use a simple procedure but this again takes a little timeand last is to bleach. Care must be taken in using these products or any

    other chemical solutions to ensure that it does not get into the dog'seyes. It is important to remember that when attempting to removing tearstaining you my also be damaging the hair.

    If you wash the dogs face each day, there are many products in themarket that will help. Check your local pet market or perhaps yourgroomer/Vet can recommend an effective but safe product. A little fastermethod is called the MOM solution. MOM is a mixture of equal parts ofMilk of Magnesia, peroxide 20-40 % in volume and enough cornstarch tomake a paste. Put this mixture on and leave overnight. The next day,wash out with a gentle shampoo and condition well. This mixture is very

    dry and will break the hair if you do not condition well. Repeat thisprocedure several times over the course of a couple of weeks to eliminatethe stain.

    Last is bleaching. This is not recommend unless you are very familiarwith hair products. Extreme caution must be used to ensure that you donot get the bleach into dogs eyes. The fumes may also cause the dog to

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    vomit and foam at the mouth. Permanent damage could occur ifprecautions are not taken, so it may be best to avoid this procedure

    Internal Parasites

    Dogs are victims of several internal parasites commonly referred to asworms. The most common ones are the roundworms that infest mostpuppies at some time in their young lives and tapeworms. Evidence ofroundworms and tapeworms can be seen without the aid of amicroscope, but other worms are not so easily diagnosed. Occasionallyadult whipworms can be seen in the stool when the infestation hasalready caused some debilitation or weight loss in the dog.Early diagnosis of the presence and species of intestinal parasite isimportant, for not all worms respond to the same treatment. Stoolsamples should be taken to the veterinarian for microscopic examination

    if worms are suspected. Many veterinarians include the stool check aspart of the annual health examination.Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhea,perhaps with blood in the stool; weight loss; dry hair; general poorappearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the Vomitus.

    The tapewormis transmitted to dogs, which ingests fleas or which eatswildlife infested with tapeworms or fleas. The dog passes out segments ofthe tapeworm containing the eggs in its feces. These segments are flatand move about shortly after excretion. They look like grains of rice when

    dried and can be found either in the dog's stool or stuck to the hairaround his anus. The typical over-the-counter wormer cannot killtapeworms; see the veterinarian for appropriate treatment.

    Roundwormsare active in the intestines of puppies. They often cause apot-bellied appearance and poor growth. The worms may be seen invomit or stool; a severe infestation can cause death by intestinalblockage. This worm can grow to seven inches in length. Females canproduce 200 thousand eggs in a day, eggs that are protected by a hardshell and can exist in the soil for years. Dogs become infected byingesting worm eggs from contaminated soil. The eggs hatch in the

    intestine and the resulting larva are carried in the bloodstream to thelungs. The larva then crawls up the windpipe and gets swallowed, oftencausing the pup to cough or gag. Although roundworms can be treatedwith an over-the-counter dewormer found in pet stores, a veterinarian isthe best source of information and medication to deal with intestinalparasites

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    Hookworms are small, thin worms that fasten to the wall of the smallintestine and suck blood. Dogs get hookworm if they come in contactwith the larvae in contaminated soil. As with roundworms, the hookwormlarvae become adults in the intestine. The pups can contract hookwormsin the uterus and the dam can infest the pups through her milk. A severe

    hookworm infestation can kill puppies. When it does occur, the signsinclude diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and progressive weakness.Examining the feces for eggs under a microscope makes diagnosis..

    Adult whipwormslook like pieces of thread with one end enlarged. Theylive in the Cecum, the first section of the dog's large intestine.Infestations are usually light, so an examination of feces may not revealthe presence of eggs. Several checks may be necessary before a definitivediagnosis can be made

    Prevention- Several worms that infect and re-infect dogs can also infecthumans, so treatment and eradication of the worms in the environmentare important. Remove dog feces from back yards at least weekly, useappropriate vermicides under veterinary supervision, and have the dog'sfeces checked frequently in persistent cases. When walking your Maltesein a neighborhood or park, remove all feces so that the dog does notcontribute to contamination of soil away from home as well.

    Allergies

    When a pet scratches, bites or chews excessively, chances are it is

    suffering from an allergy. A scratching puppy is certainly nothing toworry about -- unless it leads to coat loss, red skin and, ultimately,infection. The cause of the allergy, termed an allergen, could be virtuallyanything in a pet's environment. In some instances, a highly allergic petmay have several allergies simultaneously. Identifying the cause of theallergy requires a lot of consultation between the pet owner and theveterinarian.

    In general, allergies fall into these categories:

    Inhalant allergies: They are in the air. Pollen, for example. Contact allergies: Your puppy's skin is sensitive to something,

    possibly a fabric or a plant. Flea allergies: The saliva is the culprit. Food allergies: Although not common, some puppies react to

    ingredients in their food. Don't change your puppy's diet exceptunder the direction of a vet after other allergens have beeneliminated as possibilities.

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    Uncommon allergies, like hormonal hypersensitivity, in which apuppy is allergic to its own hormones.

    Inhalant allergies result from breathing in substances such as pollenfrom trees, ragweed and other plants, house dust and mold. There seems

    to be a genetic predisposition to this allergy, but it can occur in any petat any time of the year.

    Contact allergies are caused by a pet's physical contact with an offendingsubstance. Thin-coated or hairless areas are usually affected. Among themost common allergens are soaps, insecticides, wool nylon carpets,paint, wood preservatives, poison ivy, oak or grass. Some pets may beallergic to plastic feeding dishes.

    Identifying the offending substance is critical to controlling inhalant and

    contact allergies. If this is accomplished, every effort should be made toeliminate it from the pet's environment. A veterinarian can recommendappropriate treatment for skin lesions and to help relieve itching.

    Although some pets develop allergies to food, this is rare. A food allergyresults from an abnormal immune reaction to an ingredient found in apet food. Food allergies usually appear as skin problems orgastrointestinal upsets. However, a variety of diseases have similar signs.Consequently other causes should be excluded before a pet's diet isblamed or changed.

    No food source is completely non-allergenic. The only foods that can beconsidered hypoallergenic are those pet has never before eaten. To behypoallergenic, a diet must contain proteins that have been brokensufficiently so that the immune system does not recognize them.

    Once the ingredient to which a pet is allergic is identified, an appropriatediet can be recommended. Again, the challenge is to keep a petexclusively on the prescribed diet with nothing else offered.

    For any allergy, once a tentative diagnosis is made, a line of treatment

    can commence. The goal being to control the symptoms by avoiding thecause of the allergy. If avoidance is not possible, medications or a seriesof injections may be called for.

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    Chapter 6Exercising Your Maltese

    The number one reason dogs should exercise is to maintain their weight.Some are overfed and tend to get a little heavy; regular exercise can helpcontrol the weight. Besides, exercises can also improves muscle tone, soit's good for show dogs. It also builds endurance and can help preventcardiovascular disease. Exercise can keep a dog happy. If you start aregular schedule, then your Maltese will start anticipating, with joy,when you're going to take it for a walk or a jog.

    * In the case of a Maltese, wait until he's 8 months old to start a regular

    jogging or high-level walking program.

    * While your Maltese is y