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ABOUT
MALTESE IN GENERAL
The AKC (American Kennel Club) states that the Maltese is considered "to be among
the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet lively and playful as well as vigorous." They love everyone and everything,
including children and other pets. They are hypoallergenic, they don't shed, and absolutely are the most loving and
affectionate little dog you could ever imagine. A well-bred maltese is a very intelligent dog.
Keeping
Your Puppies Bottom Clean
When taking care of your new little puppy, keeping its little bottom clean is
very important. Always make sure that after using the bathroom your little ones bottom is free from any poop.
If there is some in the hair, always try to wash it out or cut it out. If not properly taken care of, it may cause your
puppy to be constipated or may cause other serious problems. To eliminate the problem, some people like to keep the
hair under the tail cut short, or shaved helping keep their puppies bottom cleaner.
Housebreaking
Select a specific site outside in
your yard or in your house that you have already designated as his/hers. Your puppy will soon associate it with
its potty breaks. Make sure you visit it often. It's best to take your puppy outside first thing in the morning
after waking up, after feeding and drinking and after playing and before you go to bed. It is always best to try
to take your puppy out at least every two hours. Try to pay attention to signs your puppy may give you like sniffing,
going to the door and spinning in circles. All of the signs may mean that your puppy needs to go potty.
When bringing your puppy home, it will need a place to call his/her own. You may want to use a crate. The crate
can be used for housebreaking and it is also a safe place where your puppy can stay while you are away. It can
also be used as a place for your puppy to sleep. If you use your crate as a place to keep your puppy during the night,
let your puppy out as soon as you wake up and not letting your puppy come back in until your puppy has used the bathroom.
Always give your puppy a lot of praise when it uses the potty in the correct place. Most dogs will not soil where they
sleep if they are let out often. Always remember, accidents do and will happen. Correct your new puppy nicely.
Shouting, scolding and punishment will only confuse your puppy when they are not caught in the "act". Even
if caught in mid-act, simply tell your puppy "NO!" and immediately take him/her outside. Always remember to
praise your puppy each time he/she goes outside in his spot. If you choose, praise and a treat are great rewards for
a job well done!
Food
I have included a puppy starter pack for your new little puppy. I have been feeding
him/her Purina Puppy Chow, if you do not like this particular brand that’s okay. Always remember to introduce him/her
to a new food gradually, mixing it with the old brand and slowly giving him/her more and more of the new brand. If you introduce
him/her to a new food all at once, it could possibly upset his/her stomach and give him/her diarrhea. I also like Eukanuba
Puppy for small breeds (small bite). Me personally, I like to leave a bowl of food and water sitting out letting
the puppy decide when he/she is hungry and thirsty. Some people prefer to feed on a schedule, the choice will be up
to you to decide ....
Poisons
Chocolate, Antifreeze, certain
lawn chemicals, rodenticides, certain plants... please use your own judgement when "Puppy proofing" your house (inside
and out).
Tear Staining
** The Maltese and other small toy breeds have small
tear ducts. Sometimes things like teething, ear infections, dirty or infected teeth, mild eye infections, allergies,
or hair getting into the eyes can irritate the eyes and cause swelling of the tear ducts. This causes their
eyes to water and tear running onto the face. If the hair on the face is constantly wet, it causes tear staining - the
reddish discoloration of their hair. Treatment begins of course, by finding the underlying cause. In the small
puppies, tear staining is most often caused by teething and hair irritation on the eyes. You can carefully trim the
hair around the eyes yourself, or ask your groomer to do it for you if you think the hair is irritating your puppies eyes.
You may also have your vet check your puppy or dog for ear infections or tooth decay. Applying a Terramycin eye
ointment twice daily is also sometimes recommended for the treatment of tear staining. You can purchase this
medicine from you vet. You can also use this ointment after bathing your dog in case you get shampoo or creme
rinse in your puppy or dogs eyes. There is several products on the market as well, to help treat tear staining, but most of
the time in the light or white colored dogs, you will most generally have tear staining at some point. **
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