Don’t Mess Up with Maltese Terrier Puppy Care
You would not be shopping for a Maltese Terrier puppy if you did not plan on spending time caring for your new pet. That being said, many new Maltese owners do not truly comprehend the level of care and commitment needed to take care of a Maltese Terrier pup!
Maltese Terrier Puppy Diet
Your Maltese Terrier puppy is going to grow quickly! While he will not get particularly large, the main thing a puppy does in his first year of life is grow! Your puppy is going to need nutritious food that is high in the right kind of calories. Talk to your vet about the best food for your puppy. You may find that moistening dry dog food helps your tiny puppy eat it without choking.
Grooming Considerations
Because Maltese Terrier puppies are non-shedding dogs, their coats grow continuously. And due to this fact, you are going to need to brush your puppy regularly. Get the puppy used to the brush even before he needs his first brushing. Start a routine of daily brushings until he readily accepts and enjoys the brush. Gradually increase the length of time that he is brushed as he becomes more and more tolerant of the procedure. This will save you many headaches as your dog matures and his coat grows in.
Also, you are going to want to keep the hair inside his ears and around his eyes trimmed to avoid infection. These are the two areas that Maltese Terrier puppies are prone to developing infections, and keeping the hair trimmed and the areas clean is one of the most important aspects of keeping your puppy healthy. Again, establish this routine early to allow your puppy time to adjust to being handled in this way. Remember that he may not like having his eyes and ears handled at first, but it is for his benefit, so be tenacious!
Preparing for Your Puppy’s Arrival
Before you even find a Maltese Terrier puppy you are going to adopt or purchase, you must prepare your home. These puppies are incredibly tiny, and they can fit into nooks and crannies that you did not even know your home has! To keep your new pet safe, you must inspect your home carefully to ensure that there is nothing on the floor or on his level that could cause him to choke. Also, take special care to remove any harmful or poisonous substances from his level. And be thorough! Your puppy will fit into tiny places, such as the area under your couch!
Maltese Terrier puppies, like all puppies, love to chew! Many new owners forget about power cords and other electrical things that their dog will find tantalizing. To keep your puppy safe from electrocution, you must pick up any dangling power cords.
Because of their small size, steps are particularly hazardous for Maltese Terrier puppies. If your home has steps, you will want to purchase a baby gate to keep your puppy from falling down the steps. Keep in mind, though, that if the slats on the gate are large enough, your puppy will find a way through. Try to find a gate with tiny slats or no slats at all. The cheap plastic and wood version is easily chewed through. Preparing for your Maltese Terrier puppy is one of the most important things you can do to keep him happy and healthy.
