Maltese

A Maltese dog is a member of that group of small dog breeds that do not shed. It is also a member of the toy group, which includes dogs like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Havanese.

The most characteristic feature of the Maltese is its long, silky white coat that covers its small body from head to foot. As such, the most pressing concern of owners of Maltese dogs is how to groom it in order to preserve its beautiful silky mane.

In this article, we offer you not only tips on the proper way of grooming a Maltese but also other miscellaneous Maltese information related to grooming that you want to learn about.

Tip #1. Train Your Maltese Puppy To Be Groomed

Maltese dogs, like all toy dogs, are generally hyperactive dogs. They get easily restless when made to stand still for a long time. Since grooming requires that your dog stay still for a while, there is a likely chance that your dog won’t enjoy the whole experience as his restlessness starts to overcome him.

The best way for you to get your Maltese puppies to like grooming is to train them at an early age. Bribe them with treats and lots of praises, if need be.

Tip #2. Be Ready With Your Grooming Supplies

Preparation is key to succeeding in any task you set your mind to. When it comes to grooming your Maltese dog, preparation is likewise important. This naturally includes coming up with the right equipment and good supplies. Here is a short list of things you need when grooming your Maltese:

• Pin Brush
• Combs
• Slicker Brush
• Scissors
• Nail Clippers
• Rubber Bands
• Grooming/Conditioning Spray

Tip #3. Use Your Fingers

One of the biggest issues involved when grooming a Maltese is the mats. Like all hairy dogs, Maltese dogs are prone to develop mats and tangles. When the dog is not groomed often, the mats become increasingly numerous. This not only ruins the aesthetic appearance of your beloved pet but could also adversely affect his or her health.

Removing mats is difficult to accomplish if you use a brush. You might end up uprooting whole clumps of hair that way. To prevent that from happening, use your fingers instead, gently separating the matted hair. Afterwards, gentle brush through the dog’s coat. Hair loss cannot be completely avoided. But at least, this way, you can minimize hair loss.

If the mats are too difficult to remove, you can soften the hairs by spraying with a detangler or a coat conditioning oil. A great deal of patience is required at this stage of grooming, for both you and your pet.

Tip #4. Bathe Your Pet Regularly

The frequency of bathing your Maltese depends on whether your dog is for show or kept as a house pet. Regular bathing is also one effective way of preventing mats. Remember that there are some Maltese that are more prone to mats than others. However, the average frequency of bathing a Maltese should be every 7-10 days.

Shampoo your Maltese thoroughly, making sure not to miss a single inch of coat. The shampoo will remove the dust and dirt that got stuck to your Maltese dog’s coat. After rinsing all the shampoo suds off your pet’s coat, follow it up with conditioner. This will help soften your dog’s hair, thereby preserving that smooth, silky coat that are a Maltese dog’s distinguishing characteristic.

Tip #5. Blow Drying Your Maltese

Maltese dogs should be blown dry. It is best to use a blow dryer that comes with a stand. That way, you can just place the blow dryer on a small table and use both of your hands to stroke your dog’s hair, speeding up the drying process. Be sure to use only medium heat when blow drying your dog.