Maltese Health Issues: Common Problems & Prevention

Common health problems in Malteses including luxating patella, dental disease, collapsed trachea. Prevention, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.

Common Health Problems

Malteses are predisposed to several health conditions including luxating patella, dental disease, collapsed trachea. Understanding these risks allows you to screen early, prevent where possible, and catch problems before they become emergencies.

With a typical weight of 4-7 lbs and lifespan of 12-15 yrs, the Maltese requires thoughtful care tailored to their specific breed characteristics. Prospective Maltese owners should know that this small toy breed demands an informed approach to nutrition, exercise, and preventive health management.

Genetic Screening

Prospective Maltese owners should know that this small toy breed demands an informed approach to nutrition, exercise, and preventive health management. Malteses with moderate energy levels strike a good balance between activity and relaxation.

• Size: small (4-7 lbs)
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Shedding: Minimal
• Common Health Issues: Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, Collapsed Trachea
• Lifespan: 12-15 yrs

Prevention Strategies

Knowledge of breed-specific characteristics directly translates to better day-to-day care. Malteses have particular requirements based on their small size, minimal shedding level, and genetic predispositions to luxating patella and dental disease.

A proactive veterinary schedule — tailored to life stage and breed risks — is the most cost-effective approach to managing breed-linked health issues. With 3 known predispositions, proactive screening is particularly important for Malteses.

When to See the Vet

Prospective Maltese owners should know that this small toy breed demands an informed approach to nutrition, exercise, and preventive health management. Mental engagement during activity sessions multiplies the benefit — a training walk where the animal practices commands is more valuable than the same distance walked passively.

• Provide 30–60 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to their energy level
• Feed a high-quality diet formulated for small breed dogs (400–800 calories/day)
• Maintain a occasional grooming routine
• Schedule breed-appropriate health screenings for luxating patella
• Invest in pet insurance early to cover breed-specific conditions

Health Testing

Prospective Maltese owners should know that this small toy breed demands an informed approach to nutrition, exercise, and preventive health management. As a toy breed, the Maltese has instincts and behaviors shaped by centuries of selective breeding for specific tasks.

Many experienced Maltese owners recommend a balanced mix of physical activities and brain games.

Enrichment does not require expensive equipment. For Maltese, simple activities like hiding treats around the house for discovery, using a muffin tin with tennis balls over kibble, or practicing basic obedience in new locations provide effective cognitive engagement. The goal is not complexity — it is variety and appropriate challenge level.

Lifespan Optimization

Anticipating breed-related needs before problems arise is the hallmark of informed pet ownership. Watch for early signs of luxating patella, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — obesity exacerbates nearly every health condition Malteses are prone to.

Proactive health management based on breed knowledge significantly contributes to quality of life and longevity.

Structure matters more than most owners realize. Animals thrive on predictability — changes in schedule, environment, or household membership are among the top stressors identified in veterinary behavioral studies. Include scheduled feeding times, exercise sessions, grooming, and quiet rest periods. Even moderate-energy breeds thrive with predictable schedules.

Veterinary Care Schedule for Malteses

Regular veterinary visits allow early detection of breed-associated conditions, when treatment is most effective. The recommended schedule for your Maltese. Here is the recommended schedule:

Malteses should receive breed-specific screening for luxating patella starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Cost of Maltese Ownership

Before committing to ownership, evaluate whether these costs are sustainable long-term for Maltese ownership:

• Annual food costs: $250–$500 for high-quality dog food
• Veterinary care: $300–$700 annually for routine visits, plus potential emergency costs
• Grooming: $30–50 per professional session (occasional home grooming recommended)
• Pet insurance: $25–40/month for comprehensive coverage
• Supplies and toys: $200–$500 annually for bedding, toys, leashes, and other essentials

More Maltese Guides

Related guides covering Maltese in these focused guides:

• Maltese Diet & Nutrition Guide
• Maltese Pet Insurance Cost
• How to Train a Maltese
• Maltese Grooming Guide
• Maltese Temperament & Personality
• Maltese Exercise Needs
• Maltese Cost of Ownership
• Adopt a Maltese

Key Questions

What are the most important considerations for maltese health issues?

The average lifespan for a Maltese is 12-15 yrs. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, preventive veterinary care, and maintaining a healthy weight can help your Maltese live to the upper end of this range.