Caring for your Maltese: A guide to health monitoring

Quick answer

As a toy breed, the Maltese is known for specific physical vulnerabilities that require consistent observation. The most significant health consideration for this breed is a recognised tendency toward tracheal collapse. By performing regular health checks at home and documenting your dog's baseline behavior, you can identify early signs of discomfort and seek professional assessment before conditions become critical.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition involves the weakening of the rings of cartilage that keep the windpipe open, which can lead to narrowing and difficulty moving air into the lungs. Because the Maltese is a toy breed, they are frequently affected by this structural vulnerability.

What you will notice at home

The most common sign of tracheal collapse is a dry, harsh cough that often sounds like a goose honk. You may notice this cough occurring when your dog gets excited, pulls on a leash, or drinks water. In some cases, owners report that the dog seems to struggle to catch their breath or appears to have a slight wheeze after physical activity.

How the vet confirms it

When you bring your dog in for a suspected breathing issue, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination to listen to the heart and lungs. To confirm the diagnosis, they typically use imaging techniques such as X-rays to visualize the shape of the trachea. In some cases, the vet may perform a fluoroscopy, which is a moving X-ray that allows them to see the trachea in real-time as the dog breathes.

Determining urgency

If your dog is coughing occasionally but remains bright, alert, and able to breathe comfortably at rest, schedule an appointment for a standard check-up. However, if you notice blue-tinged gums, extreme lethargy, or if your dog is struggling to inhale, this is an emergency. These signs indicate that the airway is significantly obstructed and requires immediate intervention to stabilize oxygen levels.

Establishing a health routine

To manage the health of your Maltese effectively, you should establish a routine that allows you to spot changes early. A simple monthly exam, or a weekly one for senior dogs, creates a baseline so you know what is normal for your pet.

The home exam

• Body condition score: Gently feel your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel them without a thick layer of fat, but they should not be sharp or prominent.
• Gum color: Lift the lip and check the gums. They should be a healthy pink. Pale, white, or blue gums are a sign that something is wrong.
• Mobility: Watch your dog move across the room. Look for any stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump on furniture.
• Breathing at rest: Count how many breaths your dog takes in one minute while they are sleeping soundly. This is their normal resting respiratory rate.
• Skin and coat: Check for redness, bumps, or excessive scratching during your grooming sessions.
• Behavioral baseline: Note if your dog is acting like their usual self. Changes in appetite or energy levels are often the first clues that a health issue is developing.

Documentation and communication

When you notice something unusual, such as an abnormal gait or a strange breathing sound, your first instinct may be to describe it to your vet. However, words can be imprecise. Using your smartphone to record short video clips of the behavior provides the veterinarian with objective evidence of what is happening in the home environment. This is particularly useful for conditions that are intermittent, as the dog may not exhibit the same behaviors in the clinic. Always keep a log of these recordings, along with notes on what the dog was doing when the behavior started.