Senior Care Basics for Maltese: Health, Grooming & Diet

Maltese are small, long‑coated toy dogs known for their bright personalities and delicate features. As they enter their senior years (commonly considered 8–9 years for Maltese, with a typical lifespan of 12–15 years), they develop a predictable set of breed‑specific health concerns. This article summarizes the conditions most commonly seen in senior Maltese, explains how they are diagnosed and managed, and gives practical, actionable daily‑care guidance grounded in current veterinary recommendations and research.

Contents

• Aging timeline and wellness schedule for Maltese
• Common senior Maltese conditions (what to watch for, screening, treatment)

- [Mitral valve disease](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-mitral-valve-disease "Mitral Valve Disease Guide") (MVD) - Luxating patella - Cataracts and vision loss - Portosystemic (congenital) liver shunt (PSS) - [Dental disease](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/siamese-cat-dental-disease "Dental Disease in Senior Pets") and oral care - Collapsed trachea - White shaker syndrome (idiopathic generalized tremor)

• Diet, weight & supplements for senior Maltese
• Grooming and mobility aids for comfort and function
• Practical action checklist and monitoring plan
• Resources and selected references

Aging timeline and recommended wellness schedule

Maltese reach “senior” status at about 8–9 years. Because small breeds often show medical problems earlier than large breeds, increase health surveillance at this stage.

Recommended schedule for senior Maltese

• Veterinary exam: every 6 months (physical exam, weight, dental check)
• Labwork: CBC, chemistry panel, thyroid function (T4), and urinalysis annually; consider every 6–12 months if there are health concerns (cardiac, hepatic, or metabolic)
• Cardiac auscultation at every visit; baseline thoracic radiographs and echocardiogram if a murmur is present or if the dog is to undergo anesthesia
• Dental exam and professional cleaning: frequency individualized (often every 6–12 months)
• Ophthalmic checks annually or sooner if vision changes are suspected

Common senior Maltese conditions: signs, screening, and management

Below is a quick reference table followed by deeper, breed‑specific guidance.

| Condition | Typical age of onset in Maltese | Key signs to watch for | Screening / important tests | Practical owner actions | |---|---:|---|---|---| | Mitral valve disease (MVD; myxomatous mitral valve degeneration) | Often progressive by 8–12 years | Cough, exercise intolerance, tiring quickly, heart murmur | Cardiac auscultation, thoracic radiographs, echocardiogram (ACVIM staging) | Regular cardiac checks; weight control; follow vet for meds (pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, diuretics as indicated) | | Luxating patella | Can present at any age; often progressive with age | Intermittent hindlimb skipping, limping, reluctance to jump | Orthopedic exam, radiographs; referral to ortho for grading | Controlled exercise, physical therapy, weight management, surgical repair for grade III–IV | | Cataracts / lens changes | Middle‑aged to senior | Cloudy eyes, bumping into things, reduced navigation | Ophthalmic exam, intraocular pressure, ocular ultrasound, ERG if surgery considered | Protect eyes, manage secondary uveitis, refer to veterinary ophthalmologist for phacoemulsification evaluation | | Portosystemic shunt (congenital) | Often young but can present later; important in Maltese lineage | Stunted growth (if young), neurologic signs, confusion, disorientation, vomiting | Fasting/postprandial bile acids, pre- and post-prandial ammonia, abdominal ultrasound, CT angiography | Specialist referral; medical stabilization (low‑protein diet, lactulose, antibiotics) prior to surgery or if surgery not feasible | | Dental disease | Often early; progressive with age | Bad breath, tartar, inflamed gums, loose teeth | Oral exam, dental radiographs under anesthesia | Daily brushing, regular professional cleaning, [home care](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/pillar/home-care-guide "Senior Pet Home Care Guide") products (enzymatic toothpaste), treat periodontal disease promptly | | Collapsed trachea | Common in small dogs, worsens with age | Honking cough, worse with excitement or pressure on neck | Thoracic radiographs, fluoroscopy, bronchoscopy | Avoid neck collars (use harness), weight control, cough suppressants, humidification; surgery/stent in severe cases | | White shaker syndrome | Often in small white breeds like Maltese; middle‑aged to senior | Acute generalized tremors, stiffness, sometimes altered mentation | Clinical diagnosis, MRI/CSF to rule out other causes; responds to empirical steroids | Urgent vet evaluation; corticosteroids ± additional immunosuppression; supportive care |

Below are expanded discussions for each condition with practical steps owners can take.

Mitral valve disease (MVD)

Maltese are predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD), the most common acquired [heart disease](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-mitral-valve-disease "Heart Disease in Senior Pets") in small breeds. MMVD leads to progressive leakage of the mitral valve (mitral regurgitation) and eventual heart enlargement and congestive heart failure (CHF) in some dogs.

What to watch for

• New heart murmur (often detected at routine visits)
• Cough, especially during sleep or after excitement
• Exercise intolerance, fast tiring on walks
• Respiratory difficulty or fainting in advanced cases

Diagnosis and monitoring

• Auscultation and staging per ACVIM guidelines; dogs with a murmur should have thoracic radiographs and consider echocardiography to assess valve anatomy and heart size.
• The EPIC trial (Boswood et al., J Vet Intern Med 2016) supports using pimobendan in preclinical MMVD dogs with cardiomegaly to delay onset of clinical heart failure; follow your cardiologist’s recommendations.

Practical owner actions

• Schedule cardiac checks every 6–12 months once a murmur is detected.
• Keep your Maltese lean—[obesity](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/golden-retriever-weight-management-obesity "Weight Management for Senior Pets") worsens cardiac workload.
• Avoid overexertion and abrupt temperature extremes.
• Do not stop or start cardiac medications without veterinary guidance.
• Before anesthesia (dental cleaning, surgery), insist on pre‑anesthetic cardiac evaluation (auscultation, radiographs, and echocardiogram if indicated).

Luxating patella

Patellar luxation is frequent in toy breeds like the Maltese. The kneecap (patella) can slip out of place causing intermittent skipping or persistent lameness.

Signs and diagnosis

• Intermittent hopping or “skip” on the hind limb
• Holding the leg up or lameness after exercise
• Palpable luxation during exam; graded I–IV by severity

Management

• For mild (grade I–II) cases: weight control, physical therapy (quadriceps strengthening), joint supplements (e.g., omega‑3 fatty acids, chondroitin/glucosamine), and short-leash controlled exercise.
• For moderate to severe (grade III–IV) or progressive signs: orthopedic surgery (tibial tuberosity transposition, trochlear wedge recession, soft-tissue balancing) performed by a board‑certified surgeon often gives the best outcome.

Owner tips

• Avoid slippery floors—use rugs and non‑slip pads.
• Provide low ramps/steps rather than stairs.
• Gentle range‑of‑motion exercises and controlled walks.

Cataracts and vision changes

Maltese often develop lenticular changes with age; cataracts can impair vision and lead to blindness if advanced.

Signs and diagnosis

• Cloudy, grayish lens, bumping into furniture, altered night vision
• Ophthalmic exam, intraocular pressure measurement, ocular ultrasound; ERG (electroretinography) recommended before cataract surgery to confirm retinal function.

Management

• Prevent and treat secondary uveitis (topical anti‑inflammatory eye drops) as recommended by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
• Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification with intraocular lens) is an option for visually significant cataracts and requires pre‑op cardiac and anesthetic assessment.
• If surgery is not pursued: environmental modifications (consistent layout, night lights, verbal cues) improve [quality of life](https://seniorpet.org/knowledge/siamese-cat-quality-of-life "Quality of Life Assessment").

Portosystemic shunt (PSS)

While congenital portosystemic shunts most commonly present in puppies, some Maltese may manifest milder signs later in life. Because Maltese are a small‑breed predisposed group, keep PSS on the differential for neurologic or GI signs.

Signs and diagnosis

• Neurologic signs (episodic disorientation, head pressing, seizures), chronic GI upset, poor growth in young dogs
• Diagnosis relies on fasting and postprandial bile acids, ammonia levels, abdominal ultrasound, and CT angiography (gold standard for surgical planning).

Management

• Medical stabilization: hepatic support diet (restricted but high‑quality protein), lactulose, antimicrobial therapy (e.g., amoxicillin or metronidazole), and careful monitoring.
• Definitive management for many shunts is surgical attenuation (ameroid constrictor, cellophane band) performed by a specialist; success rates are high but depend on shunt anatomy and preoperative stabilization.

Owner actions

• If episodes of neurologic change occur, seek immediate veterinary attention.
• Follow specialized dietary and medication plans closely; sudden diet changes or high‑protein treats can precipitate encephalopathic episodes.

Dental disease

Maltese commonly suffer early and severe periodontal disease due to tooth crowding and small jaw conformation. Dental disease contributes to pain, tooth loss, and can worsen systemic conditions (heart disease, kidney disease).

What to do

• Daily tooth brushing with canine enzymatic toothpaste is the gold standard.
• Offer dental chews and water additives as adjuncts only.
• Schedule periodic professional dental scaling and radiographs under anesthesia; frequency individualized (commonly every 6–12 months for predisposed seniors).
• Pre‑anesthetic clearance is essential—Maltese with MVD or advanced age should have appropriate cardiac evaluation before anesthesia.

Practical tips

• Train pups and adult dogs to accept tooth brushing early; for seniors, introduce brushing slowly and use finger brushes if needed.
• Use rubber toys for chewing rather than hard bones that can fracture small teeth.

Collapsed trachea

Toy breeds including Maltese frequently develop tracheal collapse that may worsen with age.

Signs

• “Goose‑honking” cough, worse with excitement or pressure on the neck, exercise intolerance.

Management

• Environmental control: avoid neck collars (use a harness), minimize smoke/air irritants, maintain humidity.
• Medical therapy: cough suppressants (vet‑prescribed opioids or antitussives), anti‑inflammatories, bronchodilators for selected patients.
• For severe, refractory cases: surgical options (external rings) or stenting may be considered by a specialist; these have pros and cons and require careful case selection.

Owner actions

• Use a well‑fitted harness for walks.
• Keep the dog calm during stressful situations (grooming, car rides).
• Ask your vet about humidification (steam) during acute coughing episodes.

White shaker syndrome (idiopathic generalized tremor)

White shaker syndrome (WSS) is a recognizable disorder in small white breeds including Maltese. It is thought to be immune‑mediated and typically responds rapidly to immunosuppressive therapy.

Signs and diagnosis

• Acute generalized tremors, sometimes accompanied by ataxia and hyperesthesia; symptoms can appear abruptly.
• Diagnosis is clinical after ruling out infectious, toxic, metabolic, and structural causes—veterinary neurologic exam, bloodwork, MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis may be recommended.

Treatment

• High‑dose corticosteroids (prednisone/prednisolone) produce fast improvement in most dogs; some require additional immunosuppressive agents (azathioprine, cyclosporine).
• Hospitalization and supportive care may be needed during the acute phase.

Owner actions

• Seek urgent veterinary care if sudden tremors occur.
• Expect a tapering steroid regimen; follow dosing carefully and monitor for steroid side effects (polyuria, polydipsia, increased appetite).

Diet, weight control, and supplements for senior Maltese

Nutrition should be individualized based on activity level, body condition, and comorbidities.

Diet recommendations

• Senior maintenance diet that provides high‑quality digestible protein, appropriate calorie density for a small breed, and increased fiber to maintain gut motility.
• If cardiac disease is advanced (congestive heart failure), some clinicians recommend modest sodium restriction—discuss with your cardiologist.
• If portosystemic shunt is present: use a hepatic support diet (restricted high‑quality protein, sometimes increased branched‑chain amino acids) under veterinary supervision.
• For dental disease: moistening dry kibble or offering dental‑formulated kibble may help but does not replace brushing.

Supplements and joint support

• Omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) have anti‑inflammatory benefits and support joint health; use veterinary‑grade preparations and doses.
• Consider glucosamine/chondroitin or prescription joint diets if osteoarthritis or luxating patella contributes to pain.
• Always check interactions with other medications.

Portion control and feeding frequency

• Small dogs benefit from 2–3 small meals per day to avoid hypoglycemia and reduce begging; adjust calories to maintain ideal body condition (ribs palpable with minimal fat).

Grooming and daily comfort for the senior Maltese

Maltese coats require regular attention; seniors have more fragile skin and may tolerate grooming differently.

Grooming tips

• Daily brushing to prevent tangles; use gentle pin or slicker brushes.
• Bathe every 2–6 weeks with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo; avoid drying the skin.
• Trim coat to a shorter “puppy clip” for seniors that struggle to tolerate long grooming sessions.
• Eye care: tear‑stain management with gentle wipes; check for entropion or ocular discharge that may indicate infection.
• Paws and nails: trim nails regularly; senior Maltese may have reduced activity and require more frequent trims.

Comfort and mobility

• Provide non‑slip rugs or mats on slick floors.
• Low steps or ramps to favorite sofas and beds reduce strain on knees and back.
• Orthopedic beds support arthritic joints.
• Consider physical therapy modalities (laser, hydrotherapy) to maintain muscle mass and joint function.

Practical action checklist for owners

• Schedule biannual veterinary visits starting at age 8.
• Establish a home dental routine (daily brushing) and set reminders for professional dental cleanings.
• If a heart murmur is heard, obtain echocardiography and follow ACVIM staging and treatment guidelines (discuss pimobendan if cardiomegaly is documented).
• Use a harness, not a neck collar, to protect the trachea.
• Maintain an ideal body condition score; small weight gains have large relative impact.
• Keep a log of coughs, exercise tolerance, tremors, appetite changes, stools, and urination patterns to share with your veterinarian.
• Before any anesthesia, request pre‑anesthetic labs and cardiac evaluation (radiographs and echocardiogram if a murmur exists).

Selected references and further reading

• Boswood A, Haggstrom J, Gordon SG, et al. "Effect of pimobendan in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease and cardiomegaly (EPIC Study)." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2016.
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Consensus Statement on the diagnosis and treatment of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. (See ACVIM guidelines for current staging and treatment recommendations.)
• Veterinary dentistry textbooks and peer‑reviewed reviews discussing early periodontal disease in small‑breed dogs and the importance of dental radiographs.
• Veterinary neurology literature on idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome (white shaker syndrome) and its immunosuppressive treatment response.
• Clinical reviews on congenital portosystemic shunts: diagnostic utility of fasting/postprandial bile acids, abdominal ultrasound, and CT angiography; medical vs surgical management.

(Ask your veterinarian for copies of specific studies or the latest guidelines if you’d like direct citations.)

Final thoughts

Aging in Maltese is predictable in some ways: dental disease, mitral valve degeneration, luxating patella, tracheal collapse, cataracts, and immune‑mediated neurologic conditions like white shaker syndrome occur with higher frequency than in many larger breeds. The good news: careful surveillance, timely diagnostics, breed‑appropriate preventive care, and early intervention preserve function and quality of life for many years. Work closely with your primary care veterinarian and seek board‑certified specialists (cardiology, ophthalmology, surgery, neurology) when indicated. With thoughtful daily care—dental hygiene, weight control, gentle grooming, and environmental adjustments—a senior Maltese can remain lively and comfortable well into the later years.