Maltese Health Problems: An Honest Guide

Maltese are a long-lived, generally healthy toy breed, but like all dogs they have a set of conditions they are more prone to than average. Being honest about these is not about putting you off — it is about helping you buy wisely, spot problems early, and care for your dog well. As a tiny companion breed, most of the Maltese's health concerns relate to its small size and delicate frame. Here is a factual, balanced guide to the main ones.

Dental disease

The most common health problem in Maltese, as in most toy breeds, is dental disease. Their small mouths mean the teeth are crowded together, trapping plaque that hardens into tartar and leads to gum disease, infection, pain and tooth loss. Beyond the mouth, severe dental disease can affect general health. Prevention is straightforward but needs commitment: brush the teeth daily with dog toothpaste, use dental chews, and have regular veterinary dental checks. Professional cleaning under anaesthetic may be needed periodically. Our dental care range has the tools to build a routine, and the payoff is a healthier, more comfortable dog.

Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)

Patellar luxation — where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove — is common in small breeds including the Maltese. Signs include a skipping or hopping gait, suddenly holding up a back leg for a few steps, or stiffness. Mild cases may need little more than weight control and monitoring, while more severe cases can require surgery. Keeping your dog lean takes pressure off the joints, and avoiding excessive jumping on and off furniture helps protect them. Any persistent limp or odd gait should be checked by a vet.

Collapsing trachea

A collapsing (or collapsed) trachea is a weakening of the cartilage rings of the windpipe, seen in several toy breeds. It can cause a distinctive dry, honking cough, especially with excitement, exercise or pressure on the throat. This is the key reason to always walk a Maltese on a harness rather than a collar — a collar puts direct pressure on the windpipe, which can worsen the condition. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, avoiding smoky environments, and using a harness all help. Coughing that is frequent, worsening or accompanied by breathing difficulty needs prompt veterinary attention.

Liver shunts (portosystemic shunts)

Maltese have an increased risk of portosystemic shunts, also called liver shunts — an abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins are not properly filtered. Signs can include poor growth, being smaller than littermates, lethargy, disorientation, excessive drinking and urination, or neurological signs especially after meals. Shunts are often diagnosed in young dogs and can sometimes be corrected surgically or managed with diet and medication. A reputable breeder should be open about whether the condition has appeared in their lines.

White shaker syndrome

The Maltese is one of the breeds associated with a condition sometimes called white shaker syndrome (idiopathic cerebellitis), in which a young adult dog develops generalised body tremors. Despite how alarming it looks, it is not painful, and many dogs respond well to treatment prescribed by a vet. The exact cause is not fully understood. If your dog develops a body-wide tremor, see your vet, as tremors can also have other causes that need ruling out.

Tear staining and eye conditions

Reddish-brown tear staining beneath the eyes is extremely common in Maltese and stands out against the white coat. It is usually cosmetic, caused by pigments in overflowing tears, and is managed with gentle daily cleaning and keeping the surrounding hair trimmed. However, the breed can also experience genuine eye problems — blocked tear ducts, irritation, ingrowing eyelashes or other conditions — so sudden, heavy, one-sided or uncomfortable tearing, redness or squinting should always be checked by a vet rather than assumed to be ordinary staining.

Other considerations

Like many small dogs, Maltese can be sensitive to anaesthetic and need careful dosing, and very young or very small individuals can be prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), so regular meals matter, especially for puppies. Their small size also makes them vulnerable to injury, so protecting them from falls, rough handling and larger dogs is part of good care — see our guide on whether Maltese suit families.

Keeping risks in perspective

It is important not to be alarmed by a list of possible conditions. The fact that a breed *can* be prone to something does not mean your dog will be affected, and a Maltese is, on the whole, a hardy, long-lived little dog. The best ways to stack the odds in your favour are to buy from a responsible breeder, keep your dog lean, brush the teeth daily, use a harness, and see your vet promptly when something seems off. Insuring early is also wise; see our cost and buying guide. You can find local and emergency clinics through our vet finder.

*This is general guidance, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your vet about your individual dog's health.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Maltese breed health information (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — toy-breed and dog health conditions (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — dog health and common conditions (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dog health and welfare (rspca.org.uk).
• RVC VetCompass — UK dog health research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).