House Training Maltese

Click Here for More Info on Clicker Training Your Maltese!

And for other Clicker Training Info - click here!

The Maltese is one of the most beloved of toy dog breeds. In general, the Maltese is a healthy little dog. But just like in many other breeds, some health problems can also arise. However, if owners are aware of the problems, they are in a good position to have them cured and treated. One of the main health issues that a Maltese goes through is halitosis or bad breath. There are many causes of bad dog breath. But they can be generally attributed to poor hygiene.

It is important to know the proper dental care of a Maltese to make sure it does have bad breath. A film of mucus called plaque forms on the teeth when a Maltese eats. Unless it is removed, it hardens and turns into tartar or calculus. If the tartar is not removed, the gums become inflamed. This is a condition called gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis becomes worse and leads to a more serious condition called periodontitis.

This condition results in the breakdown of periodontal tissues. Some of the symptoms of this condition include the following: inflamed gum line, constant foul mouth odor, bleeding, receding or eroded gums, loose teeth, and infected teeth with pus between teeth and gums. A dog with periodontal disease can also suffer from loss of appetite, weight loss, generalized infections and even heart disease.

This condition can be easily avoided if the owners will start early in making their dogs healthy.

Owners can get their Maltese teeth off to a good start by learning proper techniques for brushing and brushing the teeth regularly. It is best if they begin when the dog is a puppy. Unlike adult dogs, puppies are open to new experiences, so they are more likely to accept brushing than older dogs and will continue to do so into their adult lives.

To start your Maltese puppy out, rub its teeth and gums with your finger for a few days. Adding some soft dog food to your finger may help to make the experience more pleasant if necessary. After a few days, switch to a small amount of canine toothpaste on your finger and continue to rub.

The next step is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the puppy rejects this, add the soft dog food to the brush and later switch to the canine toothpaste. Brush the teeth and gums gently. A circular motion is most effective, but brushing back and forth is easier.

If your Maltese struggles, try wrapping it in a large towel to gently restrain it. Follow up the brushing with praise and play, so that your Maltese associates the experience with something positive. If your dog simply refuses to have his teeth brushed, there are cleansing gels on the market containing zinc ascorbate which can be effective in controlling plaque and tartar when used daily. The gel can be sprayed or rubbed inside the dog's mouth.

Diet can also play a role in the health of your dog's teeth. A study showed that biscuits could also be effective in removing tartar above the gum line. Rawhide products should not be given to your Maltese as they could easily choke on it if they decided to try to swallow it.

Following these steps will surely prevent an owner complaining about Maltese bad breath.