As earlier alluded to, Malteses have very long lives but they are not entirely free of diseases. If you are interested in owning one of these doggies, here are a few of the key health issues you may have to deal with at some point in time.
Hypoglycemia
Maltese dogs have a very high metabolism. They are very active and easily burn through whatever calories they consume. They are therefore very likely to develop hypoglycemia especially after playing too much.
This is one of the main reasons why Maltese dogs shake so much. Serious cases could also result in loss of consciousness.
Obesity
Not all Malteses are firecrackers. There are some that, if allowed to, can very easily settle into couch potato personalities. With their ravenous appetite and the reduced activity levels in these cases, packing on weight is pretty much inevitable.
Hip dysplasia
This is a condition where the hip socket does not form properly. The result is an unstable joint prone to developing arthritis.
Patella luxation
This is another common joint issue that Maltese dogs have to deal with. It is characterized by looseness of the patella bone in the knee joint. This affects the dog’s mobility and gait and is generally very uncomfortable for the pooch.
Cataracts
Cataracts are among the health issues that almost always affect older Maltese dogs. They may affect one or both eyes and need to be dealt with as early as possible.
Skin irritation and allergies
Maltese dogs are also prone to developing skin issues. These are usually triggered by allergic reactions to things like pollen, some foods, parasites, and chemicals in grooming products.