Maltese grooming in Kyiv

A true Maltese aficionado always strives to provide their pup with the best care, including regular grooming.

When is the best time to groom a Maltese?

The ideal time to groom a Maltese depends on the style of cut and the needs of your furry friend. Here are some general tips:

• Spring and Summer: During these months, a shorter trim is recommended to reduce the risk of your Maltese overheating in hot weather. A short cut also makes it easier to manage the coat during active outdoor walks.
• Fall and Winter: In colder months, a longer coat provides protection against the cold. So, during this period, you might opt for a fluffier grooming style to help retain warmth. Hygiene and Bathing

Hygiene care for a Maltese is crucial for its health and comfort.

Taking care of a Maltese requires special attention. Here are some aspects to focus on:

1. Daily brushing: To prevent matting and tangles, daily brushing is essential. Use special brushes designed for long-haired dogs and comb the coat thoroughly.
2. Ear care: Maltese can be prone to excessive wax build-up and ear infections. Regularly clean the ears with specific solutions and cotton pads. If you suspect an infection, consult a vet immediately.
3. Dental care: Dental hygiene is essential to avoid dental issues and bad breath. Regularly clean the dog’s teeth and inspect their condition.

Bathing a Maltese

Bathing a Maltese is an essential task that must be done with caution. Here are some steps for a successful bath:

• Before starting, gather all necessary items, including dog shampoo, conditioner, a soft sponge or cloth, towel, and a hairdryer. Make sure the water is comfortably warm, but not hot.
• Before bathing, thoroughly brush your Maltese’s coat to remove mats and loose hair. This will make the bathing process easier and help keep the water clean.
• Be careful with the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose during the bath to ensure no water gets in. Use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t harm the skin.
• After bathing, gently dry your pup with a soft towel and use a hairdryer on a low setting for quick and even drying. Avoid letting them get too cold or too hot.

Remember, you should bathe your Maltese no more than once a month or as needed. Proper hygiene and appropriate bathing ensure comfort and health for your Maltese, and they will look stunning with any grooming style.

Feeding a Maltese

Healthy and radiant hair for your Maltese starts with the right diet.

Choosing High-Quality Dog Food

The first step to a healthy diet is choosing a high-quality dog food. Here are a few recommendations:

• Dry or Wet Food: Choose the type of food that best matches your dog’s habits and your convenience. Wet food contains more moisture and can be useful for Maltese that don’t drink enough water.
• Protein: It’s crucial for the food to be rich in protein since the Maltese’s hair is protein-based. Check the ingredients and make sure the protein sources are of high quality, like meat or fish.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: These fatty acids contribute to skin and coat health, making them shiny and soft. They also support the dog’s overall health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the food contains the necessary vitamins and minerals to support proper growth and health for the Maltese.

Diet and Feeding Schedule

It’s important to maintain a regular feeding schedule and control portion sizes. Maltese can be prone to gaining weight, so their activity level and calorie intake need consideration.

Break down the meals into multiple small portions throughout the day, ensuring an appropriate calorie count based on size and activity.

Always have fresh water available at all times. It’s vital.

Feeding a Maltese high-quality food and sticking to a proper feeding schedule will promote overall health, a radiant coat, and the well-being of your fluffy companion.

Care Throughout the Seasons

Maltese is a breed that requires care all year round. The intensity and type of care may vary depending on the season.

Spring:

In the spring, the Maltese might shed, losing their winter coat. Regular brushing and opting for “de-shedding” treatments at grooming salons can help remove excess fur and prevent matting.

During walks, pick spots where your dog can enjoy the spring sunshine but watch out for mud, especially challenging if your Maltese has a long coat.

Summer:

During the summer, Maltese are at risk of overheating. On hot days, avoid long walks under direct sunlight and always ensure access to fresh water. Regularly check the ears and eyes as they can be irritated from sun and wind.

Fall:

Fall is the time when your dog’s coat might pick up more dirt after walks. Regular brushing and gently washing the paws can keep them clean.

Winter:

In the winter, the Maltese might feel cold, so dress them in warm clothes and let them have short, brisk runs to warm up. Protect their paws from road salt that can irritate the skin by using protective booties or paw balms.

Dealing with Mats in a Maltese

Mats in your Maltese’s fur can be a real nuisance for both you and your pup.

If you notice small mats in your Maltese’s coat, try to gently comb them out using a brush made for long-haired dogs. Dab a bit of fur conditioner on a wet cloth or directly onto the tool before brushing. This can help smooth out the fur and make the process easier.

If the mats get too big and tight, don’t try to comb them out on your own as this could hurt the dog and damage their skin.

In this situation, it’s better to go to a professional groomer. They have special tools and techniques to safely remove mats without stressing the dog out.

Quick tips:

To avoid mats, make sure you’re brushing your Maltese’s coat regularly, especially during shedding season. Brushing helps get rid of dead hairs and prevents them from tangling into mats.

Consider using special fur care products.

Common Maltese Fur Health Issues:

Dry & Brittle Fur:

Dry and brittle fur can result from not moisturizing enough and not grooming correctly. Use a good fur conditioner and make sure you brush it regularly to spread the natural oils.

Adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your Maltese’s diet can help improve their coat’s condition.

Allergic Reactions:

Maltese dogs can be allergic to things like dust, dust mites, food, and other allergens. If you suspect an allergy, consult with a vet for diagnosis and treatment.

Fungal Infections:

Fungal skin infections can affect a Maltese’s coat. If you see signs like flaking, rash, or redness, get to a vet right away for treatment.

Specialized Care:

In some cases, especially if your Maltese has specific skin or fur issues, seeing a veterinary dermatologist or a professional groomer with specialized fur care knowledge might be beneficial.

Regular care, using quality fur products, and timely problem detection will help your furry friend maintain a beautiful and healthy coat.

How Much Time Should You Spend Grooming a Maltese?

Grooming a Maltese demands some time and TLC (Tender Loving Care). Given they’re a fluffy breed with long fur, you gotta keep up with their coat and skin needs.

Daily Grooming: Spending about 10-15 minutes every day brushing and smoothing out their coat is a must. This helps get rid of dead hairs, keeps mats at bay, and lets their skin breathe.

Weekly Grooming: Once a week, go the extra mile. Clean their paws, ears, and check their skin for any issues. This could take you around 30-45 minutes.

Grooming during Shedding: When they shed (usually twice a year), you’ll probably spend between 45-60 minutes on grooming because they’ll be losing more hair.

Professional Grooming: To save yourself some time and ensure top-notch care, consider taking your Maltese to a grooming salon every now and then (like once a month). They’ll handle everything from baths to detailed grooming.

Professional Grooming for Maltese

Getting your Maltese professionally groomed is crucial because of their long coat.

How Often Should You Visit?:

Ideally, hit up a professional groomer at least once a month. This ensures their coat and skin stay in tip-top shape.

What They’ll Do:

A pro will bathe, trim, clip nails, clean ears, give massages, care for their skin, brush teeth, and anything else your dog might need.

Hair Trimming:

The groomer will style your Maltese based on breed standards and your preferences. This includes shaping the head, tail, paws, and other body parts.

Remember, Maltese dogs are delicate and fluffy creatures needing special grooming love. Put in the effort, and you’ll be rewarded with a pup that both looks and feels awesome.

Looking for a top-notch grooming salon in Kyiv? Check out V.O.G DOG. Their seasoned groomers know the ins and outs of Maltese grooming, from haircuts and trims to baths and general hygiene.

They offer reasonable rates to make pampering your furry friend both affordable and convenient. They get how essential proper Maltese care is and aim to provide the best service possible.

With the right care and attention, your Maltese will be shining all year round. Don’t hesitate to reach out to pros if you have questions or need a hand.

Your fur baby deserves the best, and V.O.G DOG is ready to deliver!