Senior Maltese Care Guide

The Maltese is a breed steeped in thousands of years of history as a prized lapdog, and their devotion to their owners has not diminished one bit. Elegant, gentle, and surprisingly spirited for their tiny size, Maltese dogs form bonds that are among the most intense in the dog world. The good news is that this breed is remarkably long-lived, with many Maltese enjoying life well into their mid-teens. But those extra years come with breed-specific challenges, from the dental disease that plagues all toy breeds to liver concerns unique to the Maltese. This guide covers the most important health considerations for your aging Maltese and the best ways to support them through a long, comfortable senior life.

When Is a Maltese Considered Senior?

Maltese are generally considered senior between 8 and 10 years of age, though their remarkable longevity means many are just entering middle age at this point. With an average lifespan of 12-15 years, and many Maltese living to 16-18 years, this breed often has more senior years than any other period of life. Their small size translates to slower cellular aging, giving you more time with your companion.

However, some breed-specific conditions like dental disease and luxating patella begin causing problems well before the senior threshold. Start biannual veterinary checkups by age 8, with particular attention to dental health, liver function, joint evaluation, and cardiac assessment.

Dental Disease: The Maltese's Biggest Battle

If there is one health issue that defines the aging Maltese experience, it is dental disease. Maltese have tiny jaws packed with the same number of teeth as a German Shepherd, creating severe crowding that traps food and bacteria. The breed also tends to have weaker enamel and more rapid tartar accumulation. By the senior years, many Maltese have lost multiple teeth and require careful management to prevent ongoing oral pain and systemic infection.

The Systemic Impact of Dental Disease

Dental disease is not just a mouth problem. The bacteria from infected gums and abscessed teeth enter the bloodstream with every chew, settling on heart valves, filtering through the kidneys, and taxing the liver. In a breed already predisposed to liver and heart issues, untreated dental disease becomes a life-threatening systemic condition. Studies suggest that dogs with severe periodontal disease live an average of 1-3 years less than dogs with healthy mouths.

A Complete Dental Care Routine

• Daily brushing: Use a finger brush or ultra-soft toothbrush with enzymatic toothpaste
• Dental water additives: Reduce bacterial load in the mouth throughout the day
• Appropriate chews: Soft dental treats designed for small breeds (avoid hard bones that fracture teeth)
• Professional cleanings: As recommended by your vet, typically annually for Maltese
• Daily oral checks: Look for red gums, loose teeth, swelling, or bad breath

For an in-depth guide to maintaining oral health, see our dental care for older dogs article.

Luxating Patella: Kneecap Challenges

Luxating patella is extremely common in Maltese and other toy breeds. This condition, where the kneecap slides in and out of its proper groove, causes intermittent lameness and, over time, progressive arthritis in the affected knee. You may notice your Maltese suddenly skipping steps, holding a hind leg up momentarily, or walking with an unusual gait.

In senior Maltese, years of repeated luxation have typically caused enough cartilage damage to produce chronic pain. Management includes daily joint supplements, maintaining a lean body weight (critical for tiny dogs where even ounces matter), providing pet stairs or ramps to prevent jumping, and keeping nails trimmed to maintain proper foot alignment. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications for pain management.

Liver Shunts: A Breed-Specific Concern

Maltese have a higher-than-average incidence of congenital portosystemic shunts (liver shunts), where an abnormal blood vessel allows blood to bypass the liver. While most liver shunts are diagnosed in young dogs due to obvious symptoms, mild or partial shunts may not cause noticeable problems until the senior years, when the liver faces increased demands from aging.

Signs of Liver Problems in Senior Maltese

• Disorientation or "spaciness," especially after eating (from ammonia buildup)
• Circling, head pressing, or staring at walls
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or poor appetite
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Formation of bladder stones (ammonium biurate crystals)
• Seizures (in advanced cases)

If your senior Maltese shows neurological symptoms, particularly after meals, a liver function test (bile acids test) can help diagnose the problem. Management often includes a specialized diet, lactulose to reduce ammonia levels, and medications. Regular bloodwork monitoring of liver values is recommended for all senior Maltese. For more information, visit our liver disease in senior dogs guide.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome

White Dog Shaker Syndrome, also known as idiopathic steroid-responsive tremor syndrome, is a condition that primarily affects small white-coated breeds, with Maltese being one of the most commonly affected. The syndrome causes generalized body tremors that can range from mild to severe, worsen with excitement or stress, and may interfere with walking.

The exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve mild inflammation in the cerebellum. The condition responds well to corticosteroid treatment, with most dogs showing significant improvement within days. While it often appears in young adults, it can also develop or recur in senior dogs. If your Maltese develops tremors, see your vet promptly to rule out other causes such as poisoning, pain, or neurological disease.

Grooming the Senior Maltese

The Maltese's silky white coat is one of the breed's most beautiful features but requires dedicated maintenance, especially in the senior years. Aging skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making gentle grooming essential. If your Maltese is kept in a full coat, daily brushing is required; many senior Maltese owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" that is easier to maintain and less taxing on sensitive skin.

Clean tear stains daily with a gentle, damp cloth or specialized tear stain wipe. The Maltese's prominent eyes produce more tears than average, and the moisture on white fur creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular grooming sessions double as health checks: run your hands over the entire body feeling for lumps, check the skin for irritation, examine the ears, and inspect the mouth.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Senior Maltese still enjoy and benefit from gentle daily activity. Two short walks of 10-15 minutes combined with indoor play sessions are usually appropriate. Watch for signs of fatigue, limping, or respiratory distress. Puzzle toys sized for small breeds provide excellent mental stimulation, and gentle training sessions keep the mind sharp.

Maltese are social dogs who thrive on companionship. For senior Maltese, simply being close to their people is a form of enrichment. Lap time, gentle petting, and calm interaction satisfy their deep need for connection while providing comfort to both dog and owner.