The spectacular long and silky coat of the adult Maltese does not come hassle-free. To keep such a coat in show condition requires considerable dedication on your part. Count on spending at least half an hour a day with it. Even if you are a wash ‘n wear type of dog owner and decide to go for an easy-care clip for your Maltese, regular grooming should still be an essential part of life with your dog.
And, good grooming is about much more than good looks! It’s about health too. Grooming is not just a quick brush and a rub down. It includes dental, eye, nail, and ear care. Every grooming session is actually a mini-health exam, and your best chance to notice lumps, bumps, infections, skin problems, breath odor, and other conditions that signal disease. In addition, a good grooming session is like an extended petting—your Maltese will thrive on it.
Before performing any grooming task, be sure you have at hand, in addition to whatever other supplies you’ll need for that particular task: a water-repellent, lightweight grooming smock, a lined wastebasket, paper towels for spills of any kind, and a lint roller. The hair belongs on the dog or in the wastebasket, not on ou or the floor or furniture. It’s also a good idea to have a set of grooming clothes you use just for that purpose, although this might not always be practical.
If you think, that grooming your Maltese at home is just to much hassle do deal with, you can always opt in for a professional groomer, to handle the whole grooming process for you.
Choosing a Professional Pet Groomer
How you choose a professional groomer for your dog is almost as important as selecting the right veterinarian. Although most professional pet groomers are able to groom a Maltese, some are much more competent than others. You can ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or check with breeders, boarding kennels, or friends with Maltese who are pleased with their groomers. Call the prospective groomer, and check on prices, products, and procedures.
Also ask if the groomer requires proof of vaccinations. Although a professional groomer can make your Maltese
look exquisite, only you can do the regular ear, eye, foot, and tooth care that’s necessary. Your groomer should be an
enhancement to your dog’s total care, not a replacement. Take time to watch the groomer with the dog. Any groomer who is rough should not have the care of your precious Maltese.
It is your responsibility to inform the groomer if your Maltese is fearful of being groomed, or if he doesn’t like being left by you. If he has ever growled or snapped during the grooming process, the groomer needs to know this as well. Likewise, inform the groomer if the dog has arthritis, a heart problem, epilepsy, or any other condition that could be aggravated by the grooming procedure. Remember your groomer is a groomer, not a dog wrangler or trainer.
