Maltese - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
The Maltese is exceptionally long lived with an average life expectancy of 15 years. However, there are increased health risks associated with this dog breed which pet owners should be aware of. The most significant issue for Maltese is their dental health. They have notoriously bad teeth, and it is not uncommon for them to begin losing teeth around eight or nine years of age.
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Introduction
The breed is exceptionally long lived with an average life expectancy of 15 years. However, there are increased health risks associated with this breed which pet owners should be aware of. The most significant issue for Maltese is their dental health. They have notoriously bad teeth, and it is not uncommon for them to begin losing teeth around eight or nine years of age.
Common Health Issues
Maltese also have an inclination toward heart ailments, which usually surface around the tenth year. These might include a prolapse valve syndrome, or an enlarged ventricle. These conditions can be life threatening, but are manageable through medication.
Other problems may be a luxating patella, or "floating kneecap", portosystemic liver shunt, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Maltese are also prone to sunburn along where their hair parts, and, in general, have rather delicate skin. Some dogs of this kind get the chills very easily, and are prone to shaking or shivering for no apparent medical reason. Maltese are also often uncomfortable in hot, as well as damp, weather.