New Maltese Owner Looking For Knoledge. =]

[Kayla]

Hello, I am thirteen years old and last night me and my mom purchased a maltese. She is VERY small weighing in at about 2 1/2 pounds. She was born February 21 of this year, she has a baby face (Yes I know she will grow out of it!):maltese2: But she is so sweet. I read this paper the breeder gave me about low blood sugar, said to put a little sugar in her water and honey would revive the pup so you can then bring her to the vet. Does this happen alot and is it anything to worry about? Also, The dog is being kept in a large rabbit cage with her brothers, so I would say she is used to the crating kind of thing, If I crated her while I was in school would this be a bad thing? (My mom would take her out around lunch time) and since she is such an active little thing I was wondering if it would be better for me to have a pen? I have my guinea pig in a pen made out of closet racks and it works fine, I am wondering if it would be alright for her? Also, I am kind of stuck on naming her, I am thinking maybe Chloe, Tessa, or Annabell? My mom likes the name Aerobell (I dont know if I spelt it right?) I also like Bijou because she is a very kissy little girl. Any thing I should know about? She is ready in may but we may get her this weekend or even Friday as then she would of had all her shots, the breeder said to take her to the vet within a week and see what she says she said if the vet says her eye is crooked for example she will do a refund. Does this sound good? (Though I would hope not!) Also, she was 900 dollars, is this a good price for a sweet, registered, seemingly perfect little pup? I know, alot of questions. Thanks!:)

[I Found Nemo]

Hello Kayla and welcome to MT..
Please don't buy this puppy things just don't seem right. You need to find a reputable breeder, I will give you some links and some info on Maltese puppies so you can read up. Please please rethink buying this pup..
Andrea:)


http://www.foxstonemaltese.com/reputable_Maltese_breeders.htm

[Kayla]

Why?
What is wrong?
I have already bought her..
And I was actually recomended by several people.
:confused:

[I Found Nemo]

It just doesn't sound right, a rabbit cage and being kept in it with her brothers:confused: Can you tell me a little about the breeder , about a guarantee of health, did U see the mom and dad? Did you read the link I gave you? It's a good link it describes the difference between a backyard breeder a puppymill and a reputable breeder..
Andrea

[Kayla]

I would say she is a reputable breeder and not a back yard breeder. (Yes, I read the link) It isn't really a cage, kind of hard to explain. And yes, I met the parents personally, and it was written that she would recieve all shots, including being dewormed and such, and we have a three year health guarentee. The breeder also seems like she really knows her stuff.

[I Found Nemo]

I would say she is a reputable breeder and not a back yard breeder. (Yes, I read the link) It isn't really a cage, kind of hard to explain. And yes, I met the parents personally, and it was written that she would recieve all shots, including being dewormed and such, and we have a three year health guarentee. The breeder also seems like she really knows her stuff.

Ok..If you feel you have done your homework and your confident then I wish you the best of luck.I just wanted to make sure you knew something about getting a puppy, it sounds like you do..
Andrea:)

[Morkie4]

Why?
What is wrong?
I have already bought her..
And I was actually recomended by several people.
:confused:

I have concerns too, Kayla............good breeders do not let their puppies go until they are at least 12 weeks of age but back yard breeders are willing to let them go earlier. A pup needs that extra time with their mother and siblings. Your little girl is only a little over eight weeks. But this is just my opinion. I also agree with Andrea as to her concerns as well.

But welcome to Maltesetalk!!! There are a lot of nice and very helpful people here!

[Malteseluv]

Welcome to MalteseTalk!
Reputable breeders don't release their pups to new homes until 12 weeks of age, so it would probably be best if you leave her there as long as possible. May would definitely be better even though I know you and your mom must be so excited :)

Small breed dogs like maltese are known for having hypoglycemia when they are pups. It's easier to prevent a hypoglycemic attack than to stop it once it starts. So make sure your baby has access to food and water at all times. Make sure she eats several small meals throughout the day so that she doesn't get hypoglycemic. A little honey in the water at first is not a bad idea. We did that with our yorkie as well when he was a pup because he had low blood sugar. If she does have a hypoglycemic episode, honey on the gums or karo syrup will work just fine.

It's impossible that she will have all her shots by 9 weeks. Usually the first shots take place around 7-8 weeks, I believe, and there are three sets of shots that need to be done, so be prepared to pay for the rest of her shots.

Make sure you take her to the vet the day that you pick her up or the next day and have them do a fecal test to check for worms, parasites, and stuff like that, as things like giardia and coccidia can cause them to go down fast. Also, have the vet check for luxating patellas... That's very important, as surgery to repair luxating patellas is not only expensive but the recovery is not fun either.

If you decide to get an x-pen for her, then you can put a puppy pad on one side so that she can do her business and then her food, water, and bed on the other side. Also, make sure to get her some chew toys like Kong toy or non-edible nylabones to chew on while you're gone.

Good luck!! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!

[Kayla]

Thanks!
Yeah, thats what I was told by the breeder.
May is this monday so yeah.

[Malteseluv]

Oops, that's sooner than I thought :) I was trying to say 12 weeks is best because they really are supposed to be with their moms and littermates for essential socialization. Does she have a website?

[maltesemum]

Welcome to MalteseTalk!
Reputable breeders don't release their pups to new homes until 12 weeks of age, so it would probably be best if you leave her there as long as possible. May would definitely be better even though I know you and your mom must be so excited :)

Small breed dogs like maltese are known for having hypoglycemia when they are pups. It's easier to prevent a hypoglycemic attack than to stop it once it starts. So make sure your baby has access to food and water at all times. Make sure she eats several small meals throughout the day so that she doesn't get hypoglycemic. A little honey in the water at first is not a bad idea. We did that with our yorkie as well when he was a pup because he had low blood sugar. If she does have a hypoglycemic episode, honey on the gums or karo syrup will work just fine.

It's impossible that she will have all her shots by 9 weeks. Usually the first shots take place around 7-8 weeks, I believe, and there are three sets of shots that need to be done, so be prepared to pay for the rest of her shots.

Make sure you take her to the vet the day that you pick her up or the next day and have them do a fecal test to check for worms, parasites, and stuff like that, as things like giardia and coccidia can cause them to go down fast. Also, have the vet check for luxating patellas... That's very important, as surgery to repair luxating patellas is not only expensive but the recovery is not fun either.

If you decide to get an x-pen for her, then you can put a puppy pad on one side so that she can do her business and then her food, water, and bed on the other side. Also, make sure to get her some chew toys like Kong toy or non-edible nylabones to chew on while you're gone.

Good luck!! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!

Well said;)

Try to let her stay with the breeder till 12 weeks of age, this will benefit both you & the puppy! Good Luck & keep us updated.:maltese1:

[Kayla]

Well, if it is for socialisation- We have another dog?
But I'll see anyway. I don't believe she has a website, but I was recomended to her by the people of craigslist and two people I personally know.

[starry]

Welcome Kayla and your new baby!
I want to first address the hypoglycemia..please get some Nutracal from a pet store (that DOES NOT sell pets.) before you pick her up.
It is very impt to monitor her ,especially for a few days when she 1st comes home 24-7! She will be very stressed out and this can trigger the hypoglycemia..
I found it hard to have them drink any syrup or additive in the water. and if this health issue arises you cannot afford to waste time getting her system back in order.
Plus my 1st puppy really loved the stuff so it made it easier to know she was not going to have that problem. Eventually she will not need it.
Always have food availaable to her..
Far as the "cage" scene. I really HATE anything that is cage like on their feet.
She is not a rabbit. Just think about what type little home area would make you comfy and secure.
Crating her long periods is not something I would suggest as she is small and her bladder cannot hold pee for very long.
Walmart has babygates too that may be used to block off/in rooms.
Maybe look into an x-pen if you must leave her while at work. You can set up a very nice little home, bed, toys, toys,toys, pee pad, food and water.:)
Also while at the pet store I would HIGHLY suggest getting a book on maltese and maybe you can sneak some reading in at work.;)
There is not one type training that works for everyone so think about what you want and try not to change/move your decisions. It will only confuse her.
Second, love, hold and protect her. Don't be afraid to BE her mommy.
I am so glad you are asking questions, it is an on going learning experience here but I think you are off to a good start!!!
p.s. Stay away from parks and reststops as these are areas your pup can pick up BAD diseases, at least untill she has had ALL her shots.

[Kayla]

Okay, thank you Starry.
:) I think I will let her have my room while I am away and I will create a nice set up for her.

[starry]

Kayla, That sounds lovely.:)

[Kayla]

Thanks, I have a big house and my mom watches a toddler and I don't want her to get hurt. So I think I will make her her own sanctuary in my room. Mi dormitorio es su dormitorio. (Haha, yes I am bad at spanish!) Me and my mom are going on a spree tomorrow for supplies, though I am going to be cheap as we already spent alot.
:)