Maltese dogs are beautiful, loving companions that bring joy into our lives. But they also come with a few downsides, such as shedding.
If you own a Maltese dog, you may be wondering why they shed and how to control it.
Thankfully, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll explore 9 common reasons why your Maltese sheds and provide practical tips to help you control the amount of fur in your home.
Let’s get started!
Do Maltese Dog Shed
Maltese dogs are known for their beautiful, long, silky white coats, but those considering adding this breed to their family often wonder if they shed.
The good news is that Maltese dogs shed very little, if at all. This is due to their single-layered coat, which does not have an undercoat like double-coated breeds.
The Maltese coat requires regular maintenance and grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but daily brushing can easily keep shedding at bay.
It’s important to note that while Maltese dogs may not shed much, they are not hypoallergenic and can still aggravate allergies in susceptible individuals.
The Shedding Pattern Of Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs are beloved for their long, silky white fur. However, that beautiful coat requires a lot of maintenance.
One topic that often comes up in discussions about Maltese dogs is shedding.
Unlike many other breeds, Maltese dogs do not shed much at all.
In fact, they are sometimes referred to as “hypoallergenic” because their lack of shedding means that they do not produce as much dander as other dogs.
However, Maltese dogs still require regular grooming to keep their coats looking healthy and free of tangles.
Brushing, bathing, and professional grooming are all important parts of keeping your Maltese’s coat in tip-top shape.
Let’s get started and explore the common reasons why your Maltese sheds and provide practical tips to help you control the amount of fur in your home!
1. Genetics
The common reason why your Maltese sheds is genetics.
This breed of dog has a double coat, which means that they have two layers of fur – an outer layer and an undercoat.
As the seasons change, their coats will naturally shed to adjust for temperature changes.
In addition, as the Maltese ages its hair may thin out due to hormonal changes or other genetic factors.
To help reduce shedding it’s important to brush your Maltese regularly and provide them with proper nutrition so their skin and coat stay healthy.
2. Due to health
The common reason why your Maltese sheds is due to its health.
Shedding can be caused by a variety of things, such as poor diet or lack of exercise.
It’s important to make sure that you are providing your Maltese with the proper nutrition and plenty of exercise in order to keep them healthy and reduce shedding.
Additionally, regular grooming sessions will help remove excess fur from their coat and prevent it from becoming matted or tangled.
Keeping an eye on your Maltese’s overall health will ensure they remain happy and healthy for years to come!
3. Due to their diet
One of the most common reasons why your Maltese sheds is due to their diet.
A poor or unbalanced diet can cause excessive shedding, which can be difficult for you and your Maltese.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that your Maltese has a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients they need in order to stay healthy and happy.
Feeding them high-quality food will help keep their coat looking shiny and reduce any excess shedding.
4. Due to stress
One of the most common reasons why your Maltese may be shedding is due to stress.
Stress can cause a dog’s fur to become brittle and fall out, leading to excessive shedding.
If you notice that your Maltese has been exhibiting signs of stress such as panting or pacing, it could be an indication that they are under too much pressure.
Taking steps to reduce their anxiety levels by providing them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help keep their coat healthy and prevent excessive shedding.
5. Climate
The common reason why your Maltese sheds is due to the climate.
When temperatures rise, their coats become thicker and they tend to shed more than usual.
This shedding helps them regulate their body temperature in hot weather.
To help reduce shedding, it’s important to brush your Maltese regularly and keep them cool during summer months by providing plenty of shade and water for drinking.
6. Due to grooming
One of the most common reasons why your Maltese sheds is due to grooming.
Grooming helps keep their coats clean and healthy, but it can also cause them to shed more than usual.
Regular brushing will help reduce shedding by removing dead hair from their coat before it falls out naturally.
Additionally, regular baths with a mild shampoo will help remove excess dirt and oil that may be causing excessive shedding in your pet’s fur.
Taking care of your Maltese’s coat through proper grooming will ensure they stay happy and healthy while minimizing any potential for shedding.
7. Allergies
One of the most common reasons why your Maltese may be shedding is allergies.
Allergies can cause a dog’s skin to become irritated and inflamed, resulting in excessive scratching and hair loss.
If you suspect that your Maltese has an allergy, it’s important to take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, fleas or other parasites, certain foods or chemicals found in cleaning products.
Your veterinarian will help determine what might be causing the allergic reaction.
So, they can provide appropriate treatments such as antihistamines or special shampoos designed specifically for dogs with allergies.
8. Due to infestations
One of the most common reasons why your Maltese may be shedding is due to infestations.
Fleas, ticks, and mites can all cause excessive shedding in your Maltese if they are not treated properly.
If you notice that your Maltese has been scratching more than usual or losing fur in patches, it could be a sign of an infestation.
It’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up as soon as possible so that any parasites can be identified and removed before they become too severe.
9. Due to lack of exercise
The common reason why your Maltese sheds is due to lack of exercise.
If your Maltese does not get enough physical activity, it can cause them to shed more than usual.
Regular walks or playtime with toys will help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Additionally, providing a balanced diet for your Maltese can also help in reducing the amount of fur they lose each day.
Taking these steps will ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy!
How To Manage Maltese Shedding
Shedding is a common problem for Maltese owners.
To help manage and control the shedding, here are 10 tips:
1) Brush your Maltese regularly with a soft brush to remove dead hair;
2) Make sure you feed your Maltese high-quality food that contains essential fatty acids;
3) Give your Maltese regular baths using an appropriate shampoo designed for dogs;
4) Trim nails regularly to reduce fur buildup around them;
5) Use special grooming tools like deshedding brushes or combs to remove excess fur from their coat;
6) Vacuum frequently in areas where they spend time indoors;
7) Keep up on flea prevention treatments as these can cause excessive shedding too;
8) Check for skin problems such as allergies which could be causing increased shedding;
9) Reduce stress levels by providing plenty of exercise and playtime activities;
10) Visit the vet if you notice any changes in behavior or health issues related to excessive shedding.
Health Issues Related To Maltese Shedding
Health issues related to Maltese shedding can be a major concern for pet owners.
The breed is known for its thick, long coat and excessive shedding which can cause skin irritation or allergies in some people.
Furthermore, the fur that accumulates on furniture and carpets may contain dust mites, dander, pollen particles or other allergens which could trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Regular grooming of the dog’s coat with proper brushing techniques will help reduce excess shedding and keep your home free from potential health hazards caused by accumulated fur.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maltese Dogs do shed. While they don’t shed as much as other breeds of dogs, it’s important to remember that all dog breeds will lose some fur throughout the year.
Regular brushing and grooming can help reduce shedding significantly.
It is also important to feed your Maltese a healthy diet with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids which helps keep their coat looking shiny and reduces shedding.
With proper care and attention, you should be able to manage any potential shedding issues from owning a Maltese Dog.
