If you are the proud paw parent of a fluffy, cute and adorable Maltese Poodle, then you might want to keep reading to find out more about the health risks of this breed and how pet insurance can help cover the costs of vet bills.
Despite their delicate (and adorable) appearance, the Maltese Poodle is a pretty tough little dog, and compared to other purebreds, this breed has fewer health concerns. However, this is not to say that these poodles are not prone to their own list of health issues.
Did you know that a Maltese can live between 15 and 18 years? In fact, some have been known to live well into their early twenties. This means that these dogs are going to be the furry members of your family for years to come and with more years lived, means more happy memories, more walks in the park and more love. But it also means more vet bills.
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Why we love Maltese Poodles
Interestingly enough, a number of canine experts believe that these dogs come back from the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean. In fact, records of the first known Maltese Poodle date back to 500 BC.
When it comes to their personality, these charming and spunky lapdogs are determined and intelligent. They are energetic, gentle and loving. Despite their small frames and fine bones, they make for sturdy and loyal companions.
Maltese top 3 health concerns
Sadly, these sturdy little dogs do have their own set of health risks, all of which can amount in costly vet bills and medical care.
Eye disease
Maltese Poodles are prone to a number of eye issues. These include:
- Tear duct disorders
- Eyelash abnormalities
- Glaucoma
- PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
- Corneal ulcers
Some of these issues are a result of their long hair getting stuck in their eyes, which is why regular grooming is essential for this breed.
Heart disease
Heart conditions are a very real issue in the Maltese. The two common heart diseases include:
Mitral valve disease (MVD)
This occurs when the valve between the left ventricle and left atrium starts to fail. This valve is a one-way valve and stops the backward flow of blood. A heart murmur is the first sign of this condition.
Your Maltese should be screened for any signs of heart murmurs, known as turbulent blood flow. Which is preventive care is so important to ensure your vet is able to detect and treat any underlying health concerns before they develop into more severe issues.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
This is when the ductus arteriosus, which is an extra blood vessel found in developing puppies, does not close soon after birth. This causes the blood to divert in abnormal patterns in the heart. This issue leads to blood flowing into the lungs and can cause a range of health concerns, such as congestive heart failure.
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Hyperthyroidism
This is a common hormonal problem seen in this breed. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolism. Symptoms start to show around 2 years of age. Some of these symptoms include:
- Weight gain
- Hair loss on the tail and body
- Skin issues – scaling, thickening, hyperpigmentation
- Slow heart rate
Where pet insurance comes in
A number of paw parents underestimate the importance of a pet healthcare plan. Not only does pet insurance include pet hospital care, but it also includes vet cover. Vet wellness checks should form a vital part of your dog’s healthcare.
Puppies will be seen to more often than adult dogs as they need a number of vaccinations and shots, but your adult Maltese should be examined annually. During your pet’s annual exam, your vet will check their vitals, run a series of tests, check her hips, back, knees and elbows, as well as her nose, mouth and eyes.
Your vet will also discuss your dog’s diet and make any adjustments if need be. This is also a great way for you to ask about any health concerns you may have about your precious pooch.
Don’t wait until it is too late
If you only decide to get pet cover when your dog starts to show symptoms of a certain condition, then this might be seen as a pre-existing condition. For a number of pet insurers, the majority of pre-existing conditions require a 12-month waiting period before you can claim for any medical costs relating to them.
The sooner you insure the health of your pet, the better. If you’re looking for a pet insurer that’s both affordable and value for money, we recommend taking a look at Oneplan Pet Insurance. They have a wide range of pet insurance plans to suit your pet and your wallet. The best part is that with Oneplan, they pay you BEFORE you see the vet. Pawsome, right?
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