Maltese lifespan is widely reported online to be in the region of 15-18 years. Sadly, the reality is that scientific evidence shows average Maltese life expectancy is actually closer to 12.5 years. So why the misinformation when this is actually a pretty decent time for a pet dog to live? Today I will get to the bottom of why their lifespan is so long, and why it is exaggerated in some places. I’ll also share tips to help your puppy live the longest, happiest, healthiest life possible.
Contents
- Typical Maltese lifespan
- Why is their lifespan so long?
- Health risks and their impact on longevity
- Signs of a potentially shorter life
- Great ways to increase Maltese lifespan
Average Maltese Lifespan
Looking online, there seems to be a consensus of 12-15 years for the Maltese lifespan, with a few outliers stating 15-18 years. These are really promising and good numbers! Unfortunately, the true number is likely to be in the lower end of these ranges.
A large cross-sectional scientific study was published in 2010, looking into the results of a 2004 survey. In the survey, owners reported any dog deaths within the family in the last ten years. Information was gathered about their breed, age when they passed, and the cause of death.
From the data gained a median average Maltese lifespan was deduced; 12.25 years. As this is from a large scientific study, it’s likely to be close to the true average lifespan for this breed.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that is just an average. The Maltese can and commonly will surpass this age. While the Maltese lifespan does not reach the optimistic estimations made online, 12.25 years is still a very good and long life for a dog.
There are many breeds whose lifespan does not even come close to these numbers. So what is it about the Maltese that promotes this longer life?
Causes of the Long Maltese Lifespan
A major reason the Maltese lifespan is longer than some other dog breeds may be due to the fact that the Maltese is so small. Larger dog breeds tend to die at a much earlier age, despite the fact that a bigger size usually brings with it a longer lifespan. So what is going on?
A scientific study concluded that one of the reasons is due to bigger dog breeds having high risks of serious developmental diseases. Another study found that large dogs have a much faster rate of aging, which leads to a much lower overall lifespan.
Therefore, with its small size, the Maltese does not experience either of these potential detriments to its lifespan. They grow and age at a normal rate. However, this does not mean the Maltese will be free of any and all severe health issues that may cut its life short.
Health Risks to Maltese Lifespan
While the long lifespan of the Maltese does seem to show that it’s a healthy dog, there are some serious conditions the breed is predisposed to.
A study into the common causes of death within dogs found that the Maltese died from cardiovascular problems and congenital disease.
Heart Conditions
The Maltese is at particular risk for the heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. This is a congenital defect where a vessel in the heart that is meant to close after birth doesn’t, leading to blood being diverted.
Depending on the severity of the condition, it can cause symptoms such as breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and stunted growth. Surgery to close the open vessel is usually recommended, as the condition can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Congenital Disease
A common serious condition seen in the Maltese is known as a Portosystemic Shunt. Also known as a Liver Shunt, this is similar to the cardiovascular condition above; an abnormal connection in the veins allows blood to veer off the intended path.
In this case, the blood is able to bypass the liver, meaning that toxins, proteins, and nutrients are not filtered out and left to circulate around the body. This can lead to symptoms such as stunted growth, behavioral abnormalities, seizures, and even blindness. Surgical intervention is again required, as leaving it untreated can lead to an early death.
Signs Maltese Lifespan Might Be Shorter Than Average
While these conditions can be fatal, they are potentially treatable if caught early. The prognosis for these conditions is generally good for a Maltese who has received a successful surgical intervention.
Therefore, it’s very important to keep an eye out for any strange behavior or signs of sickness in your Maltese when they are still a puppy. Catching these conditions early can help their chances. With all this in mind, what can we do to help increase the Maltese lifespan?
Increasing Maltese Lifespan
The first big thing you can do to ensure that a Maltese has a good chance at a long life takes place before you actually own one! Purchasing a Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder goes a long way to ensure they live a long life.
Both of the severe health conditions we described in the previous section have a genetic basis. A good breeder should be able to show documentation that proves these conditions and more aren’t present within the puppy.
(paid link) Avoiding these congenital diseases is a great first step! But what can you do to enhance a Maltese lifespan once you actually own one? There’s no trick to it; just keep them well-cared for!
Nutrition vs Lifespan
A good diet promotes good health, and good health increases the chance of a long life! Nutrition is very important, especially for a puppy. Select a high protein, high fat, low carb food, and make sure it matches your dog’s current life stage.
Keeping on Top of Their Daily Needs
Another small thing that goes a long way is keeping on top of their grooming, exercise, and mental requirements.
Regular exercise keeps their body in top shape, good grooming prevents matting and skin conditions, and keeping them entertained and mentally stimulated helps keep them happy and hence increases the Maltese lifespan!
Be sure you can fulfill all of this daily to have a happy and healthy dog that could very well live on past 12.25 years.
Sarah Rosengren says
My Maltichon is 16.5 and still a crazy barking nutball…. He has a torn cruciate currently and is in a brace, but still racing all over the house like he is a puppy, he sleeps too, but is food motivated and when he smells something to eat he is right under my chair on his hind legs begging and barking like a maniac. He has liver and kidney issues, and takes meds, also has cataracts and 9 teeth left, but is still like the energizer bunny.
Stacey says
My Maltese, Winny, is 16 and 1/2 years old and is now really struggling. I love my little baby. She’s just no longer herself. She sleeps most of the day and really is slowing down. I’m starting to notice she’s having balance issues. She can’t hear anymore, run, play. It’s difficult for her to get comfortable. My husband is hopeful we have at least 6 months with her but nobody knows. It’s just breaking my heart seeing her decline and she’s no longer the perky, goofy dog she’s always been. And I know when the time comes to make the dreadful decision, I can’t imagine my life without her. I’m crying just thinking about it.
Tammy Bowers says
we just had to make that awful decision 5 days ago -if I COULD redo that day it would have been to plan it a week or so in advance ( my boy was almost 16 and declining just as you described) I would have then spent the whole week or so doing nothing but him – carrying him on long walks that he no longer could do himself, eating burgers and fries together just all the things …. we waited and he had a terrible seizure and we had no time or he would have sufferered. That is my only regret
Nora says
My MaggieMae has reached 17yrs. this past April. She doesn’t appear to be struggling, although her energy is not as it once was. I know and feel the heartache in your message, try to remember all those memories you both have shared with your furrbaby. I received my furrbaby when she was 8wks old, so she is a part of me. Will always be. I love and treat her like my daughter. We have always been together through thick and thin. Sometimes I feel that she is living for me as she knows the state I will be in once she is gone. She is very intelligent, always has been. If one is reading this debating whether to adopt a Maltese, I will tell you it’s been the best decision I have made. She has never been a cuddle bug, but she is protective and loving and sensitive. Don’t let anyone tell you that a dog hasn’t a soul, as my MaggieMae has the biggest soul I’ve ever seen.
Roxy says
Our girl Roxy is 15. Other than being mainly blind from cataracts, she seems to be going strong. We joke that she will outlive us all. She rules the roost even with a Giant Schnauzer in the house. She sleeps 20+ hours a day. Annual dental cleaning. Monthly grooming. Love to all you guys.
Louise says
I just read many of the comments posted here and have been crying the whole time. Our beloved family Maltese, ‘Rosie’, passed away today and I feel like I’m in a sad dream, like it’s somehow not real. Rosie was 15 1/2 years old and still looked very young, still did the crazy-run, still ate like a pig, still ran up and down stairs and jumped up to the lounge, still got up to mischief around the house, still thought she could take on any big/young dog in an argument, haha. Just a few days ago, she went off her food and her tummy started to look bloated, then she suddenly collapsed. We took her to the vet hospital and they put her on IV pain meds and water while they did xrays, CT scan, blood tests, etc. It was very bad news – aggressive cancer in her liver, lungs and pancreas, and her abdomen and lungs were rapidly filling with fluid that could not be drained. We had no idea she was sick because she never showed it! Now Rosie was deteriorating rapidly right before our eyes, so this morning I made the decision to have her put to sleep. I gathered my 4 children and we went to the hospital to spend time with her in a private room, which was a very personal and moving experience, with all of us hugging and crying and comforting Rosie at the same time. I knew I had made the right decision to end her life so that she didn’t die in a frightening/distressing/painful way BUT right before the vet could insert the IV to give her the drug, little Rosie took her last breath and her heart slowly stopped beating. She died naturally, surrounded by her family. She knew we loved her….😭😭😭😭😭😭
Sharon says
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was crying still am. I lost my little boy April 16th of 2021 of congestive heart failure. It hurt so bad. I still cry every day. I miss him so much. I was his world and he was mine.there is nothing I can say to make it better, just know that I understand what you are going through and my prayers are with you
Josie Z says
I know how all of you feel! Our Maltese little boy, Chuy, passed away 3 days ago. He was diagnosed with liver cancer 5 weeks ago and since then we have been doing everything possible to prolong his life and so that he does not suffer. We didn’t know he was sick until he collapsed and when we took him to the vet we got this horrible news. I prayed so hard that he didn’t suffer and tried so many different things to make him heal and without pain. He didn’t look like he was in pain. He acted a little slower than usual but was his usual happy and loveable as always. I thank God for giving us Chuy for 13 years. He gave us so much love, happy times and so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. Our house is so empty and each corner of every inch has a memory of Chuy. I didn’t expect this to happen soo fast! He woke up not good and was Vomiting, diarrhea, his gums were white as paper and he collapsed. We took him to the Animal Hospital and even though they could have done blood transfusions and try to keep him alive for a few more days, the doctors recommended to put him to sleep. It took us many hours to make this horrible decision and that is what is affecting me so much. I know that he was sick, that he was already 13 years old, but I would have never wanted to make this decision. My heart is crushed and I feel as if I took away his right to live. We finally made the decision so that Chuy didn’t have to suffer or be in pain. We gave him the best possible life with so much love and he gave us his love and the happiest days of our lives for 13 years.
I pray that everyone that looses a pet be in peace.
Leta says
I am sorry for your loss. Our baby is 13 years old. He is so sweet. I cannot even think of the day he will not be with us. He is our sweet baby. I told my husband the reason Maltese are white is because they are so sweet like sugar.
Robert oHara says
My sweet little girl Liza went off to heaven with the help of our vet on Monday.. she was 12 1/2 years old. She had developed a collapsed trachea a few years back that was characterized by the notorious honking cough. She also had bladder stones and heart disease. Everything was treated and managed with pembodan for the heart, trazedone for coughing anxiety to keep her calm, Hydrocodone syrup for when the coughing was persistent. I cannot express how wonderful she was. She was the center of our world. She was sweet, loving, affectionate, funny, and where food was concerned, she could be a little bossy. I cried for 3 days this week, and the deepest part of my grief has started to subside i guess, as acceptance has started to take hold. If you have lost your Maltie, please know that the pain will subside for certain, you need to talk to people who shared that love and knew her… look at photos of her life, and let the tears flow freely. It will become more managable as your heart begins to heal, and it will. I treasured this little darling…. I was thinking yesterday that my life was blessed by this simple, humble, loving and kind little ball of sunshine and goodness. Her world was not wrapped up in material things or the concerns and worries of human existence. She cared about love, companionship, comfort and gave all three to me every chance she had during her life. She was a model for living, because this world we live in weighs us all down with all these unworthy concerns. She was a model of living, loving and joy, and In my thoughts i recognize that that little ball of love has taught me a great deal about life in her special way. I have no doubt that God made her so special and gave her to me so I could learn a lesson of such importance from this humble, gentle, loving little creature. Her gift to me was to teach me how to love… unconditionally.
B Brown says
My male Maltese “Sonny” was born on Valentine day 16 years ago. He bonded with my wife immediately . She passed away unexpectedly one year ago. Now it is me and Sonny alone in a big house. I cannot imagine how empty things will be if he passes first. These dogs become family.
Maxima says
Hi i have a male malteze and he’s 10 years old now. He doesn’t have any health issues. Eats everyday, goes to the backyard everyday. I try to play with him as much as i can. Only thing that i noticed over the few years is that he’s more and more tired. But i figured that was normal since he’s 10 now and will probably have less and less energy the older he gets. He’s up to date with all of his vaccinations and they doctor tells us he’s perfectly fine especially for his age. However like any owner i get worried that something will happen… i want my dog to live a long and full life but also i can’t live without him… i’ve had him since i was 9/ 10 years old…
I was honestly just wondering how long he will live… i know nobody can truly tell me this but i don’t know i thought maybe by how healthy he is and still active that he has a higher chance of living for hopefully another 5 to 8 years… eventhou we all know that with cancer for example you or your pet can be the most healthiest person alive… cancer can affect anyone at any time…
I try not to think about this but i recently watched a serie where a golden retriever who was 15 years old died of a heart disease and i just couldn’t stop thinking of my own dog…
Josie says
I had my Lucie (Maltese) 17yrs 8 months. She just passed 3/28/21. She started going downhill a couple of months ago. I’m greatful she gave me almost 18 yrs.
Tami says
Josie..
I have my Maltese Butterscotch is 17 years on sept 18 2021, she is very active, and eats good and walk good
Please tell me how was you Luice right before she die,, what kind of sign you get from her..
Carla says
Hi Tami,
I hope your Butterscotch is doing well.
My Maltese lived to be 17 years 9 months. She was an absolute joy and my sunshine. Her last year was not as active as she couldn’t see well. She developed kidney failure all of sudden and died within a week. I chose to euthanize her as she could not eat and was in pain, and she died peacefully in my arms. That was 20 years ago, and I still cry when I think of that moment I had to say goodbye to her.
In order to look after an older dog, especially the type that lives beyond 13, I think it’s crucial to switch to low protein diet. Older dogs eventually tend to run into kidney problems. It is actually quite common. I’d also suggest to encourage your dog keep moving, walking as long as he/she enjoys. Wish you and Butterscotch the best!
Bertha Love says
Our Paris is almost 17yrs. she is declining. Blind with cataracts and has a heart murmur. She is my husband love. Just the mention of her going to sleep one night is something that is not talked about. He loves her so much. How can I help him when it is her time. I am worried about how he is going to go thru losing her. She has had a very good, long life, It will affect me also but not as much as my husband. We are older 74/76.
Lani G says
I have a Maltese name Cally, she will be 12yrs old in two months. She was recently diagnosed with TCC bladder cancer. The oncologist gave her at least one more year with us. It’s been a hard pill to swallow and trying to process it all. She will be put on a medication called Piroxicam to help slow the cancer cell from spreading. I keep praying for her each day. She is part of our family.
Lori says
Aww. I’m so happy your puppy was loved so much and so sad she is sick. I know the heartbreak of the loss of a pet. I’m thinking of you!
Margaret Folse says
I’m so sorry your Callie has this, I have had one Maltese for 16 and one at 12 years but these dogs are so good they love you with all their heart and they are beautiful. Love your baby – what more could he want.
janet says
Just want to comment that I personally had gall stones, and I can’t tell you how horrible the pain is. I had my gall bladder removed immediately. Your baby may be in alot of pain, and that’s not fair. My husband suffered from kidney stones, and I had to take him to the hospital for treatment several times. The stones were so big nothing they did helped, so they finally had to surgically remove them.
I don’t know if canines suffer the same way as humans, but I can tell you it’s horrible!!! My opinion is surgery or put him down.
My maltese is 16 years so far, I have given her cosamin tablets and thyroid pills for a few years now. I have also changed her food to “Dr. Marty’s”. It is raw, with no fillers, additives, nothing but food that is freeze dried. She has cataracs and has lost most of her hearing, but I can’t imagine my life after she’s gone.
It costs a small fortune to properly care for a pet, I get their teeth cleaned every year, etc. I hope this isn’t TMI, and help’s you make your decision.
Andrea says
My Ozzy is 11 1/2 years old and was recently diagnosed with advanced diabetes after he suddenly went blind over a only a months time. He also has liver issues and a heart murmur and they have been suspicious of cushings for 3 years (always comes back inconclusive) has had a laundry list of health issues his entire life. My vet suggested putting him to sleep as he is really struggling and not really enjoying life anymore. I have taken him to another vet who has started me on insulin with not much improvement. His entire life right now is peeing a thousand times a day, eating when he can and being anxious constantly. It’s so hard and I am struggling making a decision. There are times he still shows his old loving self and that is what makes it so hard. I am not sure if I should continue to spend money I don’t really have or if he is ready to go. I am so heartbroken. I thought I would have him so much longer.
J. Nil says
We just put our Maltese down at 15 years 3 months. He had liver problems for 7 years but was still happy. The last 6 months he went blind, deaf and had dementia. It became sad and we knew we were keeping him alive for us not him. It is better to put your pet down one week early than one week late. Maltese’s are so loving and affectionate but towards the end he did not know us. I don’t think I can ever do that to a dog again. It was selfish.
Joy says
You did what was in your heart. He couldn’t speak to tell you he was declining fast. My little Maltese was put to sleep over the summer 2020. He was also 15 1/2. Broke my heart in a million pieces. I’m still not over him. He was also blind and deaf for over 1 year. Had a collapsed trachea at one point but recovers. Toward his end He developed hind legs arthritis. No longer couldnt walk or stand (too many pain meds made him sleepy) he peed in his bed at night as he couldn’t get up to pee. He ate good Drs k a lot in the last days. My vet said it was time. I couldn’t do it but my little guy was begging me with his eyes. Ge knew. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. That was 5 months ago. I’m still crying over his loss.
Petal says
I’m encouraged to see some of the older Maltese!
I have a miniature Maltese named Petal 4.6 lbs 15.4 yrs. old she has been a picture of health. I got her from a serious breeder from Alabama. (Theresa if you’re out there, Petal has been well taken care of and then some)! There was a time last yr she wasn’t doing well. We switched her food to HILLS and she came right out of it! She’s slowed down some and I don’t push her to over walk the yard or get over heated. I take her for a walk in the morning and the evening but not out in the hot afternoon sun. I let her get sunshine but not too much. I don’t let her pant at this age. She had a staff infection in her eye and it’s looking better with the drops and she got a steroid shot. There are several medical doctors in our family so we know how to look for a good doctor. We’ve been to 5 Vets and you can learn from all of them. Thankfully, we have a smarter one that cares! My Petal She’s so pretty! She has the Long silky pure white hair. She looks like a show dog. Years ago I had a little 10 pound boy Maltese I named him WhiteCastleI found him at the pet store. He only lived 8 yrs. b/c his heart. He was really smart. But totally different than a mini Maltese. A mini is like having an infant. I guard her from going up or down steps!! She’s too small. I have two attractive Playpins. I highly recommend They can have everything they need inside of it. It keeps them safe. I have a bed, a P-pad, food and water all inside. I can’t imagine not having it. She’s grown up on good spring water.
When it’s her time to go… I will come back and tell you how old she made it to.
George says
My beloved Maltese Cannoli past away a week ago – he lived 18 years 7 months! A long life full of love and companionship. But, the last year was difficult with arthritis and glaucoma, but all able to be addressed by medication. He showed no obvious signs of pain but he had mobility issues the last three months of his life. He did not have any teeth since 16 years old, and I actually think that contributed to an even longer life. He always had tooth decay issues, which was more my fault than his. Keep your pups teeth in good shape! I also cooked a variety of food for him and probably fed him half pet food and half meat and veggies. And lots of exercise – a good hour of walks every day until his last year. So just the usual things you would do for any dog. Likely good genes helped, too. Blessed with such a long time, but missing him something awful.
Tami says
Cannoli, He had a long good life.
My Maltese, Butterscotch, she’ll be 17 years old this Sept 2021, she is well and healthy.
Do I know any sign or
any notice for her health?
I do not want to lose her..
DJM says
Hi all,
I am curious to know if your little ones were spayed/neutered.
My little boy is 2 months away from his 12th birthday. He is a ball of fun and incredibly loving. He hasn’t experienced any major health problems other than a minor heart murmur, which gets checked every 6 months.
It’s great to read that some of your fur babies have lived up to 20 years! I would love to learn your secrets. I adore my bundle of joy so much and would like to help him live a long and healthy life. I believe I have done all that I can so far; quality nutritious food, exercise, much love and attention, and regular veterinary visits.
My snow bear is still intact. His veterinarian has recommended I have him neutered, but I haven’t done so because I am not sure if he would benefit much from it. He has lived perfectly fine w/o being neutered. What do you advise I do? I am thinking about having him neutered; better late than never. But again, would he benefit from it at this point. I have read a couple of research papers that make me believe otherwise.
Your help is appreciated! 🙂
Steve says
We’ve had 2 Maltese female sisters. One passed a couple years ago at 15 from a liver shunt. Our other girl is closing in on 18. She seems to be fading, hasn’t eaten in 3 days. Vet visit tomorrow….Until I read this article I didn’t realize our girls were at at the upper age limit for the breed. We’ve been blessed to have them in our lives for this long.
Lynda says
So sorry to here this. I just lost my male Maltese 2 days ago. He was turning 12 next month. They are special little dogs. I am hoping to find another Maltese ❤️
martha brady says
my Maltese male was terrific until he developed a heart mumur – he is on medication however he has lost so much energy – wondering if the drugs are the cause. He is 14.5 years old and until 4 months ago everyone thought he was a puppy. am concerned that the medications are too strong – he no longer plays with his toys and doesn’t want to walk – 3 houses down and he just stops. overnight he changed so much! Going back for another heart test and will investigate changing the meds. He is the love of my life and to see this sudden change is breaking my heart.
Michelle Spangle says
I’m curious as to what you found out.
I lost my Cooper yesterday and my heart is breaking. His health seemed to deteriorate rapidly I’ve the last month or so. I wish I had taken him to the vet sooner.
Mick says
My maltese just turned 20 years old how much longer does she have to pass away
Barbie says
Wow that’s so good , mine is 5 and for the last two days has been puking bile and now foam. So scared we’re going to the vet in the morning . I’m praying he was so happy and full of life three nights ago them at 5@m started puking. I also switched him on iams soft chicken and rice. I hope it wasn’t bad
Lynda says
My Maltese did the same thing, puking bile. I tried to keep food in his stomach at all times, it seemed to help. He just passed 2 days ago one month shy of 12. Well wishes for you and your Maltese.
joyce thompson says
I took on a maltese from a rehoming charity, he was 6, it cost me to have his rotten teeth removed and generally constant vets visits for over a year, with yellow vomit and one episode of severe foam vomit. Its taken me 3 years to organise his diet, no bought tinned food, I discovered intolerance to grain, wheat etc so now, steamed chicken breast and Lilys Kitchen grain free chicken and duck kibble soaked as he has no teeth. Since settling his food to two meals (when he asks ) 2 oz chicken chopped up small with about 10 kibble pieces each meal, no more yellow vomit or foam. He has probiotic paste once a week which certainly helps his digestion. He only has pure meat treats as rewards, True instinct do chicken and turkey pellets, he can’t tolerate lamb or beef they are too fatty and if its bile trouble less fat helps. good luck i hope your furbaby improves.
Joe says
Maltese have a very hard time changing food. Must be done very slowly. And not often.
Lisa says
My dog threw up bile almost daily. A smart young vet said he had a nervous stomach and to feed him 3 smaller meals a day instead of just 1 or 2. He quit throwing up.
Vincent Price says
Good luck to you, we lost our Maltese the last time that April 15, was on a Friday. He had gotten two (2) weeks into his 21st. birthday
Tammy says
Wow!! A long life!!
I have a Maltese, Butterscotch is 16 1/2 years old
She’s doing good and eat well.
Please give me a tip for a long healthy life for Maltese!!
martha brady says
Thanks for that – did he/she have any issues?
Leo says
Ours is almost 18 years old and I’m wondering how much longer she has too.
Tammy says
Wow!! 20 years old, good for her!!
How is she doing?
My Maltese, Butterscotch is 16, 1/2 years old.. she’s doing good.
Evan says
We just put ours to sleep this morning after a courageous battle with Cushing’s Disease. She had been declining the last 5 months. She was 3 months shy of her 17th birthday….
Meg Austwick says
I’m so sorry for your loss Evan
Marilyn Rysdon says
Can you explain her Cushings disease?
Marsha says
Evan ….. so sorry to hear this 💔 our Maltese Davidson developed diabetes and Cushings at almost same time. Both are difficult to control, but we did and he passed away 12/27/19 3 months shy of his 16th Birthday. He was a real trooper till the end but he missed his half brother who passed away at 14. They had a wonderful life as I know yours did. We are very fortunate to have experienced their love so long. Hugs to you
Elizabeth says
My Maltese is 12 and a half, He’s had two tumors that were benign and removed easily. That was about a year ago, but he’s been acting strange and not eating as often. Any suggestions? 🙁
Della says
As our Maltese got older, she suddenly started refusing to eat. We found a gently cooked pet food that had her back to normal and eating every bite (myperfectpetfood). She ate this food from age 14 until she died – a few days shy of her 17th birthday. The only health issue she had was degenerative disc disease (diagnosed at age 15). We managed her pain with a tiny piece (1/4 of a 50 mg tablet) of Tramadol (vet switched to this when Rimadyl sent her into a spiral) and a homeopathic called Herbaprin, mixed in with her food during the nighttime feeding. We also got stairs and ramps to keep her from jumping on/off furniture. We occasionally give our Morkie Herbaprin mixed in with the same food (my perfect pet food) for her aches and pain. She is almost 15. It relieves her pain and helps her relax at night just as it did for our Maltese. Our Mistletoe, aka Missie (Maltese) was an absolute treasure. We still miss her every day! ❤️
Joe says
Mine did the same thing. After thousands in vet bills and no improvment. We found he had a sever ear infection keeping him from eating. Within two days of antibiotics he was back eating normal,
Gloria Page says
I just put my perfect dog Hope to sleep forever. She had lost her eyesight & hearing… but she still seemed happy. She had stopped eating pretty much too. It was just a matter of time. She was 17. She lived on hot dogs her entire life as I could never get her to eat real dog food.
Barb Deere says
I can relate Gloria. My Maltese Millie will be 20 in a couple of months. She is both blind and deaf, her coat pretty scraggy looking but she eats and loves her humans. She needs to be taken to the toilet as she gets confused between inside and outside – she was such a clean dog previously so we make plenty of concessions for her as she has been a wonderful part of our family and deserves extra attention now that she needs it. As we are in lockdown here in Melbourne Australia due to Corona Virus restrictions she gets plenty of lap time – her favourite spot.
Nat says
My maltese Milo just lived 10 years and one month. I loved him as a son, I feel so much pain in my heart when I see his picture and his ashes on my mantle. He had cancer in one eye. I never thought he would have that effect on me when I first got him. Can’t ever get a better companion than a dog
Baygull says
We just put our 16 and 3 month old maltese to sleep yesterday. It’s ripped my heart apart, but we learned he had cancer and think it was at a later stage. He’d been slowly going downhill, and it took a very long time to convince myself it was his time. I still can’t believe he’s not here, but know he is much better off. Until about the last 6 months, he was romping down our trail, and in what seemed good health. They are little powerhouses, and as loving as can be.
amanda teo says
my maltese is 14 years old he still eats well sleeps well ocasisonally he has the stomach bug and gets grumpy but other then that still very healthy with no illness
Miaka says
The malteser hund I know is living 18+ years now. More years chanula. 😘😘😘
Michelle Cox McArdle says
What do you think about cosequin,for joints ?
Ivonne says
Our Maltese passed away this week. He would have been 13 years next month. Absolutely heart broken. Took him to the Vet early September because he’d chewed his paw off from being nervous. Vet gave him a shot of cortisone and prescribed Apoquel – noticed him acting ‘off’ week ago, he slept just about all day and last couple of days lost his appetite. No idea if Apoquel had any effect on his passing. God I miss him so much.
Marilou says
I feel for your loss.We lost our Brody 3 days ago. We can’t stop crying over him. Our life was about him. There is no easy way of dealing with the loss. Time will eventually help us accept that he has moved on to a better place where they are free of illness and they can be happy forever.
You should ask another vet about that medication and read up on it.
I asked for Brody’s medical records just so I have it. Just in case I have a question of how he passed away.
Our pets is part of our family and he will always be close to our hearts like he was my son.
Lynda says
Sorry for your loss. I just lost my Maltese and feel the same as you. Tears for days, miss him so much ❤️
Marcela Perez says
My Maltese is 12 and I take her every 6 month for full lab work and check ups. She’s very healthy! She is starting. To develop nuclear sclerosis which the vet explained is a normal part of aging and won’t necessarily cause blindness. She runs, plays and loves to be rubbed. She shows no signs of slowing down. She only eats healthy dog food and drinks alkaline water. She also takes a chewy that is purely made of healthy ingredients and collagen, vitamins and enzymes and glucosamine. I hope she still has many years ahead of her. I keep her as healthy as I can. She gets plenty of exercise and love!
Karen Ries says
Our little Ivy means so much to us. We rescued her from the Humane Society. We can only guess her age because she was found stray. We think she’s about 6 1/2 years old. Cute, playful, and she is very bonded to our 12 year old lab. They’re best friends.
Mickey Grossman says
Just lost our Angel ! We are Heart Broken ! She was 14 1/2 ! Never sick ! Stopped eating ! My heart is broken in 2 !
Squirrel Donna says
My girl Biskit made it to 18 yrs and 2 mo
Marcela Perez says
Your Maltese lived this long?! What a blessing!
martha brady says
Thank you for this – my Maltese is 14 however acts like a puppy – running, jumping and so active – We found him for my mother in law 7 years ago however he was too active for a 90 year old woman and while she loved him I fell in love with him never left him with her. We take him regularly to the vet to check everything – I pray to God that he will live 4 more years – he is the best thing that has ever to me in my life –
Rosemary says
We just lost our sweetie, Buster, at 19 years. 🙁
Donna says
My Maltese Nicki lived 14 1/2 years. Biskit just left us, making it to 18 yrs and 2 months. I have wonderful lifetime loving memories with our girls.and nowhere to post a photo ? I just wanted to say they can live much longer than 12 yrs.
I miss them so much
Squirrel Donna
Nicole says
I have a 16-year-old Maltese that still acts like a puppy. I don’t see her passing away anytime soon. She will be 17 in 6 months. Everyone that meets her thinks that she is still very young. She never got tear stains under her eyes either.
sue aris says
How lucky you are. My Maltese is 14 years old and she has IVDD on her back very bad so she is same like yours very active playfull every body says she is a puppy but when her pain comes she is panting and I feel so bad. She is on NSAID and gabapentine. I pray for her she fells better. I feed my maltese dr marty pet food she likes and good food. I gave her Dasuquine, cobalaquine, restorapet, nordic natural omega 3, turmeric pill and cbd oil for her pain
Lola says
My Maltese passed away 5 months before her 16 th birthday she was active. Lively still running up an down the stairs. She was eating and drinking the day she died, our vet thinks she might have had brain issues. We were out and we came home and she was in her favorite spot and she was gone m. We are beyond sad