Maltese Only News
November 2002

Dear Editor, One remark on "cleaning up tearstains". We use for a long time a similar method described in the August 2002 issue - and it works well. But it is essential not only to clean up the tearstain but also keep the hair under eyes dry using at least daily Kleenex an a special comb. yours, Vladimir 'Benji's Memorial'

When purchasing supplies for my Maltese from a groomer, she informed us that a metal comb and pin brush was the best to get out the mats and brush my maltese. For a year I had a terrible time as she would run away from me and didn't like her grooming. So I tried a softer bristle brush on her using it every day, and sometimes twice a day and she runs to me to be brushed. She loves it. Sometimes its best to listen to your dog. Maybe this will help others. For small mats I just separate the hairs and gentle cut them out. Good Luck. DORIS JOHNSON

Hear's how I keep fairy long hair on my Maltese. It work for me very will.... I use thinning scissors on her hair every few mo's . I take small layers of hair all around and thin it and brush out the cut thin hair real good sure helps keep mats out and easy to comb every few days for grooming. Make life better for us both. Karen

It was recently reported that a puppy choked to death in his crate because his license tag was attached to his collar with an "S" hook and the hook caught on the crate. Take a look, folks -- if your dog's collar has any "S" hooks, replace them without delay. It’s advisable to use a small ring that a key would go on. Much safer.

Halloween can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for your pet. Don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned. Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal. If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct her vision even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them. All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours; too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog. Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through an open door. If they do escape, try to call them calmly, and offer treats for their return. This above all other nights is not one in which they should be roaming free. While this can be a fun time for people and pets alike, remember that your pets are depending on you to keep them safe from the more dangerous goblins and ghouls that this holiday brings.

Psst! Got a Tip? Do you have a tip that makes life easier for you and your Maltese? Please email us your story and we will print it right here in MalteseOnly News! If you wish to submit an article, joke, birthday, etc. send an email to Libby@malteseonly.zzn.com