Cuddles

I use an eye dropper and just put in a couple of drops I also wipe around the ear with ACV Yes it can be used in the same way it is used for dogs.

my Maltese used to freak out too and it took about a year to get him to trust me near his claws..... what I did was used human nail clippers as I could hide them in my hand and he couldn't see them and when I bathed him in the laundry sink I used to put one arm around him to hold his paw and do a quick clip before he had time to notice I had clipped his claws... sometimes I would only get about 2 claws done one each paw but I slowly worked my way up from there to where he is so good now. The secret is to be quick....

Very true. This is how I do it.... maybe my experience may help you. I always do it straight after a bath when the nail is soft. Wrap your puppy in a towel and give it a cuddle while uncovering one paw at a time. Make it a pleasurable exercise and maybe sing I know but, it will relax you and send pleasant vibes to your puppy. Oh, and hold each claw firmly at the base to stop any vibration of the claw bed while you are clipping. I use claw clippers that have a guard on them so I cannot take too much off. Better to have to cut twice than to cut too much off it is rather important to always touch and fondle your dogs paws, ears and getting puppy used to you opening its mouth all this will make it easier for when things need doing to it or it needs a checkup at the vet.

The long coat does work as insulation. I always shell my Maltese ie clip all his belly and groin area even under the armpits. This will be my Shih Tzu's first summer and I will be doing the same with her. If your friend does clip down her dog I hope she remembers to use sunscreen on it. Even in long coats Maltese have pink skin and sunscreen is needed down the centre part.

Thank you for the link. My Maltese has blocked tear ducts so I am constantly on the lookout for a product to keep his face white.

I have been giving my Maltese ACV for a few years now. You will also notice a marked improvement in tartar buildup. My malt is now 4 years old and has no tartar. I also use it for a final rinse when bathing your dog. Though usually I just use white vinegar for that and keep the expensive ACV aside for their water bowl.

What a gorgeous boy he was. I am so sorry for your loss.

what about when you bathe her? Does she stand in the suds? You really need to make sure all the shampoo has been rinsed away. I use a vinegar rinse as a final rinse just to make sure all the shampoo has been rinsed out.

WoW what a lot of talent we have here I just love what you are all doing I must try and get more creative.

I use it for all of the above too. A benefit I found for putting it in the drinking water is that it also prevents tartar buildup.

The NILIF program really works I have done that from day one with my Maltese and have had no issues with him whatsoever Actually he was reared in my office and was surrounded by children and thus adores them. I guess I am one of the lucky owners of a Maltese. I am sorry you are having issues I hope you get them sorted.

Sending prayers for this little darling......

Awwwww Poor Scamp may he rest in peace

lol too funny and what a great report you wrote that was brilliant.

Yes it does work. It gives you time to distract your dog from the activity and to gain control. I used this method (water in a spray bottle) when Scrappy was a puppy and now all I have to say is "where is the squirt" and Scrappy immediately stops what he is doing and looks at his rump. I have never,ever squirted him in the face. Only on the rear. One fine spray on the rear is enough to distract your dog and for you to get control of the situation. If I sprayed Scrappy in the face he would think it was a game I was playing as he loooves water.

I agree with making your own Pet Loo. or Sod box. I too used the litter box and Scrappy thought it was a place to play. You can also get Pee Pads that smell like grass or a thing called a Pee Post that is supposed to emit a scent to tell them where to potty. But what ever you choose you will have to go back to the start and re educate her on where to potty.

Sending my heartfelt sympathy......

I am so sorry to read the prognosis. Poor Baby...... hugs to you all

Oh, I am so sorry that must have been a tremendious shock. My heart goes out to you.

I am so sorry for your loss.....

:rolleyes: So is there a test to be done to see if your dog has had it or is it obvious that your dog has had it?

I live in a low heartworm area but my vet did advise if I was to take my dog out of town to call in the day before for treatment to be on the safe side.

At first I used a pictorial by a groomer expert in Maltese dogs that I found online...that was very helpful in how to use clippers and what brushes and combs to get.....Now I pretty much know what I like so I just go for it. In the past I have had some real boo boos during my learning curve. Once I cut Scrappy's ears so short that my daughter kept consoling Scrappy that it was ok and that she had sent out a search party for his ears I figure that while Scrappy likes our grooming/bonding sessions that even with the occassional oooops! it is worth the loving and cuddles that we have and it is hair, it will grow back.

I am sorry I have no advice but I would love to see a picture

I sent an email to Eagle Pack as their website is down. They replied saying the site is down as they are launching a new one in 2 weeks and that they are still in Australia. Phew! I am so relieved to hear that as I have just started Scrappy on the holistic variety