You may never need all of these items but I have listed them
with the rationale/use so that you can know what has worked for me.
Brush-pin brush with no balls on the ends of the pins as
the balls break hair. These brushes cannot usually be bought in a regular pet
supply store but have to be ordered or purchased at a dog show. I personally
prefer the brushes from Chris Christenson.
Slicker brush-small one to use only on the feet as it
breaks hair. You can use it to remove small mats also but be aware that you
will lose hair-of course you are going to lose some hair anytime there is a
mat.
Rat tail comb-Sally's Beauty supply-use the metal rat tail
to part the hair starting from either the tail or the neck and working your
way down the back in a straight line. Also use it to tease hair for top knot
if putting hair up of show or special occasions
Greyhound comb-this is a small metal comb used to comb the
mustache. Start at the inside corner of the eye and comb the hair away from
the eye and down. It will remove eye matter and help prevent tear stains. Some
people use a flea comb for this but I find the tines on the flea comb are
sometimes too close together and it pulls too much on the dog.
Rubber bands-use the light weight ones for everyday wear
and heavyweight for show. The rubber bands should be removed each day and the
top knot hair brushed.
Hair Dryer on a Stand-You have a couple of options here.
You can get a table model such as a Duck Head which tilts and allows you to
have both hands free to brush and hold the dog during drying. Or you can buy a
clamp which is flexible and can be clamped to your table top and the other end
holds a regular hair dryer in the clamp. This allows you better control of the
air flow. Maltese should have their hair blown dry with warm, not hot air and
be especially careful to dry the ears well or they may develop ear infections.
Toe-nail Clippers-I like the scissors kind as they don't
"click" like the guillotine kind. If you cut one into the quick with the
guillotine kind then they will generally become panicked by the click making
future cuttings difficult. Toenails should be kept pretty short to protect
coat and avoid foot problems.
Styptic Powder-stops the bleeding and pain fast if (well
really when, because you will do it sometime) the nail is cut too short
Sink Mat-I just use the Rubbermaid kind. This keeps them
from slipping as much during bath-time
Feeding Bowl - Glass or stainless steel -plastic absorbs
stuff
Drip Water Bottle - glass is preferable but sometimes hard
to find. Some people don't think their dogs can get enough water from a drip
bottle but I use them with all my dogs, even puppies once they are old enough.
They keep the face from getting wet in the water bowl-something which
contributes to tear staining.
Satin Slip Lead -As a puppy they may need to be on a
halter but as an adult I prefer not to use any type of a collar as they mat
hair. These type leads have a wider part which goes under the muzzle and they
are less likely to cause choking than the type sold in most pet stores.
Spray Leave-in Conditioner - there are many types
available. I prefer Ice-on-Ice by Chris Christenson but it has to be ordered
or gotten at a dog show. "The Stuff" sold by Pet Edge is pretty good. You
should probably invest in the concentrate as you will be using it daily when
you brush the coat. A bottle of concentrate of either brand will last a long,
long time! Spray each section of the hair as you brush it.
Toys - ropes, balls, chew toys, etc
Pet Toothpaste/Toothbrush - most toy dogs are subject to
poor dental health-begin early brushing their teeth. If they fight having
something in their mouth start out at first putting your finger in their mouth
with Nutri-Cal on it and they will permit this and lick away. Then switch to
toothpaste and a tooth-brush. I also like to occasionally give mine a
"Greenie" (not the Lil Bits as they are so small that they may choke on them.
I use the Petite ones. I don't give mine rawhide as they can break a tooth,
except that I will occasionally give them a "Bully Stick" - these are bull
pensis which have been smoked. They are easy to digest, clean the teeth and
because they become moist when chewed they will not break teeth. However, be
warned, they get really really sticky and can mess up a long coat-they also
smell pretty strong.
Nutri-Cal - this is a paste nutritional supplement. I keep
some on hand but don't use it unless a dog is severely off his/her food or
appears to be hypo-glycemic. Just put some on your finger and have them lick
it off-if you have to give it then they are probably sick enough to at least
call and check in with your vet.
Camera - to take lots of pictures of your new baby.
