Today, I set out to trim the slippers on Gem’s paws. I like to do this about 2 weeks before a show. An hour later, I was finished….
An hour to trim four little paws? Even as a retired hairstylist and being a self taught groomer, it still takes me that long! I want her paws perfect for shows and every day! One sloppy snip and her paws will look choppy and uneven! Sadly, I have done several sloppy snips in my time! A wiggly dog,….holding the scissors at the wrong angle,….misjudging the amount needing to be taken off,….all of these things can make trimming paws challenging!
I always encourage pet owners to self groom in between taking their pet to their regular groomer. A quick brushing every day, a bath in the kitchen sink every week or so, and a visit with your groomer every 2 to 3 months will keep your Maltese looking its best!
Lately, I have been using a facial cleanser on my Maltese that I really like. It is a nice product for Maltese that are having trouble battling tear stains. The product is called “SPA by Tropiclean”- Lavish Tear Stain Remover Facial Cleanser. It is soap free and tear free. Its gentle foaming action safely washes away tearing and helps to combat the tear staining. This shampoo is great for use on wiggly puppies that may be staining due to teething. It is a gentle product that is safely used around the face and eyes of your Maltese dog or puppy. You can wash just the face of your Maltese several times a week to keep this area clean.
On days that I don’t lather the face, I use a tear stain remover product such as Diamond Eye, Pretty Eyes or Crystal Eyes.This is a clear liquid easily found on the internet or at most pet supply retail stores. I mix in 2 teaspoons of Boric Acid powder into the tear stain remover solution. With a baby toothbrush soaked with the solution, I wipe or brush away any tear stain residue or eye goop being careful not to get this into the delicate eye area. I do this on a daily basis to fight tear staining around the eyes and muzzle.
Other products that I have tried and like are #1 All Systems Shazam Super Whitening Gel. This product states that it should only be applied 3 times between bathing before needing to be washed off completely. It is easy to apply with your fingertip or toothbrush. Also, #1 All Systems Pure White Lightening Shampoo is also a nice lightening product that can be left on the coat for a few minutes to assist in whitening. Although I like these products, you do have to be careful around the eyes as with frequent use, you do risk breakage.
I always condition the coat of my Maltese, whether they are in full show coat or a short puppy cut. I have tried many dog and human conditioners and find that I like the human conditioners best! Most of them penetrate the hair shaft better and are less expensive. For the puppy cut, I use Pantene conditioner. For the show coats, I use Sebastian Penetrait conditioner. This works for my dogs coats nicely.
Whatever products that you find that you like to use on your Maltese dog or puppy, always take into consideration that their skin is sensitive and their eye area is delicate. Never leave products resting on the Maltese skin and always keep products away from the eyes.
Best of luck to you with grooming your Maltese puppy at home!
Puppy kisses to you!