Maltese Vet Costs & Medication Dosages

Real vet bill ranges and pre-calculated medication dosages for a typical Maltese (7–7 lbs). Small breed.

How much does a Maltese cost at the vet?

A typical Maltese vet bill runs $273–$1,110 (median $508), based on real invoices from small dogs. Emergency visits for dogs this size typically run $352–$1,258. Surgery, when needed, runs $435–$1,484.

Medication Dosages for Maltese

Small breed·Toy Group·7–7 lbs

Maltese — vet costs & medication dosages

Real vet bill ranges for small dogs plus pre-calculated medication dosages for a typical Maltese (7–7 lbs).

Weight7–7 lbs
Height7–9 in
SizeSmall
GroupToy Group
Lifespan12-15 years

What vets charge for a small dog like the Maltese

Breed-specific bills are rare in any dataset — but a dog's size drives most of the cost. These are real invoice totals from small dogs.

Typical total vet bill$273 – $1,110Median $508 · real invoices from small dogs
Emergency visit$352 – $1,258
Surgery (when needed)$435 – $1,484

Size is a proxy — your actual bill depends on the specific issue, your vet, and your area. Anesthesia and weight-dosed medications scale with your dog's weight (see the dosages below). Compare costs by procedure →

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Maltese Health

The Maltese is a healthy breed with few health issues, and will usually live well into the double digits. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as luxating patella and heart anomalies such as PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). It is recommended that Maltese puppies be bile-acid tested to rule out congenital liver issues such as liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia (MVD). There have been reported incidences of Maltese developing encephalitis (aka as GME). At this time, there is no screening test available. The American Maltese Association is working with researchers to come up with answers and perhaps a genetic test in the near future. As in all toy breeds, dental maintenance is important, and Maltese should have their teeth brushed daily with a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, as well as routine cleanings at the vet.

Recommended Health Tests

  • Patella Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Serum Bile Acids

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About the Maltese

The tiny Maltese, 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,' has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.

Maltese are affectionate toy dogs weighing less than seven pounds, covered by a long, straight, silky coat. Beneath the all-white mantle is a compact body moving with a smooth and effortless gait. The overall picture depicts free-flowing elegance and balance. The irresistible Maltese face' with its big, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose' can conquer the most jaded sensibility. Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets. They make alert watchdogs who are fearless in a charming toy-dog way, and they are game little athletes on the agility course. Maltese are low-shedding, long-lived, and happy to make new friends of all ages. Sometimes stubborn and willful, they respond well to rewards-based training.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Gabapentin can I give my Maltese?

For a typical Maltese (7 lbs), the recommended Gabapentin (gabapentin) dose is 16–32 mg per dose — approximately 1 × 100mg tablet. This is given every 8–12 hours for pain, anxiety & seizures.

Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian. Factors like age, health conditions, and other medications can affect the right dose for your specific Maltese.

Full Gabapentin calculator & pricing →
How much Trazodone can I give my Maltese?

For a typical Maltese (7 lbs), the recommended Trazodone (trazodone) dose is 6–16 mg per dose — approximately 1 × 50mg tablet. This is given every 8–12 hours for anxiety & sedation.

Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian. Factors like age, health conditions, and other medications can affect the right dose for your specific Maltese.

Full Trazodone calculator & pricing →
How much Rimadyl can I give my Maltese?

For a typical Maltese (7 lbs), the recommended Rimadyl (carprofen) dose is 6–14 mg per dose — approximately 1 × 25mg tablet. This is given once or twice daily for pain & inflammation (nsaid).

Always confirm the exact dose with your veterinarian. Factors like age, health conditions, and other medications can affect the right dose for your specific Maltese.

Full Rimadyl calculator & pricing →
What health issues are common in Malteses?

The Maltese is a healthy breed with few health issues, and will usually live well into the double digits. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as luxating patella and heart anomalies such as PDA (patent ductus arteriosus). It is recommended that Maltese puppies be bile-acid tested to rule out congenital liver issues such as liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia (MVD). There have been reported incidences of Maltese developing encephalitis (aka as GME). At this time, there is no screening test available. The American Maltese Association is working with researchers to come up with answers and perhaps a genetic test in the near future. As in all toy breeds, dental maintenance is important, and Maltese should have their teeth brushed daily with a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, as well as routine cleanings at the vet.

Recommended health screenings include: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Serum Bile Acids.

What size dog is a Maltese?

Malteses are classified as a small breed in the Toy Group, typically weighing 7–7 lbs and standing 7–9 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

The medication dosages on this page are general guidelines based on standard veterinary references. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your dog's health, age, other medications, and your vet's assessment.