How much does it cost to own a maltese?

6 Responses to “How much does it cost to own a maltese?”

1. AnswerGuru says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   I have owned my maltese, Corki, for almost 2 years now. Here is what I spend on her:

   Dog Food: I buy Iams Naturals, 15.5 lb bag (lasts about 1 to 1 1/2 months) $20

   Heartgard: 6 month supply $27

   Frontline Flea Protection: 3 month supply $45

   Groomer: I keep Corki’s hair cut short to avoid mats. I get her cut every couple of months. $30 each trip

   Treats: I buy Ol’ Roy soft beef sticks (which she loves!) and a container usually last about 2 months, depending on how often she gets rewarded. $7

   Bones: I buy bone chips every now and then for her. A large bag will last for quite a long time. $9

   Toys: I will buy stuffed toys (her favorite!) every now and then, maybe once or twice a month on average. These can run $1-12 depending on the type of toy.

   Vaccinations: These run $10-$30 each time, depending on what medication it is.

   Vet trips: $20 for a visit, plus any medication. I have to get Corki a Cortisone shot every couple months ($20/shot), due to her flea allergy. This is not as common now that we use the Frontline religiously.

   Then, if you ever leave town, you’ll have to figure in boarding costs. It is $9/night at my vet, which is where we board Corki.

   Don’t forget to spay or neuter your pup! Typically, it is more expensive to spay (female) than to neuter (male). It cost $90 for Corki to be spayed. You will want to do this while your pup is still young, as it is easier for them to bounce back after surgery.

   Overall, your new pup won’t be cheap, but if you give your maltese love and care, it will return your love ten times over, which makes for a very rewarding relationship. And if yours is anything like mine, watch out for the constantly licking tongue!

   Enjoy your new pet!
2. pinkbunnylove says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   ive had 2 maltese. ive owned alot of dogs, and they by far are the best. loved them. it shouldnt cost that much. just get them good food, and hair care stuff. some sort of blue shampoo to keep them white. u have to comb them everyday, or they get matted. oh and just b careful, mine had diabetic seziers.
3. Kasey S says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   Well food, depends on what you get. Maybe $20-$40 depending on it. You will need toys, well not need but really what dog doesn’t want toys? Those very in price, malteses should have soft toys which are usually cheaper. Treats are nice too.

   The initial cost of dogs at the vets is usually $50 (rough estimate) for an exam, a rabies shot is given at 12 weeks the earliest, and is about $20. Distemper comes in a series usually of 3 done 3-4 weeks apart starting when they are 8 weeks old. Each one is $15-$20 each, and most vets charge an exam before each one. A fecal sample needs to be done, which tests for parasites and is done yearly. It is usually $30. They need to get dewormed, twice 2 weeks apart. Can very from $10-$20 depending on dogs weight and kind that you get from the vet.

   Neutering or Spaying depends on the vet. Anywhere from $250-$500 usually. Again, depends on the vet, you can go to cheap clinics but if you do make sure you run a blood test first. Some say it’s not necessary but if you care about your dog you should do it to test kidney and liver functions to make sure they are ok for anesthesia.

   Have fun with your new puppy!!
4. Dana E says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   Cost of a dog can be anywhere from 100-2000$. Then dont forget the shots and the vet care which costs on average 500$. Then quality food which costs aprox 50$ for two months. Then toys which costs on average 30$ for aprox 4-5 toys then medications which costs 100$ this includes heartworm and flee medications. Crate costs 35-50 $. Dog bed costs 20-50$. Then maltese need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks which can get costly. Then there is also puppy classes which on avrage costs 100. So far we have 880$ not including the dog .
   First month will be the coastly. After that you will only have to pay for food I suggest you to get a bigger bag.which like I said costs 50$ for a quaity dog food. Then every three months flee medication because flee medications usually have three month doses. And dont forget the heartworm medications which costs on avrege 100 for a year supply.
5. Mutt for the Truth says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   $150 for basics – food, flea prevention, heart worm prevention.
   $70 every few months for grooming
   $300 a year for vet care (shots)

   The kicker is going to be emergencies – almost every dog has at least ONE illness or injury in it’s lifetime and you guys need to be prepared. Vet visits for illness or injury and cost well over $500 in one go; not all insurances will cover it and not all vets accept credits or payment plans.
6. just me says:

   August 7, 2009 at 3:29 pm

   It depends on many things. Maltese need to be groomed. How often is up to you. Grooming can range from 40.00 to 100.00 depending on the groomer you chose, how matted the dog is and what you want done. If you get the dog groomed once a month..add whatever your groomer charges as a monthly cost. You will obviously have to feed your dog. That also depends on many things. Cheap dog food,(which I don’t recommend) or a decent dog food, canned, dry etc. And there are too many to list costs of different types of foods. Once you decide on what type and what brand you are going to feed your dog, add that cost for twice a day for a dog…3 times for a puppy.
   Along with grooming and feeding, you will also have to add in or account for any veterinary care. You won’t be taking it once a month, but you need to add that to your ownership of a dog. At the very least, you will be taking it once a year for their yearly shots. But what if your dog gets sick, or hurt and you need to go to the vet. Veterinary care costs depend on your vet. I just took my dog to the vet for his yearly shots and check up. It cost about 150.00. But I figure into my budget at least 25.00 a month, just in case. If you don’t need it, great..but if you do you have it already saved. And if possible, keep it saved because you never know when something expensive may happen and you will need it. Pet insurance, at least for me, is not worth the money. It is expensive, doesn’t cover many pre existing illnesses or problems, and there are many things it does not cover period. It rarely covers 100% usually only 80%. Take the money you would spend on insurance and put it away for a time when you may need it.
   You also decide whether or not to get the dog altered. It is only a one time deal, not a monthly charge. Males are less expensive to alter, females are more. It could range from 150.00 to 300.00 at a vet.
   Also, not monthly charges, but you will need leashes, collars, toys and treats, dishes or bowls.
   Owning a dog is a huge responsibility.
   Good luck.

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