Bringing home a Maltese puppy is an exciting experience, but preparing for your new companion takes more than choosing a comfortable bed and a cute collar. Having the right supplies ready before your puppy arrives can make the transition easier for both of you.

Maltese puppies are small, affectionate, intelligent, and energetic. Their small size, long coat, and grooming needs mean that some of the products you choose should be specifically suited to small-breed puppies.

From food and feeding supplies to grooming tools, training essentials, toys, and puppy-proofing supplies, this Maltese puppy checklist covers the basics you should consider before bringing your new puppy home.

1. Puppy Food

One of the first things you should have ready is an appropriate puppy food.

Maltese puppies are a small breed and have nutritional needs that differ from those of larger dogs. Look for a complete and balanced puppy food formulated for small or toy breeds. If possible, ask the breeder, shelter, or veterinarian what your puppy has already been eating and make any food transition gradually.

A sudden change in diet can sometimes cause digestive upset.

When selecting food, consider:

• Small-breed puppy formulas
• Appropriate protein and fat levels
• Complete and balanced nutrition
• Puppy-sized kibble that is easy to chew
• Ingredients appropriate for your puppy’s individual needs

Keep fresh, clean water available throughout the day.

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2. Food and Water Bowls

Your Maltese puppy will need separate bowls for food and water.

Because Maltese puppies are small, choose bowls that are shallow and easy for them to access. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are generally easy to clean and can be practical choices.

Avoid bowls that are too deep or difficult for a small puppy to reach.

You may want to purchase:

• One food bowl
• One water bowl
• A non-slip mat
• An extra set for cleaning or travel

Wash your puppy’s food and water bowls regularly to keep them clean.

3. A Comfortable Puppy Bed

Your Maltese puppy will spend a lot of time sleeping, especially during the early months. A comfortable bed gives your puppy a designated place to rest and can also help establish a consistent routine.

Choose a bed that is:

• Small enough to provide a cozy feeling
• Soft but supportive
• Easy to wash
• Durable enough for puppy use
• Appropriate for your home’s temperature

A washable cover can be especially useful during the house-training stage.

You may also want a second bed for another area of your home so your puppy has a comfortable place to rest while spending time with the family.

4. A Crate or Safe Puppy Area

A properly sized crate can be useful for sleeping, travel, house training, and creating a safe space for your puppy.

The crate should provide enough room for your Maltese puppy to stand, turn around, sit, and lie down comfortably without being excessively large.

Make the crate inviting by adding a comfortable, washable bed or mat and a safe toy.

Never use the crate as punishment. The goal is for your puppy to view it as a secure and comfortable place.

If you do not plan to use a crate, you can instead create a puppy-safe area using a playpen or puppy gate.

5. Collar and Identification Tag

Your Maltese puppy will need a properly fitted collar.

Because Maltese puppies are small, avoid heavy collars that can be uncomfortable or restrict movement. Check the fit regularly as your puppy grows.

An identification tag can include information such as:

• Your puppy’s name
• Your phone number
• Your contact information

Make sure the collar is secure without being too tight. You should be able to comfortably fit a couple of fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck.

6. Harness and Leash

A lightweight harness can be a useful option for walking a Maltese puppy.

Because small dogs have delicate necks and airways, some owners prefer a properly fitted harness rather than attaching a leash directly to the collar.

Choose a lightweight harness designed for small dogs and check the fit regularly as your puppy grows.

You will also need a lightweight leash that is easy for your puppy to manage.

Before taking your puppy on outdoor walks, talk with your veterinarian about vaccinations and when it is appropriate for your puppy to visit public areas.

7. Grooming Supplies

Grooming should become part of your Maltese puppy’s routine from an early age.

Maltese dogs are known for their beautiful, long coats, which require regular maintenance to help prevent tangles and mats.

Your basic grooming kit can include:

• A soft slicker brush
• A fine-tooth comb
• Puppy-safe shampoo
• Dog towels
• A grooming brush
• Dog-safe ear-cleaning supplies recommended by your veterinarian
• Nail clippers or a small pet nail grinder
• A toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste

Introduce grooming gradually and reward your puppy for remaining calm.

Regular short grooming sessions can help your Maltese become comfortable with brushing, handling, nail care, and other routine maintenance.

8. Puppy-Safe Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Dental care is an important part of caring for a Maltese.

Small breeds can be prone to dental problems, so establishing a dental-care routine while your puppy is young can be helpful.

Choose a toothbrush designed for dogs and toothpaste specifically formulated for pets.

Never use human toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it. Some ingredients used in human toothpaste can be unsafe for dogs.

Start slowly. Allow your puppy to become familiar with the taste of the toothpaste and the feeling of a toothbrush before expecting a complete brushing session.

9. Puppy Toys

Maltese puppies are playful and curious, so toys can provide both entertainment and mental stimulation.

Choose toys that are specifically designed for puppies and appropriate for their small size.

Good options may include:

• Soft puppy toys
• Small chew toys
• Interactive toys
• Treat-dispensing toys
• Puzzle toys
• Fetch toys

Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed.

Always supervise your puppy with new toys and replace toys that become damaged or develop loose pieces.

10. Training Treats

Small, soft training treats can make positive-reinforcement training easier.

Because Maltese puppies are small, treats should also be small. You do not need to give large pieces to reward good behavior.

Training treats can be useful when teaching:

• Their name
• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Leave it
• Appropriate chewing
• Potty-training routines
• Calm behavior
• Leash manners

Remember that treats should be given in moderation and should fit within your puppy’s overall nutritional needs.

11. Puppy Pads and Cleaning Supplies

House training takes time, and accidents are normal while a puppy is learning.

Keep puppy pads or another appropriate potty-training setup available if they are part of your training plan.

You should also have an enzymatic pet-safe cleaner for accidents.

Regular household cleaners may remove the visible mess without completely eliminating the odor. An enzymatic cleaner can help break down the organic compounds that contribute to lingering smells.

Clean accidents promptly and avoid punishing your puppy for mistakes.

12. Puppy Gates

Puppy gates can help you control where your Maltese can explore.

A new puppy does not need access to your entire home immediately. Creating a smaller, puppy-safe area can make supervision and training easier.

Use gates to restrict access to areas such as:

• Stairways
• Kitchens
• Rooms with fragile items
• Areas containing electrical cords
• Storage areas
• Other spaces that have not been puppy-proofed

As your puppy learns household rules, you can gradually give them more freedom.

13. Puppy-Proofing Supplies

Before your Maltese arrives, get down to your puppy’s level and look around your home.

Small puppies can get into surprisingly small spaces and may chew objects that seem completely uninteresting to adults.

Secure or remove:

• Electrical cords
• Small objects
• Medication
• Cleaning products
• Toxic plants
• Trash cans
• Loose wires
• Children’s toys
• Small decorations
• Foods that are unsafe for dogs

Keep potentially dangerous items somewhere your puppy cannot reach them.

14. A Secure Travel Carrier

A small travel carrier can make trips to the veterinarian and other appointments easier.

Because Maltese puppies are small, a properly sized carrier can provide a secure way to transport them.

Look for a carrier with:

• Good ventilation
• Secure closures
• Enough room for your puppy to sit and turn around
• A comfortable surface
• Easy-to-clean materials

A carrier can also be useful for longer car trips or other travel.

15. Puppy First-Aid and Emergency Supplies

You do not need to create a complete veterinary clinic at home, but having a few basic supplies available can be helpful.

Consider keeping:

• Gauze
• Pet-safe bandages
• Disposable gloves
• Tweezers
• A digital thermometer
• Your veterinarian’s contact information
• The number for a nearby emergency veterinary hospital

Do not give your puppy human medication unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.

A first-aid kit is not a substitute for professional veterinary care.

16. Waste Bags and a Poop Bag Holder

It may seem like a small detail, but waste bags are an everyday necessity once your Maltese begins going outside.

Keep a supply near the door and consider carrying a small roll in your leash bag or travel kit.

Having everything ready makes potty breaks much easier.

17. Puppy Shampoo and Towels

Maltese puppies can get messy while exploring, eating, playing, and learning to use the bathroom.

A mild, puppy-safe shampoo can be useful for occasional baths. You should avoid using human shampoo because a dog’s skin has different needs.

Keep several absorbent towels nearby for:

• Bath time
• Wet paws
• Rainy walks
• Accidental messes

Ask your veterinarian or professional groomer for recommendations if your puppy has sensitive skin or a particular coat-care requirement.

18. A Puppy Journal or Digital Record

Keeping track of your puppy’s important information can be surprisingly useful.

You can record:

• Vaccinations
• Veterinary visits
• Deworming
• Medications
• Weight
• Training progress
• Grooming appointments
• Food changes
• Important health information

Keep copies of veterinary records and other important documents in a safe place.

Having an organized record can also make future veterinary visits easier.

19. A Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian should be part of your preparation before your Maltese puppy comes home.

Schedule an initial veterinary appointment according to the recommendations provided by your breeder, shelter, or veterinarian.

During the first visits, your veterinarian can discuss:

• Vaccination schedules
• Parasite prevention
• Nutrition
• Dental care
• Grooming
• Exercise
• Spaying or neutering
• Microchipping
• Preventive healthcare

Ask questions about anything you are unsure about. Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early can give you greater confidence as a new puppy owner.

20. A Puppy Training Plan

Training supplies are helpful, but having a plan is even more important.

Maltese dogs are intelligent and can learn quickly when training is consistent and positive.

Start with simple behaviors and keep training sessions short.

Focus on:

• Name recognition
• Potty training
• Basic commands
• Appropriate chewing
• Socialization
• Leash manners
• Handling and grooming
• Calm behavior

Reward behaviors you want your puppy to repeat and avoid harsh punishment.

21. A Puppy Socialization Plan

Your Maltese puppy should gradually become comfortable with different people, sounds, environments, surfaces, and experiences.

Socialization does not mean taking your puppy everywhere immediately. Your veterinarian can help you determine which environments are appropriate based on your puppy’s vaccination status.

You can gradually introduce your puppy to:

• Different household sounds
• New people
• Gentle handling
• Grooming tools
• Car rides
• Different surfaces
• Appropriate vaccinated dogs
• New environments

Positive experiences during puppyhood can help build confidence.

 

Maltese Puppy Essentials

Feeding: Puppy food, food and water bowls, and appropriate training treats.

Sleeping and Safety: Puppy bed, crate or playpen, puppy gates, and a puppy-proofed area.

Walking and Identification: Lightweight collar, ID tag, harness, leash, and waste bags.

Grooming: Slicker brush, comb, puppy-safe shampoo, towels, nail clippers, toothbrush, and dog-safe toothpaste.

Toys and Training: Puppy-safe chew toys, interactive toys, puzzle toys, and training treats.

Health and Travel: Travel carrier, basic first-aid supplies, veterinary records, and a selected veterinarian.