How much does a Maltese cost at the vet each year?

A Maltese costs $420–$1,050 per year at the vet on average. Costs vary by age: the first year (puppy vaccines, spay/neuter) typically runs $1,690–$2,415. Senior malteses (age 8+) average $1,139–$1,628/year.

What is the lifetime vet cost of a Maltese?

Total lifetime vet costs for a Maltese range from $9,051 to $22,631 over a typical 14-year lifespan. This includes preventive care, dental cleanings, annual exams, and an allowance for breed-specific health conditions. Pet insurance ($32–$65/mo) can reduce out-of-pocket costs for major procedures by 70–90%.

What health problems do malteses commonly have?

Dental disease (90%+): Tiny jaw, crowded teeth. Most Maltese need annual dental cleanings and eventually extractions. | Patellar luxation (15-20%): Common in small dogs. Surgical repair needed in moderate-severe cases. | Hypoglycemia (puppies mostly): Low blood sugar, especially in puppies. Emergency vet trips when severe. | Portosystemic shunt (3-5%): Liver blood vessel abnormality. Surgery is curative but expensive. Signs appear by age 1.

Moderate health risk Dog · small · 4-7 lbs · 14-yr lifespan

Maltese Vet Cost by Age: Year-by-Year Projection

Q: Is pet insurance worth it for a Maltese?

Pet insurance for a Maltese runs $32–$65/month ($384–$780/year). For a moderate health risk breed like the Maltese, insurance makes most sense if purchased young (before age 2) when premiums are lowest and no pre-existing conditions exist.

Annual vet costs for a maltese run $420–$1,050/year. But that’s an average — costs spike in the puppy year and again in the senior years. Enter your dog’s age below to see what you’ll actually spend.

Annual Range

$420–$1,050

per year

Lifetime Total

$9,051–$22,631

14-year lifespan

Insurance

$32–$65/mo

typical range

Health Risk

Moderate

2-3 visits/year average

Your Maltese’s Projected Vet Costs

Enter your dog’s current age and your location type to see what you’ll pay each year.

Current age (years)

0 = puppy year

Location cost level

Urban vets cost 30–60% more

Existing condition?

Conditions raise ongoing costs

Show with pet insurance

$32–$65/mo • Covers 70–90% of major procedures

Common Maltese Health Issues

These conditions drive vet costs most. Prevalence from AVMA surveys and breed club health studies.

Dental disease

Prevalence: 90%+ $300–$900 if treated

Tiny jaw, crowded teeth. Most Maltese need annual dental cleanings and eventually extractions.

Patellar luxation

Prevalence: 15-20% $1,500–$4,000 if treated

Common in small dogs. Surgical repair needed in moderate-severe cases.

Hypoglycemia

Prevalence: puppies mostly $100–$800 if treated

Low blood sugar, especially in puppies. Emergency vet trips when severe.

Portosystemic shunt

Prevalence: 3-5% $3,000–$8,000 if treated

Liver blood vessel abnormality. Surgery is curative but expensive. Signs appear by age 1.

How Costs Change With Age

Vet spending is not flat. The first year is the most expensive. Ages 1–2 are cheapest. Senior years climb as monitoring and chronic conditions increase.

Age 0

$966–$2,415 Puppy (Year 1)

Age 1

$315–$788 Young Adult

Age 2

$315–$788 Young Adult

Age 3

$420–$1,050 Adult

Age 4

$420–$1,050 Adult

Age 5

$420–$1,050 Adult

Age 6

$525–$1,313 Mature Adult

Age 7

$525–$1,313 Mature Adult

Age 8

$651–$1,628 Senior

Age 9

$651–$1,628 Senior

Age 10

$651–$1,628 Senior

Age 11

$798–$1,995 Geriatric

Age 12

$798–$1,995 Geriatric

Age 13

$798–$1,995 Geriatric

Age 14

$798–$1,995 Geriatric

National averages. Your location, care level, and individual health will shift these figures.

Maltese-Specific Procedures

Routine and breed-specific procedures that affect your budget.

Dental cleaning + extractions

Annual

$380–$850

Bile acids test (liver)

Once as puppy

$80–$200

Wellness exam + vaccines

Annual

$130–$270

What Vets Say About Malteses

Maltese are long-lived and affectionate but their tiny size creates real dental costs. Annual cleanings from age 2 are nearly mandatory. Liver shunts are rare but devastating — a one-time liver screen as a puppy is worth the $80-$200.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It for a Maltese?

Insurance for a maltese runs $32–$65/month ($384–$780/year). For a moderate risk breed, insurance pays off most when purchased young — premiums are 40–60% lower before age 3.

→ See the pet insurance calculator

Compare Other Dog Breeds

Australian Shepherd → Beagle → Bernese Mountain Dog → Border Collie → Boxer → Bulldog →

More Vet Cost Tools

→ Vet Cost Estimator — by procedure → Pet Insurance Calculator → Lifetime Pet Care Cost Calculator → All Breeds — Cost Projector