Maltese Vet Costs: What You'll Actually Pay
$420 to $1,050 per year at the vet. Over a 14-year lifespan, that's $6,800 to $16,000 total. 2-3 visits/year average.
Annual Vet Cost Breakdown
Where your Maltese vet budget actually goes.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Maltese?
Maltese vet bills run $420-$1,050/year. Insurance costs $32-$65/month. Moderate health risk breed. We ran the numbers.
See the Maltese insurance ROI breakdownMaltese Health Issues: What to Watch For
Dental disease
90%+ of breedTiny jaw, crowded teeth. Most Maltese need annual dental cleanings and eventually extractions.
Patellar luxation
15-20% of breedCommon in small dogs. Surgical repair needed in moderate-severe cases.
Hypoglycemia
puppies mostly of breedLow blood sugar, especially in puppies. Emergency vet trips when severe.
Portosystemic shunt
3-5% of breedLiver blood vessel abnormality. Surgery is curative but expensive. Signs appear by age 1.
Recommended Procedures & Screenings
| Procedure | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleaning + extractions | Annual | $380-$850 |
| Bile acids test (liver) | Once as puppy | $80-$200 |
| Wellness exam + vaccines | Annual | $130-$270 |
The Bottom Line on Maltese Vet Bills
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.