My Maltese is Shivering and Feels Cold! What Should I Do?
First off, take a deep breath. It’s completely normal to worry when you see your little fluff ball trembling. As a longtime Maltese owner, I’ve been there too. These are small dogs with fine hair, not a thick double coat, so they feel the chill much faster than we do, especially in winter. The good news is, there are several quick, effective actions you can take right now to warm them up and get them comfortable again.
Immediate Steps to Warm Up Your Chilly Maltese
Think of this like first aid for cold. Your goal is to gently and safely raise their core body temperature. Don’t use extreme heat like a heating pad on high or a hairdryer directly on them, as this can burn their sensitive skin or cause shock.
🟣 Step 1: Bring Them to Your Warmest Room
Move your pup to the room where your home’s heating is most effective. Get them off cold tile or drafty floors immediately. A plush carpet, their dog bed, or even your lap is perfect. If you use space heaters, ensure they are at a safe distance and that your curious Maltese can’t get too close or knock them over.
🟣 Step 2: Dry Them Off & Create a Cozy Nest
If they came in from outside with damp or snowy paws/legs, gently towel-dry them thoroughly. Dampness makes the cold feel much worse. Then, create a warm nest using their favorite blanket. For an extra boost, you can warm a blanket in the dryer for a few minutes (make sure it’s just warm, not hot) and wrap them in it. The snuggle factor is a huge plus here!
🟣 Step 3: Offer Warmth (The Safe Way)
- Snuggle Time: Your body heat is one of the best warmers. Hold them close or let them curl up next to you under a blanket.
- Warm Water Bottle: Fill a hot water bottle with warm (not boiling) water, wrap it in a towel or a cover, and place it in their bed for them to lean against.
- Heated Pet Bed: If you have one, now’s the time to use it. These are fantastic for winter, as they provide steady, low-level warmth.
🟣 Step 4: Check Their Temperature & Offer a Warm Snack
Feel their ears and the pads of their paws. Are they icy cold? Gently warm them with your hands. You can also offer a small amount of lukewarm water or low-sodium chicken broth to drink. A little warm, plain boiled chicken or a portion of their regular kibble warmed up can help generate internal warmth. Don’t overfeed, just a little treat.
Quick Reference: Signs of a Cold Maltese vs. Normal
| 🚨 Signs They’re Too Cold | ✅ Signs They’re Comfortable |
|---|---|
| Violent, persistent shivering | Occasional shiver that stops when warm |
| Whining, anxiety, or seeking hiding spots | Relaxed, sleeping peacefully |
| Cold ears, paws, and tail to the touch | Body feels warm to the touch |
| Curling tightly in a ball and refusing to move | Stretching out or lying in a relaxed pose |
When Should You Call the Vet?
Most episodes of mild chilliness can be resolved at home. However, it’s crucial to know when it’s more serious. If your Maltese is a puppy, they have even less body fat and are more vulnerable, so be extra vigilant.
- Shivering doesn’t stop after 15-20 minutes of applying the warming techniques above.
- They seem lethargic, weak, or unresponsive.
- Their muscles feel stiff or they are having trouble moving.
- You notice any pale or blue-ish gums.
- Their breathing seems slow or shallow.
In these cases, don’t wait. Call your veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe and get professional advice. Hypothermia is a real risk for small breeds in winter.
Preventing the Chill: Winter-Proofing for Your Maltese
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially with our delicate Maltese friends. Winter means less outdoor activity, more time indoors with dry heat, and more opportunities for them to get cold. Here’s how to stay ahead of it:
🧥 Outfit Them for Success
This is non-negotiable in winter. A well-fitting sweater or coat is essential for any outdoor trip, even just a quick potty break. Look for one that covers their back and belly. For wet or snowy conditions, a waterproof layer is a game-changer.
🐾 Protect Those Paws
Sidewalk salt and chemical de-icers can burn paw pads and are toxic if licked. Use pet-safe ice melt on your own walkways and consider dog booties for walks. If your Maltese hates boots (many do!), make a habit of wiping their paws with a warm, damp cloth as soon as they come inside.
🏠 Optimize the Indoor Environment
Your home’s heating can dry the air and create drafts. Ensure their favorite sleeping spot isn’t near a drafty window or door. A cozy, enclosed bed with raised sides (like a cave bed) helps them retain body heat. Consider a humidifier to combat dry air from your furnace.
⚡ Keep Activity Up (Safely)
With shorter, colder days, outdoor walks decrease. But a bored dog is a cold dog! Keep their metabolism and circulation up with indoor play. A short game of fetch down the hallway, hide-and-seek with treats, or a food puzzle toy are great ways to keep them moving and generating their own warmth.
Final Thought from a Fellow Owner
You know your Maltese better than anyone. You notice their little quirks and subtle changes. Trust that instinct. By acting quickly when they’re cold and taking smart steps to prevent it, you’re giving them the cozy, safe winter they deserve. It’s all part of the journey of loving these wonderfully affectionate, albeit slightly temperature-sensitive, companions.
What’s your go-to trick for keeping your Maltese toasty warm on the coldest days? Do you have a favorite sweater or indoor game they love? Sharing our experiences helps us all become better pet parents!
