It is so wonderful of you rescue this dog and get him/her off the streets. Good Job!!

I think your first step is to take the pup to the vet. The vet will check the dog out and make sure there are no underlying medical conditions and then vaccinate him/her. The vet might also want to shave the dog down themselves to check for any skin conditions.

If the vet doesn't do it, I would suggest taking it to a groomer and have them shave him/her down. A professional groomer can also check for skin conditions and suggest a bathing and grooming routine for you. The problem with brushing out a dog yourself if they are heavily matted, is you could inadvertently hurt the dog.

If you are not planning on keeping the dog, you might want to call a maltese rescue group in your area. They will treat the dog and then find it a wonderful loving home.

If you are planning on keeping the dog, a vet visit is your first step. Your second step is to post pictures on this forum.

Welcome to Pet Talk and Good Luck!!