The CTCA Foundation funds research to improve the health of the breed. The following problems do occur occasionally in the Cairn Terrier. The CTCA and conscientious breeders, however, are working towards the elimination of these problems. Allergies can be broken down into inhalant, contact, or food allergy origins. Flea allergies, grass allergies, and environmental toxin induced allergies are the most common causes of skin conditions in Cairns.
Allergies can be chronic or seasonal.
They can be minor or severe in occurrence. They tend to become worse with age. Treatment is much better than in bygone days. Environmental controls, antihistamine treatment, and desensitization injections have made huge strides in the last few years. Glucocorticoids should be used only as a last resort due to serious side effects.