
Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. InfectionsĬairn Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections-the same ones that all dogs can get-such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. In fact, your Cairn Terrier's lifespan may even be cut short by one to three years! At Veterinary Village we’ll clean your dog’s teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damage to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Unfortunately, your Cairn Terrier is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. General Health Information for your Cairn Terrier Dental Diseaseĭental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Cairn looking and feeling her best. This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Cairn Terriers. Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. We will describe the most common issues seen in Cairn Terriers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. That does not mean your dog will have these problems it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions we’ve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed. By knowing about health concerns specific to Cairn Terriers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Cairn. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Cairn Terriers are a hardy breed with an average lifespan of 13-14 years. A Cairn Terrier played "Toto" in The Wizard of Oz, after which the breed became a very popular pet. The Cairn enjoys playing with children and excels at learning tricks. The Cairn Terrier originated in Scotland over 200 years ago and was originally bred to control the vermin population in and around cairn, Scottish stacked-stone monuments. She loves performing tricks and playing with children.

The Cairn Terrier is a quick study and a spirited companion.

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership.Bold and fearless, may attack much larger dogs.Likely to attack other small animals, including cats.Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices.An affectionate companion and family dog.Weigh these qualities as you decide if a Cairn should be your new best friend: There's no denying how cute the Cairn Terrier is.
