What Golden Retrievers Are Teaching Us About Wildfire Smoke Exposure

A groundbreaking study from Colorado State University is using golden retrievers to uncover the long-term health effects of wildfire smoke on both animals and humans. Researchers are tracking 3,000 dogs through the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, pairing their health data with wildfire air-quality metrics. The results may provide key insights not just into veterinary care, but also into how humans are affected by prolonged exposure to smoky conditions.

Veterinarians in states like California and Colorado are already reporting spikes in respiratory issues among pets—ranging from mild coughing to severe complications like collapsed lungs. Smaller body sizes, faster breathing rates, and closer proximity to the ground make animals particularly vulnerable. And while pets are the focus, the parallels to human health risks, particularly for people with asthma or heart conditions, are striking.

These findings carry clear implications for insurance professionals. Pet insurance is becoming more essential in wildfire-prone regions, as treatment costs for smoke-related conditions rise. On the human side, the health insurance industry is monitoring climate-related trends closely. Increasing wildfire frequency may soon drive premium adjustments and policy updates, especially in high-risk zones.

The takeaway? While you can’t control wildfires, you can mitigate their impact. Homeowners should consider air purifiers and smoke-sealing methods, while insurers and policyholders alike must reassess coverage needs. As the CSU study advances, it’s likely to shape how both the healthcare and insurance sectors respond to the growing threat of wildfire smoke.