Golden Retrievers’ Exposure to Air Toxins: Disease Outcomes and Guidelines for Safety (GREAT DOGS!)

SUMMARY: Researchers will study the effects of exposure to wildfire smoke has on the health and longevity of dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

THE PROBLEM: Wildfire activity is growing worse, with fires becoming larger and more frequent. While the damage from wildfire is immediate, wildfire smoke can travel far from the fire itself. Wildfire smoke is contains a pollutant called fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These extremely small particles can travel deep into our lungs and enter the bloodstream. Research shows that PM2.5 is harmful to human health. It can make conditions like asthma and COPD worse and increase the risk of certain cancers. However, we know much less about how PM2.5 affects dogs, even though dogs share many of the same illnesses and environments as people. This lack of knowledge leaves veterinarians and pet owners without clear guidance on actions and precautions during extreme air pollution events to stay safe.

THE PROJECT: Our project will explore whether air pollution increases the risk of certain illnesses in Golden Retrievers. We will focus on diseases shared with humans, like heart disease and cognitive decline, as well as diseases Golden Retrievers are prone to, like lymphoma. To do this, we will use data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, along with air quality data, to investigate each dog’s lifetime exposure to PM2.5. We will analyze whether dogs with higher exposure have a greater risk of chronic disease and cancer.  We will also work with expert veterinarians to create recommendations for pet owners. These guidelines will help pet owners understand how to monitor air quality and take steps to protect their pets during poor air quality events. In caring for their pets during air pollution events, owners may also reduce their own exposure to harmful pollutants. This project will give veterinarians and pet owners the knowledge and tools they need to reduce the risk from air pollution.

POTENTIAL IMPACT: Results will help promote the health, welfare, and longevity of our companion animals, our truly GREAT DOGS!