Weather permitting, the April 8th solar eclipse promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle, but experts say the event could be stressful or confusing for our pets.
While people MUST wear appropriate protection to avoid serious eye damage, animals, particularly dogs and cats, are unlikely to look directly at the sun due to their instincts, which minimizes the risk of eye injury. The primary concern for pets during an eclipse is not the eclipse itself, but potential stress caused by changes in their environment or the reactions of their owners.
Strange shadows and changes in lighting during the eclipse may confuse pets, so it’s important to keep them distracted. In an article by CityNews, Dr. Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Toronto Humane Society recommends keeping pets indoors to prevent them from becoming scared or disoriented. Dr. Ward adds that if you’re feeling anxious or overly excited about the eclipse, your pet may react to those emotions.
Distracting pets with toys or treats will help divert their attention from the unusual event happening outside. If you will be away from home during the eclipse, turn on lights before you leave, have a television going and keep everything as consistent as possible.
Reports of animals acting strangely during a solar eclipse date back hundreds of years, according to NASA, but the causes and effects of the unusual behaviors are not fully understood. Since partial and total solar eclipses are not a regular occurrence, there is minimal published research on the topic of understanding animal behavior during them.
Some researchers say that the lack of light may wake up some animals that are usually nocturnal. The researchers studied 17 species during a 2017 eclipse and found behavioral responses in approximately 75% of the zoo animals observed, with the majority either displaying evening activities or behaviors that signal anxiety.
Because animals can become disoriented during the eclipse, motorists are advised to be mindful of wildlife and livestock on roads. The sudden darkness could cause them to behave unpredictably or stray onto roadways.
Article sources:
CityNews
CNN
Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian for the American Kennel Club
