What you need to know about pets and the solar eclipse
Have you heard, there is a total eclipse coming to the U.S. Monday, April 8?
Southeast Pennsylvania won’t get the full effect, just 90%, but it will certainly be noticeable. There have been numerous articles done on what humans need to do to view the event, the best spots to view it, but do you have to worry about your pets?
“There’s no reason to be concerned — this is a brief event and changes in pet behaviors will be transient,” said Dr. Katie Krebs, assistant professor of clinical primary care at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, in an email. “After the eclipse, pets should go back to their normal routine. Animals that depend more on the light/dark cycle, like birds, may be more affected, but changes in behavior will be short-lived.”
She explained most animals are smart enough to not look directly at the sun themselves, but their attention may be drawn up to the sky if the people around them are looking up and drawing attention to the eclipse event. No special eclipse glasses are needed for your pet, Krebs said.
Dr. Seth Koch, a veterinarian board certified in ophthalmology who practices at Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, said via a nurse that animals don’t typically look up. However, if they did look up at the sun they could be at risk for retinal burns, just like a person would be.
“What they’re more at risk for is becoming disoriented from the changing light,” Koch said, noting that it would not necessarily be harmful, just disconcerting to them.
“Keeping them inside is the best way to prevent them from looking directly at the sun,” Krebs added and Koch also suggested. “Also, avoid bringing pets to eclipse viewing parties, as crowds can cause many pets anxiety, and they may be more likely to look at the sun if everyone else is looking and pointing. Keep your pet’s routine the same during the eclipse and maintain a sense of normalcy for them.
“You can provide extra enrichment like treats or toys to help distract your pet. And if your pet is normally anxious, you could consider anti-anxiety medication for them during the eclipse, but always make sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog or cat medications. If you plan to stay home during the eclipse, your pet may seek out extra attention or comfort, so providing them with extra comfort and reassurance may help.”
Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization with headquarters in Kanab, Utah, also issued a statement with tips for people with pets.
“Animals can be uniquely sensitive to environmental changes, such as thunderstorms or full moons,” said Dr. Colleen Guilfoyle, veterinarian, Best Friends Animal Society. “During a solar eclipse, animals may become disoriented or confused due to the sudden changes in light depending on where you are in relation to the path of totality.”
Best Friends’ tips:
• The best way to avoid any potential issues is to keep pets indoors and in a familiar environment.
• Consider closing curtains or blinds to minimize the potential of eclipse exposure.
• Expecting extra guests for the eclipse? Implement additional measures to prevent pets from escaping, such as using a baby gate or keeping them on a leash.
• If a pet has previously shown signs of stress in similar situations, use your previous management routine (such as using compression clothing) or consult your veterinarian beforehand for advice on managing their anxiety. This might involve using supplements, pheromones, or medications to ensure they have a comfortable experience during the eclipse.
• If the darkness during the event prompts your pet to sleep or nap, allow them to do so, as one of the benefits of being a pet is the ability to nap whenever they like.
• If you will be outside with your pet during the eclipse, keep them leashed and close to you, avoiding noisy and large crowds.
• As always, ensure your pet is microchipped and that the information registered to the microchip is current.
The New York Times published an extensive article earlier this week on how animals in homes, on farms, in zoos and in the wild may react to Monday’s four-minute blackening of the sky. The experts they interviewed said animals may begin their nighttime routines.
They also provided similar information to what Krebs and Guilfoyle did.
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