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Vet breaks down how pets react to a total lunar eclipse with practical advice
On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience totality during the solar eclipse, and pet owners are concerned about their dogs, cats, and other domestic animals’ reactions to the celestial phenomenon.
Safety warnings are being issued by different departments to mitigate chaos and accidents on the day of the eclipse as people are expected to throng different cities in large numbers to witness the rare occurrence.
If you have a pooch, kitty, or any other animal at home, you better start planning how to take care of them during the total solar eclipse, and �Dr. Paola Cuevas, veterinary consultant at Petkeen, has just the advice every pet parent needs.
Vet explains how your pet may react to total solar eclipse
Even though there are a few details pet parents are advised to keep in mind during the eclipse, the event doesn’t affect animals significantly.
Dr. Paola Cuevas told the Focus that birds are more likely to be affected as “their behavior is directly influenced by sunlight or its absence. The behavior will likely be the same as every day at dusk.” But what about cats and dogs? Let’s find out.
Cats, dogs, and other animals won’t behave abnormally
As far as your pet pooch and kitty are concerned, the vet says they won’t be directly affected by the eclipse. Therefore, you will notice minimal changes in their behavior. The behavior will likely be the same as it is every evening.
“That means that cats might get a little bit more active as they are crepuscular creatures and your dog might think it’s time to chill out on the sofa with you for a bit,” Dr. Paola explained.
But, keep them indoors as much as you can
Road safety is of major concern during a total solar eclipse for humans or animals.
Experts predict increased road accidents as there will be more traffic than usual and people may not stick to the rules, leading to unforeseen events. The sudden onset of darkness, even if for a few minutes, can still be dangerous while traveling by road.
If you plan to step out, it’s advisable not to bring your furry friend with you as they could grow more anxious in public surrounded by unusual crowds, traffic, and noises.
Dr. Paola Cuevas says: “�Since people act a bit out of routine and ordinary during this kind of event your pets might experience some anxiety of noticing a change in the normal behavior of everyone . So try to keep normality as much as possible.”
However, if you plan to bring them with you to enjoy the eclipse, make sure they are kept on a leash with their tags and IDs on.
“Ensure they have a safe and comfortable space to hang out, fresh water always available, and access to food as any other day; either their set times or ad libitum,” she added.
No, staring at the sun won’t affect them
It’s a myth that your pets’ vision will be affected if they stare into the sun directly during the total solar eclipse.
The vet pointed out that the “risk is only for humans, pets will naturally avoid looking at the sun. In fact, there is a myth about eclipses being stronger or more damaging than the sun for our eyes and that is not the case.”
Furthermore, it’s unlikely for animals to look at the sun directly as they tend to be attentive to you and “figuring out how to get you to offer them a treat rather than to the fact that there is a rare astronomical phenomenon going on in the sky,” Dr. Paola notes.
Stock up on pet food/medicine
Authorities predict traffic jams and store closures in the days leading to the eclipse, the day of totality, and the days following the event.
So you’re advised to stock up on pet supplies such as food and medicines.
Emergency services are also said to be affected during the event of solar eclipse owing to the expected influx of people. Therefore, prioritize your pets’ safety and health until everything settles.
