04/08/2024
Whilst astronomers and scientists strongly recommend humans wear protective glasses when trying to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse, experts seem to agree that the risk to pets during the celestial event, is a bit different, since pets don't generally (nor respond to encouragement to) gaze up at the sun. Most pets are looking ahead, around, or have their noses to the ground.
Nonetheless, absent the risk to vision, our pets may still respond to the event, and this is usually by presenting unusual behaviors. This is mostly due to the sudden darkness which can disrupt their internal clocks, leading to a bit of confusion and/or anxiety related to habitual active daylight hours; restfulness at night.
Pets who have a history of anxiety, especially those sensitive to the environment and mother nature, may need a little more monitoring, as this event could bring similar symptoms of anxiousness, such as barking, whining, howling, pacing, panting, or hiding. Given this, it’s best to keep (all) pets indoors throughout the event.
Another thing to keep in mind today is that the solar eclipse may also have an effect on wildlife.
Nocturnal animals may attempt to emerge during this time, and thus have the potential to cross paths with diurnal animals (which prefer to avoid humans and nocturnal animals) that may be trying to quickly get back to their nests and dens.
Please be careful and maintain awareness of your surroundings so to avoid any human-animal conflicts.
Also worth mentioning is for drivers to be extra cautious of animals scurrying across the streets in this time of confusion- as unlike us humans, animals aren’t so good at ‘looking both ways’ before crossing.