Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP
A solar eclipse is a can't-miss event for millions of Americans, whether they see it from the path of totality or not. But what does this mean for our many furry friends?
Dr. Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, saw firsthand how animals responded to the 2017 total solar eclipse.
Her veterinary hospital in Pocatello, Idaho, closed for a few minutes so staff could watch the eclipse outside with many of their dogs.
“Honestly, the animals were probably more anxious about our excitement than anything else,” she remembers.
Carlson says it's unlikely that the eclipse will directly affect your pet in a serious way, although certain dogs may exhibit some of the behaviors they typically do when it starts to get dark outside.
However, since there may be crowds, traffic, etc., experts recommend leaving animals at home for their safety.
Carlson says on such busy days, there are steps humans need to take to protect them, especially if the people involved are traveling.
“The bigger worry is that there is too much traffic and too many people in our area to drive there. [that] “It usually takes two hours, but it can be eight to 10 hours or more,” says Carlson. “So if you’re traveling with a dog, be prepared for a long wait.”
Here are some expert tips for protecting your pets during a solar eclipse, whether they are in full swing or waiting at home.
Consider: Will Fido come or stay?
The first step is to decide if your pets should come along to see the outdoor solar eclipse, whether they are close to home or out of town.
Carlson says that in most cases, the answer is no.
“What we are experiencing is a very surprising phenomenon,” she explains. “And when dogs are in big crowds and a lot of noise, they can get quite stressed. They don't understand excitement very well. They'll be a lot more nervous about, 'What's going on?' Should I react?' ”
She said the same guidelines apply to all pets, even if cats and birds are unlikely to travel in the first place.
“They will be better off at home and in their general environment,” she adds.
If you are traveling, be prepared for noise and unexpected situations.
If you decide to bring a dog, plan ahead for what to do if things get too difficult.
This includes bringing extra food and water in case the trip takes longer than expected, and getting out of the car for a walk or bathroom break if there's traffic.
“Always think about” how to keep your pet safe and comfortable once you get to your destination, Carlson says. Keep your dog on a leash, keep him hydrated, and pay attention to his body language.
“You know your pet’s behavior better than anyone else,” she says. “So watch for any changes in the way they react.”
Signs of distress may include panting, pacing, and whining. If you notice any of these behaviors, Carlson advises removing your pet from the situation as quickly as possible because “the more your pet works, the harder it is to calm it down.”
“I know there is a lot of activity going on and a lot to see and be excited about,” she adds. “But if you have a pet, really pay attention to your pet and watch for signs of stress in your pet so you can respond appropriately.”
If you are traveling without a pet, call home to make sure there is someone available to feed them and let them out while you are away. This is especially true if you are likely to arrive home later than usual.
The ASPCA recommends keeping your pet busy with food puzzle toys or other forms of nutritional supplements while you are away. But Carlson says he shouldn't worry any more than usual about leaving his pet alone that day.
“They won’t worry about an eclipse happening,” she says. “They’ll think it’s just a normal day when you leave.”
Don't Waste Eclipse Glasses on Your Pet
Anyone wishing to view the eclipse directly will need to wear special sunglasses except for a few brief moments when the moon completely blocks the sun. But not with pets.
“They don’t go out and look at the sun every day, so there’s no reason to think they will at this point,” Carlson explains.
In fact, trying to put glasses on your pet for photos can do more harm than good, says Carlson. This can stress your dog, causing him to paw at it and even chew on it.
“Keep your glasses with you because we are the ones looking at the sun and need to protect our eyes,” she says. “They will look around as usual, sucking up your emotions and excitement.”
Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director of community medicine at the ASPCA, told NPR in an email interview that while the animals are unlikely to look directly at the sun, their eyes can be damaged if they do so for too long.
Symptoms of eye damage include squinting, closing one eye or scratching the eye, redness, inflammation or cloudiness, and watery or discharge. She recommends contacting your vet as soon as you notice it.
But what about veterinarian offices that are closed due to the eclipse (as was Carlson's, briefly)? Or what about an inaccessible veterinarian's office on the day of the eclipse?
Carlson says you need to be aware of heavy traffic and figure out which back roads you can use.
Ideally, concerned pet owners would call their vet, explain the situation and seek advice first. Carlson says this is just one example of why strong customer-patient relationships are so important.
“Emergencies happen whether there’s an eclipse or not,” she says.