A woman puts safety goggles on her dog during a solar eclipse in Nice, southeastern France, on March 20, 2015. The eclipse had everyone's eyes set on the sky early, with spectacular views of sunny European countries and distant Arctic islands from their reserved seats on the plane. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE (Photo Credit: VALERY HACHE / AFP) (Photo Credit: VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
(Fox 2) – Eclipse safety is a top priority for many people when securing approved eyewear for April 8, when the moon will block out the sun, but should you be worried about your pet? Is it?
Experts believe that the solar eclipse itself is not too dangerous for our furry loved ones. If you are going to take your dog with you to see the eclipse, you should leave him alone at home and keep him at home.
Dr. Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, spoke about keeping pets at home in an interview with USA Today.
“More than the effects of the eclipse, I'm worried about the excitement and all the people,” she said.
Although most of Michigan will only see a partial solar eclipse, precautions are still recommended. However, the southernmost parts of southeastern Michigan, Erie Township and Luna Pier, are in the path of totality and will be fully affected.
Unusual animal behavior has been recorded during solar eclipses in the past, but don't expect anything out of the ordinary from your pet. However, there are some things you can do to stay safe.
One thing dogs don't have to worry about, unlike us, is having special glasses.
That's because dogs don't naturally look up or stare at the sun, said Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC's chief veterinarian. “They know very well what not to do,” he noted, adding jokingly, “That's why they're smarter than humans.”
Related:
Most dogs only look up to the sky when something flies overhead or grabs their attention, Klein wrote on the AKC website. So if a solar eclipse in an area is large enough to actually darken the sky, your dog shouldn't look up to understand what's happening.
Another tip, according to the AKC, is to not force your dog to experience a solar eclipse. Also, while wearing eclipse-proof glasses on your dog may make for some interesting photos, we don't recommend it. As a result, you may be injured or bitten.
Madrid, Spain: A dog and his owner watch the annular solar eclipse in Madrid on October 3, 2005. In an annular solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, but due to slight differences in distance due to celestial mechanics, it does not completely cover the sun as in a total solar eclipse. AFP PHOTO/PHILIPPE DESMAZES (Photo credit: PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
How will a solar eclipse be stressful for my dog?
According to the AKC, domestic animals and wild animals in the field are likely to be affected by celestial bodies, but your dog is unlikely to be affected. Even if your dog or cat becomes stressed during the eclipse, Klein says the event will only last a few minutes. In other words, it should be possible to deal with it.
If your dog is showing a lot of stress or anxiety, you can distract him by giving him training treats or giving him relaxing music in a quiet room or room.
Klein said the best option is to maintain a routine.
“Dogs follow cues from their humans and prefer routine whenever possible,” Dr. Klein says. Cats are also famous for being creatures of habit.
“Drop the shades and leave the TV on,” Dr. Klein said. Anything that makes you feel safe and secure in normal times is okay on this special day.
