Eclipse safety for pets

The solar eclipse is a can't-miss event for millions of Americans, whether you view it from a total path or not. But what does that mean for our many furry friends?

Dr. Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, witnessed firsthand how animals responded to the 2017 total solar eclipse.

Her veterinary practice in Pocatello, Idaho, was closed for several minutes so staff could watch the eclipse outside with their many dogs.

“To be honest, our excitement probably made the animals more anxious than anything else,” she recalls.

Carlson said the eclipse is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on pets, although some dogs may display some of the behaviors they normally exhibit when it starts to get dark outside.

However, this can happen depending on crowds and traffic conditions, so experts recommend leaving your animal at home to be safe.

Carlson said there are steps humans can take to take care of people on busy days like this, especially if those involved are traveling.

“What worries me more is that there is so much traffic and so many people passing through our area that it has become impossible to travel by car. [that] “It usually takes two hours, but it took over eight to 10 hours, so if you're traveling with your dog, be prepared for a long wait,” Carlson says.

Here are some expert tips to protect your pets, whether they're there during the eclipse or waiting for you at home.

Consider: Should Fido come or stay?

The first step is to determine whether you need to take your pet outdoors to view the solar eclipse, whether near your home or out of town.

In most cases, the answer is no, Carlson said.

“This is a very surprising phenomenon that we experience,” she explains. “So when your dog is in a large crowd or noisy area, it can be quite stressful because the dog doesn't fully understand the excitement. The dog may be asking, 'What's going on?' You're going to be nervous.'' “How should I react?''

She says the same guidelines apply to all pets, even though cats and birds are less likely to travel in the first place.

“They are better off staying at home, in a normal environment,” she added.

Be prepared for disruptions and unexpected situations if you are traveling

If you decide to take your dog with you, plan ahead what you will do if the situation gets complicated.

This includes bringing extra food and water in case the trip takes longer than expected, and getting you out of the car for a walk or bathroom break if you get stuck in traffic.

“Always think about” ways to keep your pet safe and comfortable once you get to your destination, Carlson says. Keep them on a leash, make sure they're hydrated, and pay attention to their body language.

“You know your pet's behavior better than anyone else,” she says. “So keep an eye out for any changes in their reactions.”

Signs of distress may include gasping, pacing, and crying. If you notice this behavior, Carlson advises removing your pet from the situation as soon as possible. He says that's because “the more excited your pet is, the harder it is to calm them down.”

“I know there's a lot of activity going on and a lot of things to see and excitement,” she added. “However, if you have pets, please pay close attention to them and watch for signs of stress so you can respond appropriately.”

If you're traveling without your pet, especially if you're likely to get home later than usual, call to make sure there's someone at home who can feed it or take it outside while you're away. please.

The ASPCA recommends keeping your pet busy while you're away with food puzzle toys and other nutritional supplements. But Carlson says you don't need to worry any more than usual if you leave your pet alone for the day.

“They won't be worried about an eclipse happening,” she says. “They'll think it's just a normal day without you.”

Don't waste eclipse glasses for pets

Anyone attempting to view the eclipse directly will need to wear special sunglasses, except for a few minutes when the moon completely blocks the sun. However, this is not the case with pets.

“They go out every day and don't look up at the sun, so there's no reason to think they're going to do that at this point,” Carlson explained.

In fact, Carlson says trying to put glasses on your pet, even for a photo shoot, is likely to do more harm than good. It can stress your dog and cause him to paw or chew.

“Keep your glasses for yourself. We're the ones looking up at the sun, so we need to protect our eyes,” she says. “They're just looking around and feeding off your emotions and excitement like they always do.”

Dr. Lori Bierbrier, ASPCA senior medical director of community medicine, told NPR in an email that while it is unlikely that an animal would look directly into the sun, staring directly into the sun for long periods of time can damage the eyes.

Symptoms of eye damage include squinting, closing one eye or moving a paw, redness, irritation or cloudiness, and watery or discharged eyes. She recommends contacting your veterinarian immediately if you notice them.

But what happens to veterinary clinics that are closed because of the eclipse, as Carlson Hospital was temporarily, or that are hard to get to on the day of the eclipse?

Carlson said you need to be aware of heavy traffic and know which back roads you can take.

Ideally, a concerned pet owner can call their veterinarian, explain the situation, and get advice. Carlson says this is just one example of why strong client-patient relationships are so important.

“Emergencies are going to happen whether there's an eclipse or not,” she says.