TA solar eclipse scheduled to cross North America on Monday, April 8th has humans excited with anticipation, but the phenomenon, and the crowds it draws, can be even more disorienting and anxiety-inducing for pets. .
During a solar eclipse, the sky temporarily darkens, dogs hunker down, birds stop flying and become quiet, and nocturnal creatures appear.
But veterinarians told TIME that the bigger concern for pets is the expected large gatherings. Millions of people are expected to travel and take part in solar eclipse viewing, which could stir up strong emotions in humans and cause anxiety in animals.
Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, said veterinarians are “far more concerned with the effects of human behavior and activity on pets during the event than they are with the actual effects of the eclipse on animals.” I'm concerned,” he told TIME.
It's important for pet owners to plan ahead. It's important to think about where you're going, what's best for your pet, and prepare to make sure it's safe and comfortable. says Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“No matter where your pet or animal is, make sure their needs are met,” Carlson advises.
Here are 10 tips from experts on how to best protect your pet during a solar eclipse.
Don't bring your pet to large gatherings
Veterinarians told Time magazine that their main advice is to avoid eclipse viewing events that involve large crowds, loud noises, and easily excitable humans, which can be stressful for animals. He said people should avoid bringing their pets with them.
“You really have to think about all the crowds, all the people, all the noise. That's the biggest concern I have with pets. To be honest, they're not about the eclipse itself, they're about our excitement and the sun. “They'll react to any commotion that's going on during the meal,” Carlson said.
The veterinarian added that “most animals will be taken out of phase” by physical phenomena, explaining that it is human behavior that they respond most to.
Keep pets indoors
Experts say it's best to keep pets indoors to avoid unnecessary stress. “That's really the best advice: Just keep your pets inside,” Carlson says.
Klein says that while dogs “may not be as excited about this phenomenon as we are,” they are taking cues from humans, based on our behaviors and actions when they are closely interviewed.
“Try to have as much regularity as possible. You feel safer and more secure in your own environment,” Klein says.
Be careful not to let your pet stare into the sun.
Looking directly at the sun can be harmful to animals as well as humans, but experts say pet owners should be concerned during a solar eclipse because animals don't naturally look at the sun. They argue that there is no need and that we should not encourage them to do so.
“You shouldn't force your pet to do something potentially dangerous or something they personally don't want to do,” Klein says. “That's enough to potentially damage their vision, and we don't want to do that.”
But experts say it's not a good idea or even necessary to wear eclipse glasses on your pet.
“Don't try to put on your glasses, it'll just be more of an annoyance and you'll wonder what the heck is going on,” Carlson says. “If it were my dog, I'd tear it off the head, chew it up and eat half of it.”
Experts say it's probably okay for your pet to be outside because animals don't naturally see the sun, but if you're worried about them inadvertently looking up, consider keeping them indoors to minimize the risk. Pet owners are reassured to keep them in.
Leah Ellis, a veterinarian with Canada's Prince Edward Island Humane Society, says pulling curtains and keeping cat climbing posts and other objects away from windows during a solar eclipse can help reduce stress and reduce exposure to sunlight for your pet. He said additional steps could be taken to reduce exposure. I'll tell Time.
If you leave home, be prepared for a long journey
During the last total solar eclipse in the United States in 2017, Carlson, who lives in southern Idaho, said the normal two-hour drive took up to 10 hours due to traffic. Transportation officials are warning drivers to prepare for heavy traffic this year and plan extra time to get to and from eclipse destinations, and others who watched the eclipse in 2017 also reported longer travel times.
Veterinarians are warning pet owners when traveling with pets to prepare for a much longer trip than expected, bring extra food and water, and plan where to stop to exercise your pet. Masu.
If you leave your pet at home, be “bearing in mind the fact that you may not be able to get home as quickly as you would like” and “have a contingency plan in place to ensure your pet's needs are met by others while you are away.” please”.
Keep your pet on a leash when in public
If you are bringing your dog or other pet to an event, keep it firmly on a leash as dogs can panic, run away from stress, or get lost in a large crowd. experts say.
“Changes in the environment can cause stress, confusion, and fear in dogs. Concerned owners should monitor their dogs during the eclipse and watch for signs of concern so they can give their dog a sense of security. You should check for it,” Bill Lambert, dog health expert at the British Kennel Club, told TIME via email. “A stressed or frightened dog may try to run away, so make sure your home is secure, your dog has a collar with an ID tag and their microchip details are up to date. Please make sure there is.”
Be aware of and deal with signs of stress
Experts say signs of stress in dogs include panting, pacing, and changes in facial expressions, such as the whites of the dog's eyes bulging out. They warn pet owners to recognize these signs early and if you notice them, move your animal away from stress triggers and calm them down the best way you know how.
If you're attending a large event, it may be wise to take your dog to your car or another quiet area to keep it from getting excited, Ellis says.
“When animals become frantic, accidents happen, they go into fight-or-flight mode, and they end up just trying to run away from the scary thing,” the veterinarian continues. “The earlier you notice those subtle signs and try to de-escalate from there, the better and hopefully the outcome will usually be.”
“The best thing to do is to avoid highly stressful situations like this,” she added.
Provide distractions if needed
If your pet is stressed, the Toronto Humane Society recommends distracting them with toys or treats. The American Kennel Club suggested training sessions using your dog's favorite treats can help absorb your dog's appetite. If your pet is particularly prone to anxiety, the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine suggests talking to your veterinarian beforehand about management strategies, such as administering anti-anxiety medications.
Be prepared that your pet may become hungry or tired
Animals are creatures of habit and follow visual cues, so some pets may think it's night and ask for dinner much earlier than normal, said Ashley Travis, spokeswoman for the Prince Edward Island Humane Society. To tell. Your pet may also become a little lethargic, thinking it's time for bed.
Minimize risks around outdoor animals
The reaction of larger external animals, such as horses and livestock, depends on the animal's personality and the conditions during the eclipse, Isabelle Rouge, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University's Food Animal Field Service, told TIME. Some animals may become frightened or more nervous and potentially gregarious, while others may not react at all.
Veterinarian advice for people with large animals is to avoid working with animals during the eclipse for your own safety.
“If you have a horse that weighs 1,000 pounds and the horse is distraught or frightened by the event and moves very quickly or suddenly, especially if the horse can't see you, it can't see you even if it can't see you. You could get hurt, and you’re going to,” Rouge says.
Veterinarians recommend keeping large animals outdoors in the most comfortable environment during the event.
“Keep them in a familiar location where there is no major danger. During this time, they should not be allowed to step into holes or fall into ravines, as this will interfere with the change in sunlight.” They have the ability to see,” Rouge says.
Avoid traveling with large animals during a solar eclipse. However, Rouge adds that if necessary, it's a good idea to have a light source in your trailer or elsewhere to avoid injury. Inspect the animal after the eclipse to make sure there are no injuries, and seek medical attention if there are any injuries.
stock up on essentials
Some experts recommend making sure you have enough food, water, medicine, and other supplies before the eclipse, especially if you're traveling, as large crowds can gather and put a strain on supplies. I suggest that you do so. Popular destination.
But while it's always best to be prepared, experts say there's no need to worry if a pandemic-level shortage occurs. “I don't realize this is that extreme,” Klein says.
