Ahead of a total solar eclipse on April 8, pet owners are seeking advice on how best to protect their pet friends during this rare celestial phenomenon.
Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, talks frequently on “Good Morning America,” including whether watching a solar eclipse can harm your pet and how to keep your pet safe. I answered some of your questions.
Are solar eclipses dangerous for pets?
Solar eclipses promise to be an amazing sight for humans, especially those on the path to totality to experience a total solar eclipse. However, the American Kennel Club says this event can be stressful and confusing for pets.
Klein suggests pet owners “do everything you can to keep everything as routine as possible, because dogs and cats are very dependent on routine.”
According to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, pets, especially dogs and cats, are instinctively less likely to look directly at the sun, so the risk of eye damage is minimal.
According to Klein and the AKC, most dogs “only look up to the sky when something flies overhead or captures their attention.”
“In nature, you never see animals staring into the sun,” Klein told “GMA.” “As a veterinarian, when you have to look into their eyes to see their retinas, dogs and cats don't like it. Nature is very smart if you let it be and don't force it to do things that are not normal for them. ”. ”
Learn more: How to make a pinhole projector using a cereal box to safely view solar eclipse images
Should pets be allowed inside the house during a solar eclipse?
Keeping your pet indoors and away from the excitement and unusual activity surrounding the eclipse event can help prevent anxiety. This is especially important because the event can be more disturbing to your pet than the eclipse itself.
Are solar eclipses stressful for pets?
The American Kennel Club advises that the biggest concern for pets during a solar eclipse is not the eclipse itself, but the potential stress caused by changes in the environment and the owner's reaction.
If your pet is alone during a celestial event, Klein suggests “turning on the lights and turning on the TV before you leave to keep everything as constant as possible.” Recommended measures include observing your pet for signs of distress, such as hiding or crying, and creating a calming environment for your pet.
Keeping your pet in a familiar environment can help prevent anxiety, says the AKC.
How to keep your pet safe during the April 8 solar eclipse was posted on goodMorningamerica.com.
