Animal experts offer advice on how to keep pets safe during total solar eclipse

Animal experts are reminding you to keep your pets in mind when preparing for Monday’s total solar eclipse.

According to Dr. Marnie Ford, veterinary ophthalmologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, the off-schedule period of darkness could affect the way your pet acts.

“Either animals will become a little more anxious or restless, because they’re confused about what’s happened, why its suddenly dark outside, or they might take on more of a nighttime activity,” said Dr. Ford.

Dr. Ford added that the best thing you can do is treat it like a normal day, and if you have an anxious pet, just keep them inside.

Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary medical advisor for Rover, advises that investing in any eclipse glasses you buy for your pet may be a scam.

“People have asked ‘is it necessary to get solar eclipse glasses’ for their pet,” said Dr. Greenstein. “Personally, we haven’t invested in any for our golden doodle. I think there’s a very, very low chance he’s going to look up.”

Dr. Greenstein added that the dangers to your pet lie in the crowds heading out to eclipse watch parties, and advises that you leave your pet at home or with a trusted sitter instead of letting them tag along as your plus-one.

Dr. Ford added that pets wouldn’t usually inclined to look directly into the sun, but the more-curious ones may follow your lead.

“Dogs have this really interesting ability to follow your finger, to look at what you’re looking at,” said Dr. Ford. “Other animals don’t do that. So, if everybody is standing around in a group looking up at the sky or pointing at the sun, your dog might be inclined to look up as well.”

The total solar eclipse is happening on Monday (April 8) between 2:03 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with the peak, when the sun will be completely covered by the moon, at 3:18 p.m.