Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe During an Eclipse: Expert Pet Advice on the Spring Solar Eclipse

Erica Cartmill, a professor of animal behavior at Indiana University, tells PEOPLE what reactions to expect from pets during the April 8 solar eclipse

Get your cats and dogs ready and get your glasses; a total solar eclipse is coming!

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8. Areas of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine will experience totality – the moon will completely block sunlight for a few minutes in those locations. Many may be planning trips to these locations to experience the event, while others may wonder how their dogs and cats will react to a total solar eclipse.

Pet parents concerned about the safety of their dogs and cats during a total solar eclipse can rest easy. PEOPLE spoke with Erica Cartmill, a professor of anthropology, animal behavior and cognitive science at Indiana University, about the behaviors pet owners should expect and how to prepare your cat or dog for the upcoming solar eclipse.

Cartmill tells PEOPLE that pet owners will likely see two behaviors when the solar eclipse crosses the US on April 8; read on to find out more.

How will cats and dogs react to the eclipse?

Cartmill admits it’s hard to say for sure how pets will react to a total solar eclipse because “these are such rare events, especially a total one.”

“There aren’t as many reports and there aren’t as many scientific studies on animal behavior during eclipses,” she says.

Based on his professional understanding of animal behavior, Cartmill believes that cats and dogs are likely to react in one of two ways to a total solar eclipse, if at all.

Likely responses “in order of frequency” are displaying behavior during the night and showing signs of anxiety, according to the professor.

“The most likely answer is that the animals are starting their evening routines and exhibiting evening behavior. If you have a dog or cat, they might go to bed, quiet down, or start yawning and stretching,” Cartmill explains, adding that some canines might start howling when it suddenly gets dark.

A solar eclipse is “kind of like dropping a little bit of night into the middle of the day. So they might just act like it’s night,” she adds.

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Cartmill notes that another possibility, “of more concern to pet owners,” is that pets may exhibit anxious behavior in response to a solar eclipse. Like thunderstorms, vet visits and fireworks, three common causes of pet anxiety, total solar eclipses are “strange and unusual.”

Pet owners should watch for anxious behaviors such as increased panting and scratching, hiding and pacing. Cats and dogs may also seek comfort from their owners or favorite objects during the total solar eclipse on April 8.

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How can I prepare my pet for the eclipse?

Since pet owners can’t explain the effects of a solar eclipse to their cat or dog, Cartmill recommends that you prepare to have whatever comforts your pet near the eclipse.

“And obviously, if you see your animal becoming anxious during the eclipse, comfort them,” Cartmill says.

Additionally, Cartmill says it’s wise to be prepared because many pets look to their humans for cues when dealing with a new situation.

“Be there for your animals and be attentive to what interests them,” Cartmill says.

“If you’re sitting with your dog staring at the sky, your dog might be staring at the sky too, but it might be because they’re following you with their eyes, not because they’re interested in the eclipse. I mean our pets are more interested in us, especially dogs, than anything else,” she adds.

A woman wearing solar eclipse glasses.

George Frey/Getty

Does my pet need solar eclipse glasses?

“I don’t think owners need to get eclipse glasses for their pets,” Cartmill says.

Unlike people, Cartmills says pets aren’t expected to be interested in viewing a total solar eclipse. However, he advises owners to keep an eye on their pets if they go with them to observe the solar eclipse.

“If they’re staring at the sun, maybe distract them a bit. Brief glances are fine. We don’t want to encourage staring,” she says.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education