Many Canadians are looking forward to the coming solar eclipse, but there are questions about whether pets can safely participate in the event. Some are concerned about potential damage to their pets’ eyes, while others wonder how the total blackout during the eclipse might affect their dogs’ or cats’ behaviour.
“Though humans might be excited about the event, it could prove to be an overwhelming experience for pets,” noted Dr. Karen Ward, the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Toronto Humane Society. She advised enjoyment of the eclipse in large groups but suggested it may not be an event your pet would appreciate being a part of.
The upcoming solar eclipse’s course of totality will traverse through different parts of Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
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The Toronto Humane Society has issued an advisory warning pet owners about the potential dangers the solar eclipse could pose on their pets. The advisory highlights concerns over the loud noise of large crowds that could cause pets distress. However, they note that the chances of an eclipse resulting in significant health risk for pets are minimal.
How will my pet react to the eclipse?
According to Dr. Ward, pets might exhibit behavioural changes like acting as if it’s night during the blackout phase or becoming more anxious.
Dr. Ward points to a 2020 study published in Animals, which observed animals during an eclipse. During the 2017 eclipse in the U.S., approximately 75% of the observed species exhibited behaviour changes, with most of them showing evening or night-time behaviours.
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Angry and anxious behaviour, such as gearing up for bed, can appear in pets according to Ward.
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Dr. Ward also points out that pets often mirror their owners’ energy, so any excitement or anxiety might be reflected in their pets’ behaviour. Her primary advice is to keep them inside during the eclipse. While people can head outside to enjoy the event, pets might feel safer and less confused at home.
When pets are indoors, Dr. Ward recommends providing comfort items like their beloved bedding and offering treats.
Should pets wear protective eye gear?
To protect against extreme light from the sun during the eclipse, humans need to use safety glasses. Dr. Ward, however, says there’s no need for pets to wear protective eyewear because they typically don’t stare directly at the sun.
“Whenever pets are tempted to look up, it is usually due to the encouragement of humans, and to avoid that, we recommend not doing so. Generally, pets have a fair amount of common sense and staring at the sun is not usual behaviour for our pets,” Dr. Ward said.
The upcoming solar eclipse is expected to generate huge crowds at optimal viewing spots, which will cause an influx of people from all areas.
For example, the Niagara Region is one of the best locations for observing the eclipse and many thousands of people are expected to arrive on Monday. Authorities have declared a state of emergency to manage the increased activity.
According to Rover Veterinary Medical Advisor Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, people might be tempted to take their pets with them, but she recommends leaving them at home if you can.
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Dr. Greenstein stated: “Most pets prefer familiar environments with familiar sounds and smells and don’t enjoy tagging along. It might actually be safer for them to stay at home or with a trusted pet sitter.”
She also pointed out that some friendly dogs might handle large crowds better, while others more inclined towards anxiety might require extra attention. For anxious pets, she suggests keeping a regular schedule and providing additional reassurance and distractions.
Dr. Greenstein then advised that those who will be bringing their pets need to bring food and water for them and to make sure dogs are on a leash. Any additional excitement from the crowd or the eclipse itself could potentially scare your pet.
With contributions from Global News’ Saba Aziz.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
As Canadians eagerly anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse, the question on many minds is whether their beloved pets can partake in the celestial spectacle.
Some may worry about the potential harm to their pets’ eyes, while others may be curious about any behavioural changes their dogs or cats might exhibit during the eclipse’s total blackout.
“A lot of the excitement for people is going to be overwhelming for animals,” said Dr. Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at the Toronto Humane Society. “So it can be really fun for people to be out with a whole bunch of other people celebrating this really incredible event together. But it doesn’t mean their dog wants to be part of it.“
On Monday, the solar eclipse’s path of totality will pass through parts of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Read more about where the eclipse path will take place and when.
![Click to play video: 'What you need to know about Monday’s total solar eclipse'](https://i1.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/y6lvxzgxlh-kipbu63gwa/gnmc_04042024_gary_boyle_img.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
The Toronto Humane Society sent out an advisory on Wednesday, cautioning pet owners about potential risks posed by the solar eclipse. While animals usually avoid direct sun-gazing, the organization emphasized concerns regarding the event’s accompanying large crowds and noise, which could unsettle pets.
While the event of an eclipse does not appear to pose any significant health risk for pets like dogs and cats, Ward said there are some issues to keep in mind.
How will my pet react to the eclipse?
During the eclipse, your dog or cat may exhibit changes in behaviour, such as acting nocturnal during total darkness or showing signs of increased anxiety, according to Ward.
She pointed to a 2020 study published in Animals, which observed zoo animals during a solar eclipse. The study found that during the 2017 eclipse in the United States, around 75 per cent of the observed species exhibited a behavioural response, with a majority of the animals engaging in their evening or nighttime behaviours. For example, gorillas started getting ready for bed, giraffes displayed increased anxiety and Galapagos tortoises began mating.
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Ward believes some of this behaviour, such as getting ready for bed, may also be seen in pets.
![Click to play video: 'Is it safe to fly during a solar eclipse?'](https://i2.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/aqhnc17hxt-z5vjjf9c5c/APR_4.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
She added that because pets tend to pick up on their owners’ energy, any excitement or nervousness may also influence how they feel.
“The biggest recommendation is just to keep them inside,” she stressed. “We’re encouraging folks to go out with their human family and friends to experience and enjoy the eclipse, but just to leave their pets at home. It can be a little confusing to them when there’s that change in light.”
And when your pet is inside the home, she recommends keeping them comfortable with their favourite bedding or giving them treats.
Should pets wear protective eye gear?
People must wear protective eyeglasses for the eclipse to safeguard against the intense brightness of the sun’s rays, which can cause serious eye damage if viewed directly.
However, Ward said pets instinctively avoid looking at the sun, making it unnecessary to purchase or make them wear protective eyewear.
“They are not going to look up unless they’re encouraged to look up — and we are strongly asking people not to do that,” Ward said. “So they have a fair bit of common sense… it’s not normal behaviour for our pets to stare at the sun.”
The solar eclipse is anticipated to attract massive crowds, with people from all over converging on prime viewing locations.
For example, one of the prime locations for viewing the eclipse is in the Niagara Region with thousands of people expected to flock to the area on Monday. In response to the anticipated influx, local authorities declared a state of emergency in the Niagara Region.
Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian medical advisor for Rover, said a lot of people may be tempted to bring their pets with them to an eclipse viewing party, but she advised leaving them at home if possible.
![Click to play video: 'Patience, people: Count on traffic woes when crowds hit Ontario eclipse hotspots'](https://i1.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/news/6b1yyj88iw-tw2c5kjzye/Sequence_05.00_00_00_16.Still001.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
“For most pets, they really thrive in familiar environments with the familiar sounds, familiar, smells. And they really don’t appreciate being brought along as a plus one. It’s probably safest for them to be staying at home or with a trusted pet site,” she said.
She mentioned that some more social dogs might fare better in large crowds, while animals prone to anxiety may need extra care. For anxiety-prone pets, Greenstein recommends sticking to their routine and providing added reassurance and distraction.
If you decide to bring your pet along, she advises ensuring you have food and water for them and keeping your dog on a leash. This is important as the extra excitement, or the total eclipse, may spook your pet.
— With files from Global News’ Saba Aziz
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.