How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy during the Solar Eclipse on April 8th!

Here are 5 Ways to Protect Your Beloved Pets during the Solar Eclipse 

As most of you know, Monday, April 8th, 2024, is a very special day!! We will experience a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event: a total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse will be on October 26th, 2144. Wow!! It will be a very cool and memorable experience. For animals, it can be a scary time so prepare them. 

Here are ways to protect your furry friends to keep them safe and happy: 

1. Please stay mindful of yourself and your behavior during the Eclipse if you are at home with your beloved companion animal as they pick up on our cues and feelings. It’s important to stay calm for yourself and also for your fur friend. Although there seems to be no consensus as to how your dog may be affected by this event, it might be wise to pay attention to their behavior. Some pets may feel anxiety or sense our feelings so staying calm can help!
   
2. Keep your pets and other animals indoors. This suggestion might seem obvious to most pet parents but it’s particularly important to do so when there may be more than usual crowds or even people outdoors getting excited or startled (we don’t know how people will be affected so it’s best to be safe).
    
3. If you are working away from your home and pets during the eclipse, here are a few tips: Keep the lights turned on during the day and television on or play some calming music for them in the background. You might want to prepare a few of your pet’s favorite treats and safe comfort toys.  
   
4. Remember, animals live in the present moment and they don’t get excited about celestial events like humans. I have never seen an animal look at the sun or sky. Rather, they seem content going about their day on their instincts. I don’t know if my dog Oakley or rabbit Zoey will care that much. I will try to keep it a usual day for them but probably not walk Oakley during the event. I do know they pick up on our human cues so I will be aware of that. 
   
5. Lastly, although this is an amazing and exciting experience for humans, your pets may not feel the same way (although I am not a pet behavior expert). I have read that it is suggested to not encourage your pet to view the eclipse, and it might not be a good idea to put on protective eyewear for pets. If you are planning to travel during the time of the event and bring your pet along, please make sure they are kept safely in your vehicle during the eclipse.