For days now, we’ve been hearing all about the “Great American Eclipse”, which many are calling the upcoming solar eclipse and planning where and how they’re going to see it happen. Dog lovers who are inseparable from their four-legged friend may even be making plans to take their dogs with them to view the solar eclipse. Is this OK and a good idea or something they need to reconsider? Get some facts below.
There has been a lot of speculation about if our dogs can somehow “sense” what is going to happen in the same way that they sense a thunderstorm is coming. Research has indicated that while this may not be the case, the actual solar eclipse can affect dogs in a few different ways.
• Scheduling
• Crowds and Noise
• Eclipse Blindness
Dogs, like many of us humans, are creatures of habit and base their daily schedules on day and night or light and darkness. My dog, for instance, waits until five minutes before we retire for the day to start eating her supper. If I decide to go to bed earlier than usual, she typically goes without eating because, Velcro dog that she is, she follows me to the bedroom. She also associates that time with making her last trip outside.
With the solar ecli
pse turning day into night so to speak, our dogs may feel something is suddenly not right. They may suddenly think it’s nighttime and mistake the solar eclipse for twilight. These minor changes are not really that important but are enough to make you wonder what’s going on and why your dog is acting strangely. Don’t be overly concerned. This will pass when things get back to normal. Your dog, on the other hand, may not be affected at all.
Even the calmest of dogs may suddenly become nervous and anxious when surrounded by loud noises and crowds of strange people. Every year, thousands of dogs run away from home during the 4th of July fireworks. They don’t run away because they’re wild dogs. They run away because they’re afraid of the loud noise. Many of these dogs are also very anxious during parades, and it’s because of the large crowds and loud noises.
With there being so much publicity about the solar eclipse, many people are making plans about where they are going to be viewing this great event. In most cases, it will be outdoors with family and friends all excited when it takes place. The loud voices, and possible screaming, can very well frighten your dog.
Under these circumstances, a calm and well-trained dog may become agitated and nervous. It’s safe to say that your dog’s reaction will be based on your reaction. If you have any concerns about how your dog will react during the solar eclipse, please keep the dog on a leash or, better yet, leave the dog at home. He or she might not be able to talk but will silently thank you.
Second only to hearing about the solar eclipse is what we’re all hearing about the need for solar sunglasses to protect our eyes. Looking at the sun during the eclipse can damage your eyes if you don’t wear protective eyewear. There are sunglasses you can put on your dog if he or she will allow it. You may want to do this if you have concerns.
The solar eclipse can do the same damage to your dog’s eyes as it can to your eyes if the dog looks at the sun. The good news is that, AS A GENERAL RULE, dogs do not look at the sun. It’s just not in their instinct, so they should be relatively safe. However, just to play it safe put some eye gear on your dog if your plans include the dog or just leave him or her at home.
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