The Total Solar Eclipse and How It Will Affect Our Pets.

Dear Dog and Cat Loving Friends,

On Monday, April 8^th, a rare total solar eclipse will occur.  The moon will pass between the earth and the sun and line up so perfectly that for a brief time the sun will be fully obscured and only the outer part of the sun’s atmosphere, called the corona, will be visible. In the New York area, this will happen shortly after 3:00 PM.

This means that on that day, the 2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse will cause the sky to go dark for four minutes in the middle of the day.  The temperature will drop considerably, stars will appear, and birds and other animals will engage in their nighttime behaviors.

And our pets will also be affected by the eclipse. 

Dogs – like most animals -- are very sensitive to changes in their environment.  Their innate circadian rhythms will not expect sudden nighttime in the middle of the day, and even animals who live indoors may be affected by the events of the eclipse.  It is best to take steps to minimize their stress on the whole day of April 8, even though the Northeast is not in the path of totality and total solar eclipse will last only about 15 minutes.

First, animals who do not need to be outside should be kept indoors that day to prevent them from staring at the sun as they sense the rapid change in daylight.  Like humans, prolonged staring at the sun results in vision damage to animals as well, and the danger is heightened by the corona effect.

Some dogs may become confused and display signs of anxiety, such as pacing or whining during an eclipse. They may even frantically try to find shelter. Even dogs who are indoors may act more vigilant as if they are in a threatening situation and so might bark incessantly.  Some may express their anxiety by clinging to their owners. Cats who live indoors all the time may also be affected by the eclipse.

For these reasons, it is best to keep pets indoors in a familiar, comfortable room where the windows can be darkened by curtains or blinds. Stay with your pet and provide distractions such as music or television and talk to them and offer them treats and toys to reduce their anxiety.

After the eclipse is over, pay attention to the pet’s behavior.  Some may continue to feel anxious or unsettled. Cats may try to hide in dark and quiet places. Restlessness, pacing and whining are signs of continued stress in dogs. Provide comfort and reassurance by staying with them, petting and speaking in a soothing tone to make them more secure. Try to return to your pet’s normal routine as soon as they are ready after the eclipse. 

Our pets will require more attention because of the total solar eclipse on April 8, but don’t worry -- the next one isn’t coming until 2045.

Chow, Chow, Chow for now.

Dr. Amy