Does your dog need solar glasses for the eclipse?
Companion animals such as birds, dogs and cats generally have an aversion to bright sunlight, and this discomfort will cause them to look away from the eclipse while it’s in progress, veterinary experts say. The April 8 total solar eclipse in Cleveland, Ohio, will occur in the path of totality in the Cleveland area, which is expected to be the longest total eclipse on land for over a decade. However, medical experts say that dogs, particularly dogs, are not likely to need special solar glasses to safely view the eclipse. Jeffrey Walline, acting dean of the Ohio State University College of Optometry, said that pets are more likely to sleep and not directly observe the eclipse than they would otherwise. Companion animals, such as birds, dogs and cats, tend to avoid bright sunlight, which will cause them to look away from the eclipse while it's in progress. It's also advised that pets should stay indoors during the eclipse due to weather-sensitive animals' fear, stress or panic. The American Astronomical Society recommends that solar glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification are not as safe as long as the filters are not long as new ones adopted in 2015.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Julie Washington, jwashing, Julie Washington | [email protected] in Tech Science
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Humans need special solar glasses to safely view April 8′s total solar eclipse. But dogs — smart enough to spend the eclipse sleeping and not staring at the sun —don’t need to be protected that day, according to medical experts.
Companion animals of all types aren’t likely interested in the cosmic phenomenon.
Pets are more likely to turn the eclipse’s midday darkness into nap time, experts say.
“Pets aren’t curious about the eclipse or more likely to look at the sun on the day of the eclipse than they are on any other day,” Jeffrey Walline, acting dean of Ohio State University College of Optometry, said during a Thursday Ohio Department of Health media conference.
“I don’t think we need to get eclipse glasses for our dogs or put them inside” for their eye safety, Walline said.
Companion animals such as birds, dogs and cats generally have an aversion to bright sunlight, and this discomfort will cause them to look away from the eclipse while it’s in progress, veterinary experts said.
Cleveland will be in the path of totality during the April 8 total solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun and causing the sky to darken.
Beyond the question of pets actually looking at the eclipse, here are some tips and ideas about how to keep your pets safe during the eclipse. USA Today, Maybeck Animal Hospital in Florida, the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and people.com provided information.
Q: How will cats and dogs react to the eclipse?
It’s hard to say with certainty how pets will respond to the total solar eclipse because total solar eclipses are so rare, and there aren’t many scientific studies of animal behavior during eclipses.
Companion animals may exhibit nighttime behaviors as the sunlight fades — like going to sleep or napping — or signs of anxiety. Some dogs might start howling when it suddenly gets dark.
Watch for anxiety behaviors such as increased panting and scratching, hiding and pacing. Comforting cuddles and a favorite toy might help nervous pets get through the eclipse.
If you would like to contribute to efforts to document animals’ reactions to the eclipse, share observations of your pet’s behavior at www.observinganimals.org.
Q: Should owners keep their pets indoors on April 8?
It might be smart to keep pets indoors during the eclipse — not to save their eyesight, but because weather-sensitive animals might experience fear, stress or panic.
Q. How can pet owners ensure companion animals are fine during at-home eclipse parties?
If guests will be going in and out of your home, use a baby gate, crate or leash so that dogs don’t escape. To ensure a cat or other small pet doesn’t get outside, create a cat apartment in an enclosed, separate space with food, water, litter box and toys.
If guests stress your dog or cat, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety supplements or medications that can help your pet.
Q: Can I take my companion animal to a public solar eclipse gathering?
The excitement and crowds at eclipse gatherings could cause dogs to panic or feel stressed. And if a pet gets stressed out or panics because of the darkening skies and cooling temperatures during an eclipse, being in a crowded place will make it worse.
If you do take your dog to one of the many eclipse events in the area, check with the venue to be sure pets are allowed.
The 124-mile wide path of totality will angle across Ohio from just north of Cincinnati to the Cleveland area on April 8. In Cleveland, the total eclipse will begin about 2 p.m. and last until 4:30 p.m.; totality starts at 3:13 p.m. and will last for less than four minutes.
It’s also set to be the longest totality on land for over a decade, according to astronomy experts. This area won’t experience another total solar eclipse for another 75 years.
Dozens of Ohio cities and organizations — including the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Metroparks — are planning major events for the eclipse.
Using special solar viewers, also called solar glasses, and filters are the only way to view an eclipse safely. The American Astronomical Society website has links to selected suppliers of solar viewers and filters that are safe when used properly.
The American Astronomical Society advises that glasses with the ISO 12312-2 certification adopted in 2015 are safe as long as the filters are not scratched or otherwise degraded.
For more information, go to the NASA website or GreatAmericanEclipse.com.
Julie Washington covers healthcare for cleveland.com. Read previous stories at this link.