Australian Cattle Dog sitting in front of solar eclipse
© Benjamin Lehman/ Unsplash

Vet shares advice for pet owners as solar eclipse approaches

By Greta Inglis

As Britain prepares for the most spectacular solar eclipse in 30 years, Ángela González explains the best way to protect your pet. 

Around 90% of the sun is expected to be covered across large parts of the UK on the 12th of August, the deepest eclipse in 30 years. 

But owners have been warned not to confuse guidance meant for humans with the needs of their pet.

Preparing for the eclipse

"There's no need to put glasses on them, and besides, most of them aren't used to wearing them," explained Ángela González, associate professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Santiago de Compostela and a veterinary surgeon at the Rof Codina University Veterinary Hospital in Lugo, Spain. 

"There would be risks if they were to stare at it, but they wouldn't normally do that. Normally, a dog would just be sniffing around and wouldn't be staring up at the sky."

Avoid crowded places

Instead, owners are encouraged to avoid taking their pets to crowded areas to watch the eclipse, as this may actually prove more disorienting and stressful than the change in light. 

It's important never to force your pet to watch the eclipse, letting them rest in a quiet, familiar space until it passes. 

Contrary to popular belief, experts don't believe animals are able to predict an eclipse. Your pet may just go about their day as if nothing has happened. 

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