Pet safety during the eclipse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With Monday’s solar eclipse around the corner, you’ve heard over and over how important it is to protect your eyes and enjoy the event safely.

But it’s just as important to make sure your pets stay safe during this once in a lifetime event.

A near total eclipse can be a once-in-a-lifetime event for people.

But if you’ve got a furry, scaly, or feathery friend at home the sudden change can be confusing and stressful for them.

“And like any environmental change, like fireworks or storms or anything like that they could be a little nervous and maybe hide. But it’s best to just kind of keep them in doors, don’t put them in situations that they wouldn’t normally find themselves in!” said Megan Yaffe with the Rhode Island SPCA.

Because these events are so rare, there isn’t a ton of data on how animals will react.

But experts say animals will take their cues from us, so as long as they think it’s business as usual, there shouldn’t be any major issues.

“They might just want dinner a little earlier? They might want to go to bed a little earlier, they might be a little confused why it’s dark at 3 o’clock. But that’s hopefully the extent of it. So, most of our pets won’t be affected too much at all.” said Yaffe.

Generally, pets won’t look directly at the sun, and they don’t need special glasses, but Yaffe still says its best to keep them indoors.

And if your pet already struggles with large crowds or events like storms and fireworks, bringing them to an eclipse watch party could cause a similar reaction.

Experts say bird owners should keep an eye out since birds are more likely to react to the sky getting darker than other animals, but this could just lead to an earlier bedtime.

As long as you and your pets are safe and comfortable, watching the eclipse should be fun for the whole family.

“I think if we’re just going about it like a normal day, its best to, if you’re planning on going outside to view it, just do it with other humans.” said Yaffe.