Will the solar eclipse affect animals? Veterinarians share safety tips

With around 180 million people living in or near the 2024 solar eclipse path of totality, many pet owners may be wondering how the eclipse may impact animal behaviors and how their pets might react. 

Will the solar eclipse affect animals?

Plants and animals will begin to react in the lead-up to totality as the light begins to dim, said Angela Speck, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

"Once it gets to about 75%, 80% eclipsed, there's enough sunlight missing that animals will start to react," she said.

About 20 minutes from totality, birds will start to flock, according to ABC News. Some will quiet down. Farm animals, like cows and chickens, will walk back to the barn because they think it's now nighttime, as previous research has shown.

Then, once totality hits, the behavior will start to change again, Speck said.

According to previous research, bees stop buzzing during totality and returned to their hives. Then, when the sunlight re-appeared, the bees seemed disoriented, according to a paper published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America after the 2017 eclipse.

Birds think it's "bedtime," Speck said.

But what about pets?

"There's not a lot of scientific research done on this topic of animals and eclipses mostly because they don't come often," said American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein. "And a lot of it's just been anecdotal reports and just volunteering information."

But veterinarians and animal researchers do have some idea how the eclipse will impact dogs, cats, and more. 

"Most animals will be overall unaffected by the eclipse, but pet owners may notice brief periods of confusion, and dogs and cats may exhibit fear and confusion," said Dr. Katie Krebs, a veterinarian and professor at University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Krebs said pets may hide, howl, pace or pant during the eclipse. As the sky darkens, some pets may start their nighttime routine early. 

The average indoor dog or cat is likely not going to be affected by the eclipse, said Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary expert with pet care company Rover. 

"So owners should take heart and take comfort in knowing that," Greenstein said.

During an eclipse, birds and other animals that rely heavily on the light-dark cycle may be more affected because the sky will darken, according to Krebs.

"Things like fireworks and thunderstorms are probably a much more significant phenomenon than an eclipse that's lasting only a few minutes," Greenstein said.

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Why do solar eclipses affect animals?

According to Klein, pets are not directly affected by the eclipse, but rather by the way people behave during the event. Klein said that pets usually take cues from their owners. "So if they're kept indoors and we don't try to force them into a situation that's peculiar, there should be minimal to none as far as reactions."

Can animals look at the eclipse without going blind?

Owners should not force pets to look at the sun, Klein said. Animals generally know not to stare at the sun themselves — they've learned that doing so can temporarily blind them, leaving them vulnerable. 

"Dogs know that if something hurts them, they probably shouldn't do it," said Klein. "So left to their own devices, dogs are probably not going to stare at the sun."

Pets may look up if they see the people around them are preoccupied with looking up at the sky, vets said. 

"Dogs follow your cues, so if you're preoccupied with looking up, your dog is looking to your cues to figure out how to behave," Greenstein said. "So this may be a time to either not bring them along, or if you are, to reassure them with their favorite toy or treat and just keep them preoccupied with what's going on at ground level."

Pet owners do not need special eclipse glasses for their dog or cat, Krebs said. 

If you have a pair of eclipse glasses around, be careful not to leave them unattended with your pet, who may chew on or eat them, Klein said. Eclipse glasses that have scratches or punctures should not be used. 

Should you keep your pets inside or outside during the solar eclipse?

Veterinarians suggest keeping pets indoors during an eclipse, especially if they're stressed by crowds, storms, or fireworks.

"If possible, keep them indoors in a comfortable environment where they will feel more secure because the feeling of this is probably the most important thing," Klein said.

At home, owners can try distracting a pet with a favorite toy, vets said.

Pets who are often anxious may benefit from anti-anxiety medication during the eclipse, but owners should check with their veterinarian for specifics before giving their dog or cat any medication, Krebs said. 

"If you plan to stay home during the eclipse, your pet may seek out extra attention or comfort, so providing them with extra comfort and reassurance may help," Krebs said.

Pet owners should use their judgment, Greenstein said.