Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Solar Eclipse

Most of you know by now there will be a historic eclipse of the sun on Monday April 8. Although our area of Alabama is not in the direct path we will still see about an 87 percent coverage of the sun beginning around 12:40 pm and ending somewhere around 3:15 pm. By now all 2 legged critters should know not to look directly at the sun for fear of severe eye damage…but what about our 4 legged friends?

ABC News (abcnews.go.com)  interviewed the Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club to find out how the eclipse may affect our pets.

Here are the main takeaways:

1) It shouldn’t be dangerous for pets or other animals.  They generally don’t look directly at the sun and in  fact usually only look up at the sky if a bird or insect catches their attention.

2) The unusual activity around the eclipse may upset your pet especially if you act particularly excited. Keeping them inside while it is happening may keep them calm.

3) Minimize stress for animals left home alone by leaving lights on for them.

(4) Most importantly stick to your everyday pet routine and everything should be just fine for you and your pets.

Maybe you don’t have a pet. The Fayette Animal Shelter has some cute ones who would love to experience the Solar Eclipse with you!!

The Friends of the Fayette Animal Shelter would welcome you to join their group and encourage you to visit the website and follow them on Facebook.

You can see an updated gallery of the pets available for adoption here. The next meeting of the Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter will be Tuesday April 9 at 5:30 at the Fayette, Alabama Civic Center. Be There!