By now we all know one thing about the eclipse…. DO NOT LOOK AT IT WITHOUT PROTECTION! We have our viewing spot all picked out and invited our friends. Now that we got that out of the way: What about your pets?

There are a lot of myths out there…. Birds will stop Chirping, Horses will paw at the ground, Hippos will be come disoriented…. so what is the official answer? Personally I think it depends on your pet but the risk to your animals is minimal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some simple steps to assure your pets safety.

Eclipse Glasses? No. as a rule your pet isn’t going to look at the sun.. and the glasses may be more of an issue .. so just keep them in the house. Why stress them out with glasses?

According to The Washington Post did an article stating During the solar eclipse, animals will be extremely confused. But what the heck does that mean for your pets?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has released this statement:
Despite many claims that animals will need special eclipse glasses or should be kept indoors during the eclipse, retinal damage during the eclipse is a risk primarily to animals (and people) who will be looking directly at the sun. Animals do not generally stare at the sun, and there’s no reason to suspect that they will during the coming solar eclipse.
If YOU will be looking at the eclipse, by all means, use protective eye wear to avoid retinal damage, but your pets will likely ignore the phenomenon other than possibly reacting the same way they would at dusk. Owners who are concerned about their pets’ behavior are encouraged to monitor them while outdoors during the eclipse.r

The Post and Courier: probably has the best write up stating Cats, dogs and other common domesticated pets might become a little confused during a total eclipse, but generally would be more spooked by an owner’s over-the-top reaction than by the eclipse itself, animal groups agree.

“It’s nothing special. They start acting like it is a setting sun,” said veterinary behavior specialist Bonnie Beaver, who is a past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What am I doing for my pups? I bought them new fancy premium chew bones that they will get in their crates so they can have their own Eclipse Party.

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