ABC News' Chief Meteorologist Shares Pet Safety Tips for Upcoming Eclipse
Almost everybody is looking forward to the upcoming solar eclipse that will happen on Monday, April 8th when the skies across the country will fall into darkness for more than 4 minutes. While not all of us will see it in totality, it's still an exciting and rare event!
Vets, dog trainers, and pet experts everywhere are being asked if the eclipse is going to affect our pets, and if we should be taking any special precautions. Good Morning America caught up with ABC News' Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee and asked what we all should be doing with our pets during the event.
Luckily for pet parents everywhere, there's really nothing to worry about when it comes to our fur babies. Zee said that most pets probably won't even notice, but if you have an anxious pet, simply keep them indoors while the eclipse is happening. It also goes without saying to make sure to comfort them during this time if they have a negative reaction to it.
Related: Veterinarian Shares Important Pet Safety Tip Most Pet Parents Neglect
Other Eclipse Safety Precautions for Pets
If you're venturing out with your pet to watch the eclipse, you might be wondering if they need glasses to watch it. According to a recent Forbes article, the answer is no. "If you’re not in the path of totality, you may notice light levels drop if the sun is 50% eclipsed or more—but your dog won’t." They go on to explain, "Animals do not look at the sun, so it’s unlikely they’ll even glance up just because the moon is crossing part of it. So, no, your dog does not need to stay indoors and doesn’t need eclipse glasses."
If you're heading out with the millions of other people who plan to watch the event in a public place, Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian for the American Kennel Club recommends keeping your dog at home, "Owners should consider keeping their dogs at home where they will feel the most secure. If dogs are to be outside, they should be on a leash in case they become stressed or fearful of either environmental situations or crowds.”
He also reminded pet owners that dogs should have a microchip with current updated information on it so if they do run off, they can be easily located. In other words, follow the same basic safety procedures that you would normally follow when taking your pet out into any public setting.
Where to Watch the Rare Total Eclipse Live
If you're like me and will not be in a place where we'll get to see the rare total solar eclipse, GMA shared in their caption that we can see it live on ABC News Live, ABC Network, National Geographic TV, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu beginning at 1PM ET Monday, April 8. I'll definitely be watching!
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