Pets and the eclipse
Last updated 8/31/2017 at 6:25am
Pets may need some extra attention during Monday's eclipse according to an animal behavior expert and the graduate coordinator for the Professional Science Master's Program in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management degree in the College of Natural Sciences at Colorado State University.
Jennie K. Willis, offers tips to keep your pets safe. "Darkness cues certain routines for pets, like going to bed or finding shelter," she said, noting many pets may just go to where they sleep at night.
Willis recommends pets be left indoors, with curtains drawn and artificial light turned on, to minimize the effect of the moon blocking the sun.
Bird cages should be covered as they are especially sensitive to light cues.
People who take their dogs outside with them while they view the eclipse should keep them leashed. "With all the people and the variable responses by wildlife that may be possible, don't lose your dog because you are relying on it to behave like it usually does".
Willis advises against encouraging pets to face skyward during the event, because they would need eye protection, just as humans do, to look at the sun safely, noting it's unlikely they would keep eclipse glasses on.
