The majority of Spaniards are waiting with anticipation for the arrival of the next August 12when the first total solar eclipse will occur that will be visible from a large number of points on the Iberian Peninsula for more than a century. However, the Pet owners and animal lovers may be a little worried by their reactions to the astronomical phenomenon.
While humans are fully aware that next Thursday The Sun will remain hidden by the Moon for a few minutesthe animals will be surprised to see that, in the middle of the afternoon, the light disappears completely in some Spanish municipalities. A situation that, although admired by people, can cause fear, uncertainty and even anxiety in animals.
To resolve all doubts regarding the effects that this phenomenon will have on pets, Manuel Manzano, veterinarianhas published a video on the Free Veterinary YouTube channel. In it, the expert explains how dogs, cats and birds will react and the best techniques to guarantee your health and well-being during the times of the eclipse.
Can the eclipse damage the vision of dogs and cats?
One of the most frequently asked questions these days by dog and cat owners is whether Solar radiation emitted during a solar eclipse can affect your animals’ vision. As has been reported throughout the year, people must use approved glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification to be able to observe this phenomenon without suffering permanent eye damage.
As with humans, the sight of animals looking directly at the Sun, without protection, during this phenomenon can be irreversibly damaged. “In dogs and cats it has been described that it can occur,” explains the veterinarian, although he remembers that it is not the most common. To avoid this type of situation, It is best to stay inside the home. during the eclipse.
Precautions to keep in mind for dog owners
However, the most common reaction that these types of pets usually present is nervousness and even fear. In dogs, they usually acquire a behavior similar to when a storm is approaching or occurring, barking and reacting with concern. Something that can lead to complications if the dog is already nervous or suffers from anxiety.
What the veterinarian advises for this type of situation is to stay with the animal and, if possible, “an hour or hour and a half before practice the Tellington method“This method seeks to relieve the stress of the pet, usually dogs, by applying light pressure to certain points on its body. To do this, use a handkerchief to wrap the pet with: First of all, it is placed on the chest; Then a cross is made on its back and wrapped around the lower part of the chest. Once these movements have been made, it is tied away from the spine.
If this technique is too complex or if the dog simply won’t let you do it, You can also wear a t-shirt Make it a little smaller than you would need, as it will still apply light pressure that will help reduce your stress level. Both the Tellington method and the t-shirt will help alleviate the animal’s fear, according to the expert. And, during the walks that take place in the hours close to the eclipse, the safest thing will be keep the dog on a leash to prevent it from escaping.
How does the eclipse affect cats and birds?
In the case of the catsthese can also adopt a nervous and avoidant behavior. It is important to allow them to hide or, if they require it, stay by their side to try to calm them down. “Never make the mistake of wanting to help the cat by taking it out of its corner.; They will achieve the opposite effect: the animal will become much more nervous, and so will you, and very possibly get a scratch,” he says.
Instead, it is best to bring food and water to the area where they are refugees and talk to them calmly and affectionately so that they see that nothing bad is happening. Something similar happens with the birdsfor whom the only recommendation that Dr. Manzano has is to modify their sleep schedule an hour before and, if they are used to it, cover them with a blanket to help them rest.
To ensure both the safety and well-being of pets, It is best to stay indoors at home.away from crowds and the solar radiation generated during the eclipse. Once home, it is advisable to lower the blinds and do a normal night routineto reduce the level of uncertainty and stress generated by the time change.