In both dogs and cats, the risk linked to the eclipse remains limited. Unlike humans, our 4-legged friends will not spontaneously stare at the sun for long seconds to observe the phenomenon. However, they may be surprised by the sudden drop in brightness, especially when the eclipse becomes very marked. Their usual rhythm may also be a little disrupted by this unusual darkness.
To avoid any stressful situation, it is recommended to keep your little furball at home throughout the phenomenon. Shutters can be closed and windows left closed. If you had planned a walk at the end of the day, do not hesitate to postpone it so as not to find yourself outside when the light begins to fade.
In all cases, it is not necessary to put eclipse glasses on your dog or cat, remember ici.fr. This equipment is designed for us humans and is not suitable for animals. As a reminder, people who wish to observe the sun directly must use glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard.
How to keep your dog or cat busy during the solar eclipse?
Once installed inside, your pet can continue its little routine. An occupation toy, a chew treat, a KONG stuffed or even a food puzzle can distract your dog from the change in light. If you share your life with a companion with velvet paws, a play session or cuddle session may be enough.
As the rapid drop in light can startle some animals, especially those who are sensitive to changes in environment, it may be useful to light the interior of your home. In any case, maintain a calm and familiar atmosphere.
Woopets' tip: what to do if your pet looked at the sun during the eclipse?
Although this behavior is rare, you need to know the right reflexes. Staring directly at the day star can cause retinal damage in your dog or cat. After an exposure, certain signs should alert you. For example, your little companion may keep his eyes closed, blink repeatedly, have redness or discharge from the eyes, be bothered by light or have difficulty moving around. Decreased vision or unusual-looking pupils may also appear.
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms after looking at the sun, we urge you to contact your veterinarian immediately. Damage to the retina can have lasting consequences and is not always immediately visible.