CLEVELAND, Ohio — You've got your viewing location and your glasses. You're all set for Monday's total solar eclipse. But how about your pet?
We've been fielding questions about whether they may need protective eyewear, or if they might be confused by thinking it's night-time during totality.
So we went to an expert for answers.
Dr. Katie Frantz is a veterinary emergency and critical care specialist and VCA Great Lakes Veterinary Specialists in Warrensville Heights.
Vision is one of their specialties, but when it comes to the eclipse, she's not particularly worried about eye damage. Pets don't stare at the sun like humans would on this occasion. More than likely, they won't even notice.
"Dogs, on a day-to-day basis, it's very uncommon for them to look up at the sun," said Frantz. She confirmed that no, your dog or cat doesn't need protective eye wear as long as you don't force them to stare at the sky.
Her greatest concern is pets getting lost in large crowds. And large viewing parties are expected in spots throughout Northeast Ohio. But they aren't fun for animals, so take her advice and leave your pet home, and if at all possible, keep them inside.
"More from a perspective of making sure that they don't get anxious, run off, and panic when in the middle of these large crowds of people," Frantz said.
And if your pet is on the anxious side and doesn't care for loud thunderstorms or Fourth of July fireworks, it's a good idea to create a safe space for them inside your home — whether it's pulling the shades, putting on calming music or providing an enrichment toy to keep them occupied.
By doing whatever it takes to make our pets feel safe on a typical day, they'll be just fine for this once in a lifetime day here in Northeast Ohio.
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