With the quickly approaching solar event that has been highly anticipated by many people all around the United States, we’ve been asked what you should expect from your pets. This is a difficult question to answer, as there is very little research available from previous eclipses. As amazing as this event will be for us, it shouldn’t be a lot different for our companions besides a short period of low light.
Other concerns that have been brought up are primarily environmental. Many viewers are planning to travel to remote areas of Idaho to find the best locations to observe the eclipse from. In doing this, they are increasing their and their pet’s exposure to Idaho’s rugged outdoors. The increased possibility of injuries, as well as events like rattlesnake bites and heat stroke, may be significant depending on your location.
With this event bringing many visitors from other areas, there is concern of exposure to other pet’s illnesses or diseases that are not normally in this area that could affect your companion.
Here are a few tips from our team:
- If you choose to view the eclipse with your pet, be sure that they are in a safe and secure place. Your eyes will likely be directed towards the sky and not on what your companion is doing. It is always a good idea to have your pet well identified with a microchip and tags.
- Be aware of your surroundings. No matter where you decide to go, be cautious of your pets around busy highways, and other dangers such as cliffs or bodies of water.
- Here in Idaho, we have plenty of wildlife that may not be as friendly to your companion as you’d like. Encounters with rattlesnakes, porcupines and skunks can be very serious, and are not uncommon. If you suspect your pet has been bit, seek veterinary advice immediately.
- Travel with plenty of water. Dogs are just as susceptible to heatstroke as humans, and they’re running around with a fur coat on! Heatstroke can be very serious and even life threatening. If you feel that your pet has over heated, seek veterinary advice immediately.
- If you will be leaving your pets at home, provide them with a safe and secure location with easy access to water.
Most of all enjoy the event! This is an amazing opportunity right in our back yards!
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