The solar eclipse that occurred on April 8 of this year may have affected the health of pets, reports the Spanish veterinary portal Animal’s Health, citing a study conducted by scientists from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
According to the publication, the authors of the study, Kristina Paradovski and Isabel Luz, examined the possible reactions of animals to a solar eclipse.
According to experts, during the eclipse, animals may exhibit unusual behavior as they are accustomed to reducing their activity when darkness falls. A sudden change in lighting can cause confusion and anxiety.
“The sudden darkness in the middle of the day disorients pets,” the publication quotes Kristina Paradovski. This is particularly noticeable in pets that show anxiety during thunderstorms or sudden changes in weather. Such animals may begin to whine, pace back and forth, breathe heavily, or hide. Additionally, the change in natural lighting may be perceived as a signal for sleep, leading them to demand food or settle down to rest. This is especially true for birds, which may return to their cages earlier than usual.
To minimize stress and ensure the safety of animals during a solar eclipse, specialists recommend keeping them in a familiar environment, avoiding large gatherings, and, if possible, not leaving them alone.
Those working with large farm animals are advised not to change their living conditions, to shield them from loud and sudden noises, and to maintain a safe distance from the herds, as their behavior may become unpredictable.
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