Dogs may mistake the sudden darkness for an early bedtime, with some pets becoming unsettled, expecting food or attempting to follow their usual evening routine.
Dog owners are being warned that their pets could display unusual behaviour during tomorrow’s solar eclipse, as the sky suddenly darkens across the UK.
TONIGHT, Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will obscure around 90% to 96% of the Sun across the UK and Ireland, making it the most significant eclipse visible from Britain since 1999.
The partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, peak at approximately 7.10pm and finish shortly after 8pm, although exact timings and coverage will vary by location.
While the event poses no inherent danger to dogs, the unexpected change in daylight and temperature could temporarily disrupt the environmental cues they use to understand their daily routine.
Darren Beale, CEO of fresh dog food brand Years, said: “Dogs will not understand that an eclipse is taking place. Instead, they may interpret the sudden drop in light and temperature as an early sunset.
“Some dogs might become quieter, head towards their bed or start expecting their evening meal or walk earlier than usual. More sensitive dogs could appear unsettled, follow their owner around, pace or become unusually alert.
“However, most dogs are unlikely to become seriously distressed. Because tomorrow’s eclipse takes place during the early evening, when many dogs are already beginning to settle down, its effect may be less noticeable than an eclipse happening in the middle of the day.”
The signs your dog may be unsettled by the eclipse
Owners may notice their dog:
- Heading to its bed earlier than usual
- Waiting near its food bowl or the door
- Following family members around the home
- Pacing, whining or appearing restless
- Becoming quieter or sleepier
- Barking at changes outside
- Seeking reassurance or somewhere to hide
Darren added: “The eclipse itself may not be the biggest source of anxiety. Unusual crowds, noise and excitement outside could be more unsettling, particularly for nervous dogs or those sensitive to changes in their surroundings.
“The best thing owners can do is keep the evening as normal as possible. Feed and walk your dog at its usual time, behave calmly and make sure it has access to a quiet, familiar place.”
Should dogs wear eclipse glasses?
Owners do not need to purchase eclipse glasses for their pets or attempt to make dogs wear human eye protection.
Dogs do not generally have a reason to stare directly at the Sun. However, owners should never encourage a dog to look towards it for photographs or direct its attention towards the sky.
Darren said: “Trying to put eclipse glasses on a dog could cause more stress than the eclipse itself. Keep your pet comfortable, avoid encouraging it to look upwards and supervise it if you are attending a busy viewing event.
“If your dog is already nervous around crowds or unfamiliar noise, it may be happier staying safely indoors while the eclipse takes place.”
How to keep your dog calm during the eclipse
Years recommends that owners:
- Keep meals, walks and bedtime at their normal times.
- Close curtains if the changing light appears to unsettle the dog.
- Provide access to its usual bed or quiet space.
- Avoid taking nervous dogs to crowded eclipse-viewing locations.
- Use familiar activities, such as a food puzzle or gentle indoor play.
- Remain calm and avoid making the event feel alarming.
- Contact a vet if the dog displays severe or persistent signs of distress.
