Everything to know to prep and protect your pets during the solar eclipse in April

The solar eclipse is expected to be viewable on Monday, April 8 throughout the Delaware Valley, and while most people will be observing with friends, the family pet may have a hard time understanding what's going on and may have trouble adapting to the sudden and rare shift in daylight.

Here are some pet care tips to consider ahead of next month's solar eclipse.

Pets will largely take cues from humans during solar eclipse; may exhibit strange behavior

Experts are still collecting data on the impact a solar eclipse has on pets, but they have generally reached a consensus regarding pet behavior.

"Pets, particularly dogs and cats, display altered behaviors during lunar eclipses. While these household animals are not directly harmed by the eclipse, they may exhibit signs of distress or confusion," read an entry on Moon Crater Tycho. "A notable fraction of dogs have been reported to show signs of fear during an eclipse. They may seek shelter, howl at the sky, or exhibit general agitation.

"As a pet owner, being aware of these potential reactions and providing comfort and security to your pets during an eclipse is advisable."

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Due to the shift in daylight, dogs may exhibit additional odd behavior, such as preparing for sleep and showing signs of trouble.

"Dogs and cats, being diurnal creatures, are accustomed to being active during daylight hours. The sudden darkness that comes with a solar eclipse can disorient them, causing a shift in their behavior," read an entry in the Hepper blog. "This might result in them preparing for sleep or turning more active, especially if they’re used to hunting at night.

"Furthermore, the abrupt change in light and temperature could cause fear or anxiety in these animals," the entry continued. "For example, some dogs may start to whine, pace, or show other signs of distress. Cats, on the other hand, may become more skittish and hide."

Steps you can take to protect, comfort pets during the solar eclipse

The Humane Society has tips for handling and caring for pets during a solar eclipse.

"First, stay calm. Our pets play off our own reactions and emotions. Since they take their cues from humans, the best way to keep pets calm during a solar eclipse is to stay calm ourselves. If we’re anxious, our pets may become anxious, too," advised the Humane Society. "Second, keep your pets indoors. You may be tempted to bring your furry friends outside with you for an eclipse viewing party, but the safest place for them to be is at home.

"Crowds may trigger anxiety in dogs or cats, increasing the likelihood that they’ll try to run away. Additionally, your pet can suffer eye damage by staring directly at the sun, just the same as you can."

Hepper suggests pet owners should also maintain a normal schedule of feeding and walks; provide extra toys and other distractions during the solar eclipse; and consult your veterinarian for individualized treatment if your pet already suffers from anxiety.

Erie in direct path of solar eclipse; how to best observe there

While Bucks County and most of Pennsylvania are in the path of the eclipse, Erie in northwestern part of the state is in the path of totality and expects big crowds for the 3 minutes and 42 seconds event.

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How will Erie prepare for the influx of people all angling for a view of this astronomical event? Here's what Presque Isle State Park officials had to say.

Early April is usually a slow time at the park, but the solar eclipse that day is expected to bring up to 30,000 people to Presque Isle, depending on the weather, said Matt Greene, the park's operations manager.

In Erie, People are encouraged to find places other than the bayfront to view the eclipse because the downtown traffic could be gridlocked on April 8.

Bucks County Free Library to livestream solar eclipse; hosting observation party at two campuses

The Bucks County Free Library will host an observation party at its Levittown campus and will livestream the solar eclipse from its Yardley campus.

"Join us at the library to celebrate the solar eclipse event with crafts and activities for children," read a portion of the solar eclipse party invite from the free library. "Attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses (while supplies last) to view the solar eclipse!"

The watch party begins at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, at the Levittown branch, 7311 New Falls Road.

The Bucks County Free Library will also livestream NASA's live broadcast of the solar eclipse from its Yardley campus, 1080 Edgewood Road.

"Join us for a NASA broadcast of the 2024 total solar eclipse," read the invite. "Watch telescope live feeds of the total solar eclipse across the path and grab your eclipse glasses (while supplies last) to view the actual solar eclipse with us at it's maximum coverage around 3:20pm. ln Bucks County, we will see about 90% of the sun covered by the eclipse."

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How to prepare and protect your pets during April's solar eclipse