This week’s solar eclipse could be making your pet anxious — how to help them through this stressful moment

A new moon ring of fire solar eclipse arrives this week on October 2, 2024.

It’s well established that eclipses powerfully affect us mortals (for specifics, see your solar eclipse horoscopes here), but these fated lunations can also stir up anxiety and unrest in our beloved pets.

Annie-Mae Levy, a certified dog trainer at Woofz, a puppy and dog training app tells the Post, “Dogs and cats are highly sensitive creatures. Our pets need more support than you might think during difficult astrological events.

“Offering them extra care and empathy during these times can greatly improve their coping ability.”

In 2024, our summer/autumn eclipse season includes the lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17 and the upcoming solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd.

Most astrologers worth their weight in stardust believe that the energy of these eclipses is active both before and after the lunations.

We, and our sacred, furred familiars, will be feeling the celestial hangover of eclipse season through the next first-quarter moon on October 10th.

To maintain peace for your pets in the meantime, Levy suggests the following eclipse season survival guide.

Avoid eclipse exposure

Levy tells the Post, “Just like humans, dogs should not stare at the sun or an eclipse without protection as it can harm their eyes. While they may not actively gaze at the sun, the curious ones might accidentally look up. To prevent this, keep them indoors during the peak of the eclipse or, if they must be outside, make sure they’re in a shaded area where the sunlight is not directly visible. If your dog insists on staying outside, stick close to them and make sure their eyes are shielded from potential harm.” 

While this eclipse will be mostly observable in the Pacific and South America, it is advisable to keep pets inside for the duration of the eclipse, regardless of where you live.

Create an indoor sanctuary

Levy explains that for domestic animals, an eclipse can feel akin to a thunderstorm, unfamiliar and terrifying.

“Dogs may try to hide, bark excessively, or become clingy as they sense something strange is happening.”

She recommends taking measures to make your nest feel like a safety net for your pet, “Set up a cozy, safe space where pets can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be their crate with comfy blankets, a corner of your room, or their favorite bed. Surround them with comforting items like their favorite toy or a piece of your clothing that smells like you. If your dog responds well to calming sprays or pheromone diffusers, use those to create an even more relaxing atmosphere.”

Offer distractions and comfort

To see your pets safely through the eclipse corridor, Levy suggests offering them a bevy of diversions: “To keep their keen minds off the strange energy of the eclipse, invest in their engagement: puzzle toys filled with treats, chew bones, scratching posts, or catnip.

Levy urges owners, or supplicants in the case of cats, to stay close by, as your presence and absolute affection can calm anxious animals.

Monitor post-eclipse behavior

Levy notes that the eclipse’s effects will be felt for some time before and after the event itself — and so too may your pet’s behavioral changes.

“Some pets might not show any signs of distress during the eclipse but could exhibit unusual behavior afterward. Keep an eye on your pet once the event has passed.

Give them extra comfort and reassurance if they seem unusually anxious, tired, or clingy. Sometimes, the lingering effects of anxiety don’t appear right away. Ensure their environment is kept calm and quiet for a few hours after the eclipse to avoid overstimulation.”

For canines, Levy recommends a post-eclipse walk to ground and reset all parties, “This will allow them to burn off any lingering stress and get back to their normal selves.”

Astrology 101: Your guide to the star

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.