Everyone realizes the importance of wearing eye protection during the total solar eclipse on Monday, but what about the eyes of your pets?

Much advice can be found online, but it can be conflicting. Some experts say pets do not instinctively look at the sun, but others caution that pets may follow the lead of their owners who are pointing at the sky. Others caution that the sudden darkness may cause anxiety in pets.

Locally, most veterinarians and those who work with animals seem to agree that pet owners do not need to be too concerned about their furry friends and the eclipse. Still, some recommend a few precautions.

“I don’t anticipate there being any issues with pets other than what we create. If we’re having a good time and everything’s quiet, I don’t see where it will be an issue at all,” said Dr. Theresa Konzel of Corry Companion Animal Hospital. “People, in general, will probably be the only ones who are interested in the eclipse. I doubt that animals will have much of a response at all.”

Dr. Rebekah Frost of the Dunkirk Animal clinic agrees that most pets will probably not look at the sun during the eclipse. However, she does recommend that owners keep their pets indoors, all the same.

At the Jamestown Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Gregory Hoyt advises that “the biggest thing is make sure your pets don’t stare at the sun, which they don’t generally do, anyway.”

Brian Papalia, who is in charge of fundraising and communication for the Chautauqua Humane Society said that people should not take their pets along if they are attending an event.

“Be sure to leave your dogs at home,”‘ he said. “With all the expected large crowds and hype, the biggest danger is that they might get lost or scared. Just make sure they are comfortable and leave their favorite blanket or toy with them.”

Papalia said there is a very slight chance that a pet might look at the sun but it is doubtful.”‘It’s not natural for animals to look at the sun,” he said.

Dr. Crystal Franklin of the ANNA Wellness Center in Erie agrees with that assessment.

“The best advice is to use leashes, keep collars on and not have them outside during the eclipse,” she said.

Of course, pets are not the only animals to think about. When it comes to farm animals, there probably is not too much to worry about, said Rebecca Roberts, who works for Springville Veterinary Services. She said that animals might get a little disoriented because of the unexpected darkness.

“Poultry may get confused and think it’s time to go to bed. It might mess with their chronometers for the day,” she said. “The cows might head to the barn.”