Longford dog owners warned their pets may become confused during solar eclipse

Longford dog owners have been warned their pets may mistake the sudden darkness for an early bedtime, with some pets becoming unsettled, expecting food or attempting to follow their usual evening routine.

People are being warned that their pets could display unusual behaviour during tomorrow’s solar eclipse, as the sky suddenly darkens across Ireland.

On Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will obscure around 90% to 96% of the Sun across Ireland and the UK, 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.

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.”

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.