People with cats or dogs sent warning ahead of solar eclipse today

Brits with cats or dogs have been sent a warning ahead of the solar eclipse today (8 April).

A very rare, total solar eclipse will occur in parts of Mexico, North America and Canada while we’re set for a partial eclipse in the UK.

This amazing spectacle occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking its rays from reaching us and casting an incredible shadow.

And while experts have issued a health warning for Brits hoping to watch the phenomenon, there’s also your little pets you should be thinking about too.

There isn’t much information out here about the eclipse’s impact on animals because they happen so infrequently.

“And a lot of it’s just been anecdotal reports and just volunteering information, American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Jerry Klein told CBS.

But, experts do have some idea about how the eclipse can impact them.

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Dr Katie Krebs, veterinarian and professor at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: “Most animals will be overall unaffected by the eclipse, but pet owners may notice brief periods of confusion, and dogs and cats may exhibit fear and confusion.”

She added that pets may hide, howl, pace or pant during the eclipse and as the sky gets darker, some might start getting into their night-time routine early.

Some pets might show a few signs of anxiety, like they may when there are fireworks or in a thunderstorm.

But don’t worry too much, as it’s said the average indoor dog or cat is likely not to be affected. Plus, you shouldn’t start worrying they’ll be damaging their eyes by staring up into the sun during the eclipse.

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Erica Cartmill, a professor of anthropology, animal behaviour and cognitive science at Indiana University, told People they’re unlikely to be that interested.

“I think our companion animals are more interested in us, especially dogs, than anything else,” she said.

Klein also added: “Dogs know that if something hurts them, they probably shouldn't do it. So left to their own devices, dogs are probably not going to stare at the sun.”

Experts also recommend that if you’re travelling somewhere to watch the eclipse, it’s probably best to just not bring them along. And if you do, bring them a toy or treat to keep them preoccupied.

In the US, the total eclipse will begin at 1.40pm CDT in Texas before continuing on to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and finally Maine, ending at 3.34pm EDT there.

If you’re hoping to see the partial eclipse in the UK, the best viewing time will be between 7.52pm and 8.51pm, with it set to be visible in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.