Stoddard County, Missouri - No one knows exactly what will happen with our pets during the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday.  One thing is for sure is that all pets should be on a leash or fenced in during the Eclipse.  

During 1932 there was a major eclipse so there is some research available and there have been other partial eclipses to view animal behavior.  Dogs and other animals don't typically look up at the sun, but they could damage their eyes just like people so it's best to keep them inside during the eclipse. 

Dogs are among the most affected household animals during eclipses. During a major eclipse in 1932, the Boston Society of Natural History recorded data suggesting around half the nation’s pet dogs were emotionally affected. For most dogs, this meant they became quite frightened, though some terrified pups went as far as trying to hide from the eclipse. So, during the eclipse, give your dog a little extra love and take measures to ensure they don’t try to run away. If you head outside, keep your dog on a leash.

Cats don't seem to be affected too much.  They may nap right through the eclipse! 

For at least a century, they have known birds hate eclipses. In the 1932 eclipse, there were reports nationwide of birds stopping their singing, with many appearing visibly shaken. As anyone who keeps birds knows, they can be sensitive animals at the best of times, so you should do everything you can to shelter your feathered buddy from the phenomenon.

This is Mother's Nature's "fake-out" when day becomes night and back to day again so many animals think it is night and begin to either settle down for the night or go out and hunt for dinner if they are nocturnal.  Spiders have known to destroy their webs or even spin in circles.  Many zoos will have animals show strange behavior during the eclipse and will take extra precautions to make sure the animals are safe.

More than likely your pets will be more affected by their human's behavior during the eclipse.  If the owner is anxious, so will their pet.  If the owner is excited, their pet may be excited also.