Get Science Get Finance Get Health Get Travel

Full moon: its influence on you and your dog

By John – on in News, Environment, Mind
We often hear that the moon has a great influence on our dog behaviour and on how we feel and how we act. Is this true? Maybe!

Just type the word “moon” on any search engine and you will find multiple websites talking about lunar calendars and all their effects. It must be said that humans’ fascination with the moon is not new. It dates from long before there were universities, banks and mortgage brokers. Indeed, we have been interested in it for several centuries often pertaining to its consequences on human and animal behaviours. But does this celestial object influence the average person?

1 They’re more alert

black puppy
Photo by André Spieker on Unsplash

When the moon is full, the night is brighter! Obviously, light allows us to see better outside, so we generally become more alert to outside movements.

If there is more light outside, your dog sees a larger number of the small creatures passing in your yard or in the street, so they may be more alert and probably more excited in the evening. Don’t get worried and double up your home insurance, everything is as usual, only more visible.


2 Dogs react to the full moon

BigStock

If human behaviour is influenced by the moon, it makes perfect sense for animals to be influenced, especially dogs. Wondering how your dog reacts when the moon is full?

He may have several unusual behaviours such as grunting, howling (you probably know the expression “howling at the moon”), barking and becoming very agitated or, on the contrary, very calm. He does not require immediate treatment, it’s only the full moon affecting him.


3 A more sociable dog

selective focus photography of three brown puppies
Photo by Anoir Chafik on Unsplash

Dogs that walk under the full moon tend to be more inclined to go to other dogs. They like to spend time with their own kid.

Probably because the full moon increases their communication with howling, so they communicate more with the dogs around them.


4 What to do if your dog suffers from the effects of the full moon?

If you see that your dog is influenced by the effects of the full moon, you should not stand by with your arms crossed. For example, if your pet starts barking uncontrollably, train it to respect the “silence” command or invest in a few lessons with a trainer at a dog training school.

Of course, it is better to teach it this command before such a problem happens! Also make sure to take it to the dog park, for example, during the full moon. This will make it much less agitated.


5 Other lunar cycles also influence your dog

adult white and black Shih Tzu
Photo by Nikolay Tchaouchev on Unsplash

Not only does the full moon influence dog behaviours, but other lunar cycles can also have an effect on your dog. For example, during the New Moon, animals are generally more relaxed, have less energy and their senses are more acute.

During the diminishing moon, animals tend to be more attentive to their instincts. They will therefore hunt and be looking for a place to build the foundation of their home.


6 What do the studies say about canine behaviour and the full moon?

BigStock

Just as studies have been done on human behaviour, studies have also been done on dogs. In particular, a study was conducted by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to show the influence of the full moon on emergency veterinary visits.

After 11 years of veterinarian data collection, the researchers concluded that dogs were 28% more likely to be in the emergency room at a veterinary clinic during the full moon.


7 Why do dogs end up in a veterinary emergency?

BigStock

According to the above-mentioned study, the dogs were in the emergency room for various reasons. They were bitten or suffered from various seizures and cardiac arrests.

In short, several worrying evils! You should, therefore, keep an eye on your pet during this lunar cycle and be ready to react if they require treatment.


8 The moon would increase erratic behaviour

full moon in the black sky
BigStock

If you feel like you are not in complete control of yourself during a full moon, this is normal. It would seem that the moon is the cause of many erratic behaviours. You should experience complete recovery once the moment passes.

According to a publication of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, the full moon and the influence of its gravity level on Earth are believed to be the cause of social discord and tensions. Another study conducted over 5 years reportedly even revealed an increase in violence during the full moons.


9 The moon could disturb your sleeping habits and could make you faint

BigStock

We all suffer from sleep disorders from time to time. This can be caused by different things such as anxiety, stress, nicotine, alcohol, medication and even the moon!  That’s right! Several university studies have shown that lunar cycles influence sleep.

So if you have trouble sleeping sporadically, it may well be caused by the moon. Invest in a good mattress… and a calendar on lunar cycles! If your dog doesn’t sleep well, it may also be because of the moon! It also affects their sleep!


10 Do you feel irritable?

cp17 | Pixabay

In addition to increasing erratic behaviour and causing sleep disorders, a full moon could make you and your dog irritable and even sad!

It would be the electromagnetic radiation on the cells of the human body that would create all these emotional reactions by having a direct effect on the nervous system. Once again, you should regain your energy the following day.


11 Are your menstrual cycles regular?

Unsplash | Julie Johnson

Studies say that a woman’s menstrual cycle can be influenced by the presence of other women. Although scientists agree on this point, they do not all agree when it comes to the influence of the moon on the menstrual cycle.

According to some studies, the moon helps to regulate menstrual cycles, while others simply say the opposite. One thing is for sure, these claims are contradictive.


12 The moon would have consequences on the weather and the temperature

full moon during daytime
Photo by Shot by Cerqueira on Unsplash

The moon also has consequences on the temperature on Earth. Indeed, know that during a full moon period the temperature of the thermometer rises by 3 hundredths of a degree Celsius.

Yes, we know that tides are caused by the gravitational force of the moon, but what about other weather conditions? It seems that rain can be caused by the appearance (or not) of the moon. The University of Arizona compared data from 1200 weather stations in the United States. What are its findings? The rain is heavier 2 days after the full moon.


Continue reading

Rare Photos From The Past

Rare Photos From The Past

Alain -
Top 15 Quietest Dog Breeds That Will Suit You

Top 15 Quietest Dog Breeds That Will Suit You

Alain -
Once Hollywood Legends, Now They’re Working Regular Jobs

Once Hollywood Legends, Now They’re Working Regular Jobs

John -
10 reasons to feed your dog raw food (and 5 not to)

10 reasons to feed your dog raw food (and 5 not to)

Sophie -

John

John has been a jack-of-all-trades since he was a child. His insatiable curiosity led him to study science. He began writing scientific articles for various blogs during his school years. He loved it so much that he continued even after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science. John now writes for Get-Science and other online scientific publications.