We attribute all kinds of odd behavior to the full moon. The word “lunacy” comes from lunar, having to do with the moon. As children, we were told the moon was made out of cheese and that if we looked hard enough, we could see a man in the moon. Of course, now that men have actually been on the moon, we could say that one was at least predicted.
But do we know if pets are affected by full moons when strange behavior is supposed to occur? Two different studies, one in Australia and one in Britain have opposing views. The Australian study chalks it up to old wives tales, but the British study believes there is some truth to it.
Some veterinarians seem to agree with the British study. It has been noted that emergencies during a full moon are 23% higher in cats and 28% higher in dogs. This may be because we take our pets outdoors more because it’s so light.
Pets and humans as well, may be more restless during a full moon. This can be attributed to the fact that before electricity, more light from the full moon kept people awake.
And as for dogs and wolves howling during a full moon, well that’s been debunked. Wolves howl (dogs as well) to communicate with each other, full moon or not.
Here are some moon myths you might enjoy:
- It’s unlucky to look at the moon though a pane of glass.
- Sleeping exposed to moon rays causes lunacy.
- People bitten by a wolf become werewolves when the moon is full.
- A full moon during harvest brings a good crop.
- Two full moons in the same month mean severe weather the following month.
- Depending on what part of the world you live in, a full moon brings good or bad fortune.
- A full moon induces seizures.
- Blowing 9 times on a wart during a full moon makes it go away.
What will people believe in next? Feel free to add more.
