My lunatic neighbor to the east has sixteen dogs, among them eight wolf-dogs. Now, in case you've never been in the general vicinity of wolf-dogs, if there is a healthy percentage of wolf in their genes, I can testify that they howl rather than bark, just like their wild cousins. Give them a full moon to contemplate and you've got yourself a free, natural concert all night long.

As for my four dogs, they clearly enjoy being outside when the moon is full and howling along with their semi-lupine neighbors, as well as with our generally invisible local coyotes, who yip along in counterpoint. Sometimes I add a modest howl of my own to the cacophony. It's very therapeutic. But my four indoor cats really couldn't care less about the lunar aspect of the moment, although I suspect that a full moon makes my only male a touch more mischievous with his ladies.

Curiously, a July 2007 study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that full moon emergency room visits for pets were increased compared to the rest of the month, to the tune of 23% higher for cats and 28% higher for dogs. Why? Nobody has a clue. Could it be that people and their pets tend to spend more time outdoors in the brightness of a full moon, and hence get into more trouble?

Learn more about this author, Ardeth Baxter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The effect of the full moon on pets?
We want to hear your view. Write now!