A study from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences found that during a full moon there is a slight increase in veterinary visits for cats and dogs which on the face might be considered a little puzzling but I have provided some suggestions.
These were emergency veterinary visits and the study did not indicate that there was an increase in aggressive behaviour by these pets during a full moon. Also, the types of medical emergencies ranged from cardiac arrest to epileptic seizures and trauma.
The word “trauma” indicates injury. The study is titled “Canine and feline emergency room visits and the lunar cycle: 11,940 cases (1992-2002),” appears in the July 15 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“If you talk to any person, from kennel help, nurse, front-desk person to doctor, you frequently hear the comment on a busy night, ‘Gee, is it a full moon?’ ” said Wells, who is an emergency and critical care medicine resident in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the university. “There is the belief that things are busier on full-moon nights.”
It’s difficult to interpret the findings. Below are some suggestions. I personally like the one concerning human behaviour. This may be a key factor.
Humans are more interested in a full moon and its connotations than pets! The full moon does carry connotations of a change in behaviour. This appears to be part of the human psyche and from that there may be a perception that their companion animal is affected. It may be that their pet carries an illness and has been for a long time. They just didn’t take their pet to the veterinarian until there was a full moon because they linked the full moon with the illness. That’s a suggestion from the top of my head which may be plausible or implausible.
The point that I would make is that there may be this human connection with this phenomenon. That would apply a more to dogs than cats because during a full moon there’s lots of brightness at night and cats let outside unsupervised will enjoy that extra light to go hunting. This can on occasions lead to trauma. This would be a logical explanation for the increase in cat visits to veterinarians during a full moon because of trauma.
As for dogs, it a little more difficult to explain but I think the human connection I mention above and below is possibly the best assessment but what do you think? Below are some more suggestions in some detail plus some information about the full moon and how it has been perceived by people historically. I believe as mentioned that the key to the increase in vet visits for dogs is this human connection.
Some more suggestions and detail on the above
The slight increase in vet visits for cats and dogs during a full moon is a curious phenomenon, but there could be several factors that might explain it. Here are some possible reasons:
1. Increased Nighttime Activity
During a full moon, there’s more natural light at night, which might lead to pets being more active or adventurous outdoors. Cats and dogs that typically stay indoors at night might venture out more, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or encounters with other animals.
2. Behavioral Changes
Some animals may exhibit heightened restlessness or anxiety during a full moon. This could result in behavioral issues such as fights between pets, aggressive behavior, or even self-harm (e.g., excessive licking, biting), prompting their owners to take them to the vet.
3. Pet Owners’ Increased Awareness
Just as people report changes in their own behavior or sleep patterns during a full moon, pet owners might be more attuned to their animals’ behavior, interpreting any unusual signs as a reason to visit the vet. Owners might also be more likely to act on concerns they might otherwise dismiss if they attribute their pets’ actions to the full moon’s influence.
4. Correlation with Human Behavior
Human activities often increase during full moons, particularly outdoor events or nighttime socializing, which could affect pets indirectly. For example, people walking their dogs later into the evening, attending outdoor gatherings, or having more visitors could increase the chance of pets being in unfamiliar environments, leading to stress or accidents.
5. Lunar Influence on Tides and Natural Cycles
While scientific evidence is scarce, some believe the full moon could affect animals due to its gravitational pull, potentially disrupting biological cycles, such as sleep patterns, feeding, and mood. This might cause pets to behave differently, leading to situations requiring veterinary attention.
6. Coincidence and Confirmation Bias
There’s also the possibility of coincidence combined with a psychological effect known as confirmation bias. Pet owners may simply notice a pattern where none truly exists because they associate unusual events with the full moon. This may explain why it seems like more pets are taken to the vet during a full moon, when in reality it might be a normal fluctuation in behavior.
Though there is no definitive scientific explanation, a combination of increased activity, behavioral changes, and human perception could explain this interesting trend.
What do people associate with the full moon? Historically what are the connotations?
Historically, the full moon has held deep symbolic and cultural significance across various societies, often evoking a mixture of awe, mystery, and fear. Here are some of the most common associations and connotations tied to the full moon through time:
1. Lunacy and Madness
- The term “lunacy” itself is derived from Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon. Historically, it was believed that the full moon could induce madness or erratic behavior in people, a concept still loosely present in the idea of “full moon madness.” This belief persisted for centuries, with many cultures associating the full moon with heightened emotions, mental instability, or even possession.
- In ancient Greece and Rome, philosophers and physicians like Aristotle and Hippocrates suggested that the brain, which was thought to be largely composed of water, might be affected by the moon’s influence, much like the ocean tides.
2. Transformation and Metamorphosis
- Many folklore traditions link the full moon to transformation, most famously in the Western concept of werewolves. These creatures, according to legend, transform from human to wolf under the light of the full moon. This idea of transformation can be found in various cultures, symbolizing both danger and the power of the natural world to influence human form.
- This theme of transformation extends beyond werewolves, encompassing ideas of personal metamorphosis and change during full moons in mystical or spiritual traditions.
3. Fertility and Femininity
- The moon has long been associated with feminine energy, cycles, and fertility due to its monthly phases, which mirror the menstrual cycle. Many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts, considered the moon a symbol of the goddess, often connected with fertility, childbirth, and nurturing.
- For example, in ancient Roman religion, the moon goddess Luna and her Greek counterpart Selene were associated with these feminine qualities, and women often prayed to the moon for fertility or safe childbirth.
4. Witchcraft and Magic
- The full moon is frequently connected to magical practices, particularly in Wicca and other modern pagan traditions. Witches are said to draw power from the full moon, which is believed to heighten the potency of spells, rituals, and divination. Many rituals are performed during the full moon to invoke protection, love, or transformation.
- Historically, during the European witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, some believed witches gathered under full moons to perform rites or commune with dark forces.
5. Harvests and Agriculture
- In agrarian societies, the full moon was crucial for tracking time and seasons. The “Harvest Moon,” for example, is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox and was historically a period when farmers worked late into the night to bring in the last of their crops before winter. The “Hunter’s Moon” followed shortly after, marking a time for hunting game.
- These moons had practical agricultural significance and were celebrated in many cultures, often with festivals or rituals to honor the bounty of the land.
6. Spiritual and Religious Significance
- In Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions, the full moon holds deep religious importance. For Buddhists, the full moon day, known as Poya, marks significant events in the life of the Buddha, including his birth, enlightenment, and death. The Hindu festival of Guru Purnima, which takes place on a full moon, celebrates spiritual teachers and knowledge.
- Native American tribes also named full moons to mark seasons and natural cycles. For example, the Algonquin tribes named different full moons based on their importance, such as the “Wolf Moon” for January, “Strawberry Moon” for June, and so on.
7. Omen and Superstition
- In many parts of the world, the full moon has been seen as an omen, sometimes of good fortune but often of ill. In certain African, European, and Middle Eastern traditions, eclipses of the full moon were viewed with trepidation and considered harbingers of doom, famine, or war. Even a normal full moon, in some superstitions, was linked to the stirring of spirits or dark entities.
- Sailors often regarded the full moon as a sign of potential bad weather or change in the winds, furthering its association with unpredictability and change.
8. Romanticism and Inspiration
- The full moon has also been a symbol of beauty, mystery, and romance. Its bright, ethereal light has inspired poets, artists, and musicians throughout history. In literature, the full moon often evokes themes of longing, love, and the sublime, drawing out a sense of the mystical or unattainable.
- For example, in classical Chinese poetry, the moon is frequently a symbol of separation and reunion, as its fullness is tied to the longing between lovers or family members apart from one another.
9. Navigation and Timekeeping
- Before modern calendars and clocks, the moon was essential for keeping time. Full moons helped mark the passing of months, and many early calendars, like the Islamic and Hebrew calendars, were lunar-based. The full moon also provided necessary light for travel or nighttime activities before the widespread use of artificial lighting.
In sum, the full moon has been viewed as a powerful force tied to transformation, cycles, and the unknown. Its presence in the sky continues to be a potent symbol, connecting humanity to both the natural and mystical realms.
