It’s not something we often think about. Does the moon effect my dogs behaviour? But it’s more common than you think. And at The Tetbury Pet Shop, we notice the pattern a lot!
So, have you ever noticed your dog feeling a little more wired, unsettled, or restless around a full moon? Or maybe you feel more sensitive, emotional, or struggle to sleep?
You’re definitely not alone. We feel it too.
Across cultures and centuries, humans have observed connections between lunar cycles and behaviour. While modern science is still exploring the “how” and “why,” many pet owners, groomers, and holistic practitioners consistently report patterns. Especially around sleep, anxiety, energy levels, and sensitivity.
At The Tetbury Pet Shop & Groomers, we’ve noticed these shifts too, particularly in grooming sessions. Some days, dogs who are normally calm can feel a little more wriggly, vocal, or on-edge and quite often, it coincides with certain moon phases.
Let’s gently explore what might be going on, what each moon phase represents, and how we can support our dogs (and ourselves) through it.
WAXING MOON (NEW MOON TO FULL MOON)
Energy building, emotions rising
As the moon grows brighter, energy is said to build. Many people associate this phase with increased mental activity, restlessness, heightened sensitivity, and difficulty settling.
How this can show up in dogs:
More fidgeting or pacing
Reduced patience for handling
Increased vocalising
Lower tolerance for busy environments
In grooming sessions we notice:
Dogs find it harder to stand still, they’re more reactive to noises, or need extra reassurance. This doesn’t mean they’re being naughty, it simply means their nervous system may be running a little hotter than usual.
Supportive tips:
Offer sniff walks rather than pure exercise walks
Use calming enrichment toys
Keep evenings quieter and predictable
Gentle touch and slow brushing at home
FULL MOON
Peak energy, heightened nervous systems
The full moon is often linked to peak emotional and energetic intensity. One commonly shared theory is that because humans and animals are largely made up of water, lunar gravitational forces may subtly influence fluid movement in the body, think ocean tides.
Whether symbolic, biological, or a blend of both, many people report lighter, broken sleep, heightened emotions, and increased anxiety or stimulation.
How this can show up in dogs:
Extra alertness
Trouble settling at night
Sudden bursts of energy
Clinginess or, conversely, independence
In grooming sessions:
Dogs may feel more sensitive to touch, sounds, or change. They might need more breaks, slower pacing, and softer handling.
Supportive tips:
Add calming supplements or herbs (with guidance)
Use soothing scents like lavender or chamomile
Keep training expectations gentle
Allow decompression time after grooming
Most importantly: lower the bar.
Not every day needs to be a perfect behaviour day.
WANING MOON (FULL MOON TO NEW MOON)
Release, slowing down, recovery
As the moon’s light fades, energy is thought to soften and settle. This phase is associated with letting go, decompression, and rest.
How this can show up in dogs:
More sleepiness
Lower drive
Desire for comfort and closeness
In grooming sessions:
Many dogs appear calmer and more tolerant during this phase, making it a great time for maintenance grooms or new introductions.
Supportive tips:
Focus on rest and routine
Gentle movement rather than high-intensity exercise
Massage and slow brushing
Nutritious, grounding meals
A GENTLE REFRAME
If your dog feels a little off around certain moon phases, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong.
It means they’re alive, sensitive, and responsive to the world. Just like us.
Instead of asking, “Why is my dog being difficult?”
Try asking, “What might my dog need right now?”
And extend that same kindness inward.
Some days we’re productive.
Some days we’re tender.
Both are valid.
QUICK WAYS TO SUPPORT DOGS THROUGH LUNAR SHIFTS
- Maintain consistent routines
- Prioritise quality sleep
- Add calming enrichment
- Choose gentle handling
- Avoid overstimulation
- Offer patience and reassurance
- Small adjustments can make a big difference.
FINAL THOUGHT
Whether you see lunar influence as science, symbolism, or somewhere in between, paying attention to natural rhythms can deepen our understanding of our dogs and ourselves.
At The Tetbury Pet Shop & Groomers, we always meet dogs where they are on the day. If your pup seems extra sensitive around certain times of the month, let us know. We’re happy to slow things down, add breaks, and make their experience as calm and positive as possible.
Because sometimes, it’s not about fixing behaviour, it’s about supporting a nervous system that’s simply having a moment.
With love,
Amelia 🐾🌙