Moonbows and Whisker Fatigue

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The holidays have me thinking about food. 

My dog wants to know what she will eat for Thanksgiving. Do you make a special meal for your dog(s) during the holidays? We would love to hear how you handle meals and please share any recipes that you recommend.

Announcing the North Pole Pup Parade Holiday Pet Photo Contest!

Now accepting entries!

• One winner will receive a $30 USD digital Amazon gift certificate. That could pay for a new blanket, an upgraded water bowl, or some treats.

• The winner will be chosen by you! Entries are added to this voting website daily. One vote per email and IP address. Real-time vote tallies are displayed after each vote.

• It’s free to enter one photo of your dog or dogs showing off their festive attitude. Your dog is the star of this contest and so photos that include people will be excluded. It’s perfectly fine to include toys, figurines, statues, trees or other non-people accessories.

• Entries will be accepted now through December 15, 2024.

• Voting closes on December 15, 2024.

• The winner will be notified by email on December 16, 2024.

Environment

Chasing Moonbows: The Rainbow’s Mysterious Night Shift

Think rainbows only show up during a sunny day? Think again. Meet the moonbow, the mysterious, rare sibling of the classic rainbow, making its grand appearance not when the sun is shining, but under the light of the moon. Yes, moonbows are a real thing, and they’re as enchanting as they sound.

So, a moonbow is like this - picture a rainbow that’s kind of shy—only stepping out at night when things are quiet and the moonlight is just right. Moonbows form when the moon’s light refracts through moisture in the air, much like a daytime rainbow. But because moonlight is a lot dimmer than sunlight, moonbows appear as pale, almost ghostly arcs in the sky. If you catch one, just don’t expect the vivid reds and yellows of a daytime rainbow; moonbows tend to be more subtle, with silvery or faint pastel hues.

Moonbows are rare, but just like us they do have their favorite hangouts. Tropical regions with frequent rainfall and clear skies are prime spots. Famous locations include Hawaii and Yosemite National Park, where, if the conditions are just right, moonbows occasionally dazzle lucky onlookers. It takes a near-full moon, a clear night, and plenty of moisture in the air to create this magical effect—basically, all the elements of a nighttime fairy tale.

Seeing a moonbow in person is a little like spotting a unicorn. First, you’ll need a bright, nearly full moon (the stronger the moonlight, the better). Next, hope for mist or light rain in the area. Finally, look away from the moon. The moonbow will appear in the opposite part of the sky, where the moonlight hits water droplets just right to create that elusive arc.

Usually when I go to Hawaii the evenings are spent with aloe on my sunburned skin and a beverage in my hand. I'll have to add looking for Moonbows to my list.

Proud Parent

Paws Up, Dog Parents. 🐾 Join our Fido Family!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We are glad you like Fido Fly and are part of this community who loves dogs. We would like to introduce you to a newsletter that digs deep into dog topics such as step-by-step training guides and vet-approved health information. Because our community is a dog-loving family, it’s called Fido Family, and gets delivered every Tuesday.

As a special treat, we’re offering an exclusive free trial to the Fido Fly community for a limited time. Don’t miss out. Come see what all the barking’s about.

Access your free trial here.

Our dogs can be unexpectedly expensive. Check out the current offers from our Sponsor now, before you run into trouble.

Veterinary costs up 60% over the past decade

Veterinarians nationwide reported that corporate managers pushed clinics to focus on profit, encouraging them to see more pets, order more tests, and upsell services.

Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs, with some providing up to 90% reimbursement.

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In charge, perfect pair, and a hair mystery

Oh, human!: Hurry up and clean that, would ya.
Soulmate: It does seem like a perfect match.
Hair conundrum: One of life’s mysteries.

What’s Wrong With Your Dog

Bowls, Whiskers, and Drama: Solving the Mystery of Whisker Fatigue

Does your dog sometimes act a bit fussy around their food or water bowl? It might not be about the kibble or the water - they could be experiencing something called whisker fatigue. Dogs rely on their whiskers more than we realize, and overstimulating these sensitive hairs can actually make your pup feel stressed or overwhelmed.

These super-sensitive hairs, also known as vibrissae, are like tiny radar systems that help dogs sense the world around them. Whiskers pick up on air currents, objects, and even the tiniest vibrations, providing dogs with critical information about their surroundings. Think of whiskers as your dog’s “early warning system” for anything that comes too close.

But whiskers can get overstimulated. When whiskers constantly touch things - like the sides of food or water bowls - they send an overload of sensory messages to the dog’s brain. This barrage of signals can actually cause discomfort, leading to what’s known as whisker fatigue. It’s like being poked in the same spot over and over until you just can’t take it anymore. Now that does sound annoying! 

Look out for these signs to try to gauge if your dog is dealing with whisker fatigue:

• Hesitating at their food or water bowl

• Knocking food onto the floor to eat it

• Only drinking when water is very low in the bowl

• Moving around the bowl like it’s booby-trapped

A simple switch can make a big difference. Try a wider, shallow food or water bowl that lets your dog eat and drink without their whiskers constantly touching the sides. These “whisker-friendly” bowls are spacious enough to keep those sensitive hairs from going haywire, and your dog will thank you for it.  Give them the space they need to chow down in peace, whiskers untouched and happy.

Chuckle

The fib is B. One reference for a group of jellyfish is called a “smack.” Aptly named, a smack of jellyfish is a mesmerizing (and sometimes dangerous) sight when they gather in large numbers.

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