The days are getting shorter, the nights colder. And recently your pup has been acting — strange. They’re howling at the moon and seem to disappear every now and then.
As we get closer to Halloween, it may be easy to jump to the scary conclusion that your dog has turned into a werewolf. Even more alarming is the fact that October 26th is Howl At The Moon Day, a day that werewolves are sure to observe.
Fear not, DogTime readers. Before you go out and buy ancient, mystical tomes full of werewolf cures, go through this checklist of differences between dogs and werewolves to see if your pup has actually changed. And remember, it’s just for fun!
Did your dog pass this checklist and you still want to be extra sure? Let them out in the backyard on the night of a full moon.
If they do their normal potty business, which they most likely will, chill out. No werewolf on your hands. If they start to shake violently and turn into a hideous beast, run. Run very fast.
Have a happy and safe Howl At The Moon Day and Halloween!
Does your pup have anything in common with a werewolf? Do they ever howl at the moon? Let us know in the comments below!
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Turning Into A Werewolf
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Your Dog Howls At The Moon -- Werewolves Rage Under It
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Fido may be barking at weird shadows or even howling at the night sky. But unless he's also transforming into a terrifying mythical creature under the full moon's glow, he's not a werewolf.
I already know your follow up question: "But what about werewolves like the ones in Twilight who transform at will?"
They are shape-shifters. They are not werewolves. And neither is your dog.
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Your Dog Hunts Shoes And Underwear -- Werewolves Hunt People
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If your dog is bored or lacks training, they may tear things apart like dirty underwear, the garbage, or one of your very expensive shoes.
Werewolves also tear these things apart -- but with way more serious collateral damage. What werewolves are really aiming for are people and any other living creatures that may look tasty.
If the closest thing to a human your dog has torn apart is the creepy, squeaky clown toy they got last year from your mom, you're safe.
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Your Dog Stands On Hind Legs For A Treat -- Werewolves SPRINT On Them
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How many hits did that video you uploaded of your pup dancing for a treat get? A couple thousand?
That's pretty good, but you know what would get a million hits? A werewolf in full sprint chasing prey in the light of a full moon.
Chances are, you don't have that on camera, and therefore are not in possession of a werewolf.
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Your Dog's Fanciest Trick Is Nowhere Near What A Werewolf Can Do
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I taught one of my childhood dogs how to climb up a ladder, and I was pretty proud of that.
But after reading some of the many abilities that werewolves seem to have -- like instant self-healing powers, superhuman strength and speed, and wall-crawling -- that feat seemed pathetic.
Your dog may be an agility champion, but unless they are crawling up the wall like Spider-man, they ain't nothing but a hound dog.
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Werewolves Take Human Form -- Your Dog Clearly Does Not
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If television taught me anything, it's that werewolves are pack animals. When they're in their human form, that pack is usually a motorcycle gang or a group of muscular, shirtless guys.
Your dog may like to hang around with the neighborhood pups, but until you see them in a leather biker gang jacket or sporting chiseled abs, don't go crying werewolf to the local news.