Dogs are creatures of habit. Just like children, they thrive when their routine is predictable and they can depend on it day to day. But, how do dogs know when things will happen if they can’t read clocks or tell time?
A dog’s internal clock tells them when things are supposed to happen such as mealtimes, potty breaks, and when their owner is returning home from work. But, what about when their routine gets disrupted? Daylight Savings Time is one prime example of a time change that could cause your dog anxiety if not handled properly.
Here’s why it impacts them so much and what you can do about it.
Even an Hour Can Change a Dog’s Routine
Daylight Savings Time happens twice a year. In the second Sunday in March, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time. On the first Sunday in November, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m local standard time. Everything is a little off-kilter around these times as our bodies adjust to the new schedule and routine.
If Daylight Savings Time has such an impact on you, think about how it affects your dog. Poor Fido doesn’t even know the reason for the schedule change. He just knows that everything is suddenly different and unpredictable.
Dogs are most impacted by schedule changes during:
Mealtime
Just like us, a dogs’ system gets used to eating at a certain time every day. If they instantly switch to eating an hour earlier or later, they may not be hungry yet, or they may get too hungry. As humans, we have the capacity to understand the time change and can regulate our schedule as needed. But Fido may not be as patient and a sudden change can also cause him to have emotional issues or potentially an upset tummy.
Bedtime
If your pup is used to going to bed at the same time as you, he may not be able to go to sleep an hour earlier. Or he may end up going to sleep before your bedtime, depending on which time change it is. That can lead to him rising too early and trying to awaken you before it’s time to get up. It can also lead to him getting up with you before he’s ready, which may lead to a cranky, irritable pup!
Playtime
If you take your dog for walks at certain times during the day, or visit the dog park, he may not be prepared to go an hour earlier. He also may not be able to wait an hour later, especially if you live in an apartment and have to take him for walks for pottying.
What Can Happen When a Dog’s Schedule Changes Suddenly?
Remember that when your schedule changes, your beloved pup has to learn to “go with the flow” as well. Sudden schedule changes that impact meals and daily routines can cause your dog to have:
- Anxiety from the changes
- An upset stomach from meal changes
- Sleep deprivation
- Potty accidents in the house from having to wait too long for a walk
As creatures of habit, dogs tend to automatically rise with the sun and live their schedule around that. Stable routines in the household let them live their best lives. It brings them peace and stability, which dogs thrive on. Dogs can get used to other schedules and routines, but it’s best to know how to address it beforehand.
How Can I Help My Dog Adjust to Daylight Savings Time?
To help your dog adjust more smoothly to the change of Daylight Savings Time, start preparing at least a week beforehand.
- Change mealtimes to an earlier or later time in gradual shifts.
- Take your pup for walks ten minutes earlier or later each day.
- Make bedtime and rising time a little earlier or later each day.
- Remain as calm as possible throughout the schedule change.
By making gradual, incremental shifts every day or two, the change of Daylight Savings Time won’t be as abrupt for both you and your dog.
You can also help your pup adjust to the change by remaining as consistent as possible with everything that doesn’t need to change. For instance, if you have nightly TV time or cuddle time together, keep that time the same. If you have regular playtime, be sure to continue making time for it.
You can also increase your pup’s exercise and mental stimulation, which will help distract him from the changes that are happening.
All of this will help Fido grow more used to the transition, and it won’t seem like such a sudden impact when it happens. That way, you can avoid the anxiety and problems that happen with a sudden schedule change.
Final Thoughts
Change doesn’t have to be traumatic or scary. and when done right your pup won’t even notice. Just like when you brought your beloved pup into the family, Daylight Savings Time can be a calm and positive change to help you and your pup re-shift schedules to better fit your day to day.