Do dogs adjust to daylight savings?

As fall arrives on Long Island, we’re getting ready to rake leaves, bake some pumpkin pies, and go to football games again. But the Dan’s Pet Care team is also setting lots of reminders to “fall back” for daylight savings time. On November 5, 2023, it will once again be time to set our clocks back one hour. So, here’s your reminder! Most of us are looking forward to getting an extra hour of sleep. But your dog might not be so excited about this annual time change.

Most dogs love routines and hate to have them disrupted. If your dog is used to a set schedule throughout their day, Daylight Savings Time can be really confusing. In this article, we’ll share some tips for helping your dog adjust to Daylight Savings Time as smoothly as possible.

Start making gradual changes to your dog’s schedule before the change takes effect

Schedule changes won’t be as overwhelming for your dog if you make them in small increments. Your dog has a precise internal clock, and they may be anxious if mealtime or playtime suddenly change. If your dog is food insecure, a late meal time can be stressful. They might start wondering whether they’ll ever get their next meal and acting upset.

Making gradual schedule changes can help. Start a few days before Daylight Savings Time begins, and adjust your dog’s daily activities in intervals of 10 or 15 minutes. If you’re working with the Dan’s Pet Care team, consider scheduling your dog’s services at increasingly different intervals to help them adjust.

Consider using automatic feeders to simplify the transition

Automatic feeders aren’t ideal for all dogs and their owners. However, they can be helpful when it comes to schedule adjustments. For example, you may be unable to adjust your dog’s mealtime because of your family’s work or school schedule. However, with an automatic feeder, you can keep your dog’s feeding times consistent throughout the year, no matter what your responsibilities are each day.

If you do use an automatic feeder, it’s important to monitor it regularly. Otherwise, it could run out of food while you’re away from home, and this can be traumatic for your pet. If you have a multi-dog household, you may need to supervise your pets to ensure everyone’s eating the right amount.

Increase the amount of natural light in your home

Just like humans, dogs need natural light to stay healthy and happy. Help your dog regulate their internal clock more effectively by providing plenty of light. Today, many households use light-blocking curtains and blinds to save money on their energy bills. While these window treatments can be efficient, they can also keep your dog from being attuned to the sun’s cycle each day. Consider leaving curtains open if your dog will be indoors during the day. Also, be sure to spend plenty of time outdoors with your dog each day.

Help your dog improve their sleep hygiene

As your dog adjusts to the time change, they will benefit from getting high-quality sleep at night. Light-blocking window treatments will be an asset at nighttime, since they can help keep light pollution from entering your home and disturbing your dog’s sleep. Provide a comfortable, quiet spot for your dog to rest, and avoid leaving the TV running where your dog is sleeping. If your dog doesn’t seem to be resting well at night, or they seem overly anxious during the day, it may be time to consult your veterinarian. Some dogs benefit from short-term anxiety medication when they’re going through a schedule change.

Help your dog stay active to improve their relaxation time

Your dog has a circadian rhythm, just like you do. They know which times of day are for being active, and which times of day are for rest. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise during the day, their circadian rhythm can get confused. They may feel more anxious overall — especially while coping with the stress of Daylight Savings Time. Make sure your dog is getting enough active play each day to tire them out. This will help them feel satisfied and calm when it’s time to come indoors and relax for the evening.

Need help from Long Island’s pet care experts?

Your dog will get the best care available on Long Island when you partner with Dan’s Pet Care. We offer a wide variety of services, from grooming to boarding to walking and much more. Contact us today to get started!