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Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:00 AM. For people, the extra hour when Summer time coming to an end is a great way to catch up on sleep. But for dogs, the effects can be very different.
Animals don’t bet their routines by the clock we use as humans to stay on schedule. They have their own circadian rhythm – a biological clock that helps them know when to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom and do everything else in their day.
So when people change the clock before daylight saving time ends, it can affect dogs more strongly. Here are a few ways your dog may struggle during this time and what you can do to help him adjust.
potty time
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Many dogs have to go outside for a while potty break first thing in the morning.
If you sleep in for an extra hour, your pup may become confused and sit next to your bed, waiting for you to put on your slippers and grab the leash. If you ignore their pleas, they may not be able to contain it and need to find a houseplant or rug to doing their morning business.
Most puppies stick to regular potty times throughout the day, so it will take a while for them to adjust to your new schedule.
Feeding time
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If your dog is used to eating at some point they can be a little upset if breakfast or dinner comes an hour late.
Don’t be surprised if your pup sits by his empty bowl and looks up at you with his best”feed me” puppy eyes.
If the food doesn’t come in time, your pup may start begging, chew things they are not allowed to chew or loot the garbage cans.
Together Time
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When you go to work, your dog miss you. You are their family, their pack. They will probably be happy to have an extra hour with you in the morning, but they expect you to come home when the sun is at a certain point in the sky.
Returning an hour late, especially when the sun goes down, can make them extra anxious.
This stress can lead to all kinds of unwanted behavior, including accidents or the destruction of your belongings.
What can you do about it?
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You can help your dog prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time in a way that reduces stress or unwanted behavior.
In the weeks leading up to the end of DST, adjust your schedule a few minutes at a time. Wait a few minutes with morning walks. Don’t force your pup to hold it for long – just enough to get used to the new time.
Feed your dog a little later in the weeks leading up to the time change so he can acclimate gradually. Run errands a few minutes before you get home from work so your pup can do it adapt to you arrive when the sun has set.
Pay special attention to your dog’s needs during this transition. It’s important to give them extra comfort if they show signs of anxiety.
When daylight saving time ends, make sure you ease the effects of your new schedule on your dog. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep, but take steps to reduce your pup’s anxiety. This way you can make the daylight saving time switch a positive experience rather than a stressful one.
And don’t forget to set your clocks back!
Is the End of Daylight Saving Time bothering your dog? How do you help them adapt? Let us know in the comments below!
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