Twice a year, we humans adjust our clocks for daylight saving time (DST).
It's designed to make better use of daylight, though many of us struggle with the shift in daily routines, even if it’s just an hour. But what about our dogs?
Raise your hand if your dog seems to have a body clock that declares mealtime no matter what daylight saving time says!
Dogs thrive on routine, and even subtle changes to their daily schedule—such as walk or feeding times—can cause confusion and stress. If that sounds like your dog, it's good to know what to expect and what you can do to help your pup adjust happily.
Let's talk about how daylight savings time impacts dogs, the signs of disruption to watch for, and tips to help your pup adapt smoothly and stay stress-free through the transition.
What is daylight saving time?
DST is the seasonal time change set in place by moving clocks forward by one hour when daylight saving time begins in the spring ("spring forward") and back to one hour earlier in the fall (when clocks "fall back"). It allows us to enjoy longer daylight hours during the warmer months. While daylight savings time has benefits for humans, such as reducing energy usage and providing an extra hour of daylight for outdoor activities, it can unintentionally disrupt the daily lives of our dogs.
Unlike humans, dogs obviously don’t read clocks. They rely on consistent routines for meals, walks, and other daily activities. When daylight savings time shakes up those patterns and physical and behavioral processes, it can lead to confusion, stress, or other behavioral changes.
How Daylight Saving Time Can Affect Dogs
Dogs are creatures of habit. They rely on their biological clocks, also known as circadian rhythms, to regulate their daily needs. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock linked to when the sun rises along with exposure to daylight. An abrupt change—even just an hour—can throw off their internal schedule, impacting their well-being. Here’s how:
1. Mealtime schedules
Dogs tend to expect food at the same time every day. With DST, their sense of mealtime doesn’t shift just because the clock does. For example, if you typically feed your dog at 7 a.m., your pup's body clock will continue to expect breakfast at "old" 7 a.m., which is now 6 a.m. based on the adjusted clock.
2. Walk and potty routines
Dogs also tend to get used to a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks and walks. A time shift might mean your dog responds by feeling the need to go outside earlier or later than usual, leading to accidents or restlessness.
3. Sleep disruptions
Dogs, like humans, require sufficient sleep (for us it may be eight hours while for dogs it's significantly more, 12-14 on average for an adult dog). Sudden changes to routines, like DST, can disrupt dogs' sleep cycles. Your usually well-rested pup might become lethargic or irritable until your dog's body adjusts.
4. Energy and activity levels
An altered schedule can affect your dog’s overall energy levels. Your usually-relaxed pup might seem more sluggish in the morning or hyperactive at times throughout the day.
Signs of daylight saving time disruption in dogs
It’s important to recognize when your dog may be struggling to adjust to DST so you can support your pup and make things smoother. Here are some common signs:
- Restlessness or pacing
Your dog might appear unsettled -- pacing or whining more than usual.
- Changes in appetite
If your dog refuses food or seems unusually hungry at odd times, your pup's biological clock might still be on "old time."
- Behavioral changes
Irritability, clinginess, or increased barking can indicate your dog is stressed.
- Sleep disturbances
Is your dog waking up earlier or later than usual? Your pup might be struggling to adjust to the new schedule.
- Accidents indoors
A disrupted bathroom routine may lead to unexpected accidents, even in fully house-trained dogs.
5 tips to help your dog adjust to daylight saving time
With a little preparation and patience, you can minimize any potential stress or confusion for your dog.
1. Gradually adjust schedules
A week leading up to daylight savings, start shifting your dog’s feeding schedules, walk time, and bedtime by 10–15 minutes each day. This gradual adjustment can help your pup adapt more seamlessly.
2. Stick to a routine post-adjustment
After the transition, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent schedule. Even weekends should follow a similar timing to ensure your dog doesn’t feel confused.
3. Take advantage of natural light
Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms. Take your dog outside during daylight hours to help with an internal clock reset.
4. Provide extra mental and physical stimulation
Offer extra playtime, enrichment toys, or longer walks during the adjustment period to help your dog burn off any excess energy caused by schedule shifts.
Pro tip: Put your dog's built-in self-soother to work -- chewing. Dogs are hard-wired to be mentally stimulated and calmed by the act of chewing. A good chew session releases feel-good, calming endorphins in our dogs' brains, reducing stress naturally.
A couple long-lasting, healthful favorites...
5. Be patient and reassuring
Comfort your dog with cuddles, praise, and treats to alleviate any feelings of stress during the change. Every dog is different, and some might take a few days longer to adjust. Stick with the plan, and your pup will find a good rhythm soon enough. Like humans, dogs may need a few days to sync back up, so be patient and supportive.
Pro tip: Give your dog some extra comfort and calming support naturally with chews while you ease through the transition. Check out our Mighty Calm stress and behavior support supplement, a calming blend of melatonin, chamomile, and L-tryptophan in bacon-flavored chew treats.
By prepping your dog in advance and maintaining consistency and support, you can make a significant difference in helping your dog adjust and thrive!
Here's to a smooth transition to "springing forward" and more adventures with your pup!
We're here to support you and your dog in making the most of your life together, in adventures large and small, and whatever changes come your way. That includes bringing you information and products to help understand and support your pup's healthiest, happiest life.
That's why we work to bring you high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your dog living the good life with you, every day, every season.
