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Twice a year, the clocks change in the UK either springing forward or falling back. While we adjust our schedules accordingly, our dogs don’t understand why their routine suddenly shifts. Dogs thrive on consistency, and even a one-hour time change can throw them off balance.
Here are five ways the clock change may affect your furry friend and what you can do to help.
Disrupted feeding times
Dogs are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to mealtimes. Their metabolism and hunger cues align with their internal body clock, so when the schedule shifts, they may either beg for food earlier than usual or show less interest in their meals. If your dog is used to eating at a specific time, the clocks changing can make them feel like their meal is late (or early), causing restlessness, whining, or even digestive discomfort.
How to help: Adjust feeding times gradually over the course of a week, moving their meals by 10–15 minutes each day to help ease the transition and prevent sudden hunger spikes or loss of appetite.
Increased anxiety or confusion
Dogs rely on routine to feel secure. When their daily schedule shifts without explanation, even by an hour, some dogs may become anxious or confused, leading to pacing, whining, or attention-seeking behavior. Additionally, the shift in time can affect your dog’s energy levels. Some may feel sluggish if their wake-up time feels earlier, while others may be extra restless in the evenings.
How to help: Offer extra reassurance with calming activities or enrichment toys to keep their mind engaged while they adjust. It may also help to maintain consistent playtime and exercise routines to help regulate their energy levels. If your dog seems tired, try shorter, more frequent bursts of activity to help them adapt.
Sleep disruptions
Just like humans, dogs have an internal body clock (circadian rhythm) that tells them when it’s time to sleep and wake up. When the clocks change for daylight saving time, or if their schedule shifts due to travel or lifestyle changes, dogs can experience restlessness, difficulty settling down at night, or waking up earlier than usual. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with anxiety may be especially sensitive to disruptions in their sleep cycle.
Lack of sleep or inconsistent rest can lead to increased stress, irritability, and even behavioural issues in dogs. If your pup is waking up earlier than expected, they might also start expecting food, playtime, or walks at their old schedule.
How to help: Stick to a bedtime routine and provide a calm, quiet environment for sleep. If they wake up too early, resist immediately responding. This will help them adjust to the new schedule naturally.
Changes to walk schedules
If your dog is used to a specific walk schedule, they might expect their usual outing when the clock says it’s time, only for you to be running late (or early). This disruption can lead to pent-up energy, frustration, or even behavioural issues like excessive barking or chewing.
Shorter daylight hours can also mean darker morning and evening walks, which may make some dogs feel uneasy or more reactive to their surroundings. Older dogs or those with vision impairments may struggle more with low-light conditions.
How to help: Gradually shift your dog’s walking times in the days leading up to the clock change to help them adjust smoothly. If it’s darker during your walks, use reflective collars, leads, and harnesses for visibility. Consider bringing a torch or using a hands-free LED light to illuminate your path. If your dog seems anxious about the darkness, try taking a familiar route or incorporating positive reinforcement to create a more reassuring experience.
Toilet routine adjustments
Your dog’s bathroom habits are also influenced by routine. If they usually go outside first thing in the morning or at a specific time before bed, the change in schedule might cause confusion, which could lead to accidents.
How to help: Slowly shift their toilet breaks over several days before the clocks change, giving them time to adjust naturally.
Final thoughts
While the clocks changing may seem like a small shift to us, it can feel like a big deal for our dogs. By making gradual adjustments to their routine, offering reassurance, and maintaining consistency, you can help your pet navigate the time change with ease. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping their tails wagging happily!