How Daylight Saving Time Changes Affect Your Dog

In the UK, daylight saving time (DST) adjusts our clocks forward and back each year, aiming to maximise daylight hours according to the seasons. While this hour shift can throw us humans off balance for a few days, it also affects our dogs in notable ways. Understanding how your dog is impacted and what you can do to help can ensure their comfort and wellbeing during these transitions.

1. The Impact of Changing Routines on Your Dog

Dogs thrive on consistency and routine, with regular times for waking, feeding, walking, and toileting. When the clocks change, the minute shift in timing can disrupt this carefully maintained schedule. For example, a meal or walk that usually happens at 7 am may suddenly feel like 6 am or 8 am to your dog, even though the external time says otherwise.

This mismatch can cause some confusion or mild stress, especially during the first week after the change. Your dog may wake earlier or become restless, not understanding why their usual cues happen at "different times". Expect some initial disorientation as they adjust their internal rhythms to the new schedule.

2. Understanding Your Dog's Circadian Rhythms

Unlike humans, dogs do not tell time by the clock. Instead, their internal biological clocks, or circadian rhythms, depend heavily on environmental cues like daylight, meals, and exercise. These rhythms regulate many physiological functions, including sleep, hormone production, and body temperature.

When the clocks jump forward or back, the natural cycle of daylight shifts as well. This can cause temporary disorientation similar to jet lag in humans. Your dog may feel sleepy or restless at unexpected times, experiencing a subtle disruption of their natural body clock until they acclimatise.

3. Why Spring Forward is Harder than Fall Back

Many humans find the spring transition more challenging, and the same applies to dogs. When the clocks go forward, we lose an hour, often making mornings feel rushed and leaving less rest for our pets. Dogs may find it harder to settle back into their adjusted routine as they effectively "lose" an hour of rest or play.

In contrast, the autumn clocks going back add an hour, giving both humans and dogs a bit more time to rest and readjust more comfortably. Understanding this difference can help you prepare better for the spring change.

4. Special Considerations for Dogs on Medication

If your dog requires medication at specific times, particularly conditions like diabetes that need strict scheduling, the clock change can have a significant impact. For insulin-dependent dogs, timing is crucial for stabilising blood sugar levels, and abrupt shifts can risk their health.

To ease this, start gradually adjusting the timing of meals and medication by about 10–15 minutes each day ahead of the clock change. This gentle shift helps your dog’s body adapt without sudden disruptions, maintaining optimal health and comfort.

5. How to Help Your Dog Adjust Smoothly to DST Changes

• Gradual Routine Shift: In the week before the clock changes, begin moving your dog’s feeding, walking, and playtimes by 10–15 minutes daily to ease the transition.
• Maintain Consistent Cues: Keep other routine cues like feeding locations, toys, and bedtime rituals consistent to provide comfort.
• Extra Exercise: Increase exercise time slightly during adjustment periods to help normalise their internal rhythm and reduce stress.
• Monitor Behaviour: Watch for changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or anxiety and consult your vet if these persist.
• Medication Timing: Coordinate with your vet for safe adjustments to medication schedules around DST.

Can You Give Your Dog Calpol for DST-Related Stress?

Quick Answer: Calpol (paracetamol) is not safe for dogs and should never be given to manage stress or any other condition without veterinary advice.

Paracetamol is toxic to dogs and can cause severe health risks, including liver damage. If your dog shows signs of stress or anxiety related to DST, safer options include behavioural aids, calming treats, or environmental enrichment recommended by your vet. Always seek professional advice before administering any human medications to pets.

Why Responsible Pet Ownership Matters During DST

Helping your dog manage daylight saving time changes is part of responsible pet ownership. It demonstrates attentiveness to their physical and emotional needs, ensuring that simple environmental changes don't compromise their wellbeing. Gradual adjustments and vet consultations for medication changes exemplify this care.

If you're considering finding a new dog or puppy, remember to seek reputable breeders or consider adoption from local rescues to give a dog a loving home responsibly.

Conclusion

Daylight saving time changes subtly shift your dog’s internal clock and routine, sometimes causing confusion, sleep disruption, and stress. Spring’s forward shift can be tougher than autumn’s back shift, particularly for dogs on strict medication schedules.

By anticipating these changes and gradually shifting routines, providing extra exercise, and staying attentive to your dog’s behaviour, you can help them adjust comfortably. Always consult your vet when medication timing is a concern, and never give human medicines like Calpol without advice.

With gentle care and awareness, your dog can move through daylight saving time transitions smoothly, keeping healthy and happy year-round.