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Twice a year, most Americans experience the gain or loss of one hour of sleep when their clocks fall back or skip ahead for Daylight Saving Time. Many of us will adjust by sleeping in, drinking a second cup of strong coffee, and changing the time on our clocks and watches.
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Although our dogs don’t understand the time change, they’ll need to spring ahead with their humans and accommodate a new routine. How does this affect them? And how can we make it easier for our dogs to adjust?
Dogs’ Concept of Time
We know our dogs focus on the here and now, but do they also understand the concept of time? Most researchers who study dogs don’t believe they grasp the concept, but they do perceive the passage of time and will definitely let you know when it’s time for them to eat.
Dogs, like many other animals, are attuned to a circadian rhythm that acts as an internal clock. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences explains that circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. They affect most living beings, including our dogs, plants, and even microbes.
“Dogs respond to daylight, and they wake when the sun rises and sleep when it’s dark,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian for the AKC. “Do they count down the hours to make sure they get eight hours of sleep? Of course not. But their physical and behavioral processes are in sync with the sun.”
So, when Daylight Saving Time begins and you suddenly change the clock, deciding to feed your dog and take them out on a new schedule, you can’t expect them to make an immediate adjustment.
Dogs Are Creatures of Habit
Dogs are creatures of habit. They’re never happier than when following the same routine – getting up, going on walks, eating meals, and going to bed – day after day. Routine and consistency bring stability and confidence to our dogs. Setting up a reliable schedule for your puppy as soon as you bring them home helps them understand what’s expected of them as part of your family.
Suddenly setting back or moving forward our clocks in the fall and spring can unsettle and confuse our dogs because from one day to the next, we’ve made a change in their routines. You might want your dog to get up one hour earlier, walking and eating on a new schedule. Some dogs may become anxious, experience a nervous stomach, or have potty accidents in the house.
Ease Into the Change
You can make the time change easier for your dog by easing them into the adjusted schedule. During the week leading up to the time change, gradually adjust your dog’s schedule for eating, walking, and bedtime. This gradual change will make Daylight Saving Time less stressful both of you.
Don’t worry. Ease yourself and your dog into the change. And remember: you’ll get to do it all again, but in reverse, in just a few months.