The End of Daylight Savings Time Can Be the Start of Your Pet’s Anxiety
- Vickie Foster
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The annual end to Daylight Savings Time may be an abrupt change for you. It's dark earlier, days are shorter and it may make you want to hibernate. But imagine how the transition is for your pet. Suddenly meal time doesn’t match the light outside. Playtime might be totally off by an hour to your pooch.
The change in routine for pets can lead to confusion. It may bring about anxiety for a bewildered furry pal. According to Amber Batteiger, veterinary nurse and PR and communications manager at Embrace Pet Insurance, dogs are very used to routine. Their routines are attuned to daylight hours.
Any change in routine can throw off their internal clock, leading to a change in their behavior. They may even have bathroom accidents if their breaks are delayed. It would not be unusual for a dog to have a little nervous stomach from anxiety.
To prevent the bewilderment for your pet, try adjusting their schedule before the time change. In the lead up to the transition, tweak their routine by just 10 or 15 minutes each day. Do this over a week to change the time they get their dog food, playtime, or walk time until it matches the new schedule.
For pets it can be a big disruption, but keeping their routines consistent can help ease the restlessness and anxiety that can occur. Provide extra comfort, more playtime and reassurance to your dog during the change in routine. Your four-footed friend will be better off for it.
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