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Time’s Gone to the Dogs — Helping Your Pup Adjust to Daylight Savings

Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for daylight savings time, gaining or losing an hour of daylight. And here it is again coming at us this Sunday, March 9. But as we spring forward into more sunlight waking hours, our pups wonder what is going on.

While it may take us a few days to get used to the shift, our furry companions may also feel the effects of this time change. Dogs thrive on routine, and even a small disruption to their schedule can leave them feeling confused or anxious. That’s why it’s important to help them adjust in ways they understand—especially at mealtimes.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Daylight Savings Is For the Dogs!

Why Daylight Savings Time Affects Dogs

Dogs rely heavily on consistency. Their internal clocks tell them when it’s time to eat, go for walks, or settle down for the night. Shifting the clocks forward or backward can throw off their routine, leading to confusion, restlessness, or even minor stress.

Some common signs your dog may be feeling the effects of the time change include:

• Waking up earlier or later than usual

• Acting restless around a meal or walk times

• Seeming sluggish or confused

• Having accidents if their bathroom schedule is disrupted

How to Help Your Dog Adjust

Gradual Schedule Shifts

Rather than making an abrupt change, ease your dog into the new schedule by adjusting their routine by 10-15 minutes per day leading up to daylight savings. This includes feeding, walks, and bedtime. If you start today, they should be more adjusted by Sunday!

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Even after the time change, stick to a consistent schedule. To help your dog feel secure, try to keep feeding times, bathroom breaks, and exercise sessions as close as possible to their usual rhythm.

Provide Extra Exercise

A little extra physical or mental stimulation can help your dog adjust to the new schedule. A long walk, a game of fetch, or puzzle toys can help burn off excess energy and make them more willing to settle into a new routine.

Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Like humans, dogs are influenced by natural light. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours can help reset their internal clock. If your dog struggles with darker mornings or evenings, consider using soft indoor lighting to mimic natural light transitions.

Be Patient and Understanding

Your dog may take a few days to a week to fully adapt. If they seem confused or restless, offer reassurance through extra cuddles, treats, and positive reinforcement. A little patience goes a long way in making the transition smoother. Let’s be honest, those extra cuddles help us too—especially in “spring forward” mode when we lose an hour of sleep.

Save the Day…light Savings

Daylight savings time may be a small change for us, but it can be a big shift for our dogs. By gradually adjusting their schedule, maintaining a routine, and offering plenty of love and patience, you can help your furry friend easily navigate the time change. Before you know it, they'll be back to their happy, well-adjusted selves—just in time for another round of belly rubs and tail wags!

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PROTECT YOUR PET

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Naptime is A-Okay

Sometimes, the best way to cope with an unpleasant change is to nap it off. If your pup seems more sluggish than normal because their sleep routine was interrupted, why not snuggle up together for a well-earned nap? After all, Daylight Savings is on a Sunday and nothing is better than a Sunday snooze.

Treats

• 🐶 Hot Dog at the Oscars: Read all about Selma Blair’s service pup Scout, who attended the star-studded event.

• ✍️ We’re donating $4500 worth of food to an animal shelter! And the winning nominator gets $500, too!

Want your dog to be featured?

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Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] with your dog’s name and reference Sit & Stay for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!