Daylight Saving Time - Is Your Pet Ready for the Time Change?

Daylight Saving Time is approaching! Not only will this time change affect our busy schedules, but it will also affect the daily routines of our pets. Whether it be potty breaks, playtime, or dinner, our pets are used to a schedule and may be confused if their daily motions are thrown off. Here are some tips to ease your pet (and you) into Daylight Saving Time.

Potty Breaks

If your pup is used to you waking up at 6am for a potty break and the next day they have to wait until 7am, you may be awakened earlier than expected with grunts or barking, or worse - an accident by the door. To slowly ease your pup into this new time schedule, you should gradually take them out later by five to 10-minute intervals a few days before the time change. This will make the transition to their new schedule a lot smoother.

Playtime

All pets enjoy a little playtime throughout their day, and it's one thing that shouldn't be missed because of daylight saving time! If you usually play outside with your pet and want to move it inside because of early darkness, tug N' pulls, puzzles & interactive toys, or even a Kong toy can make indoor play fun.

Afternoon Walks

Fewer hours of daylight means walking your dog in more darkness and less visibility. Reflective gear such as a collar, leash, or harness is ideal to let drivers and cyclists be aware that your pet is with you. If your pet happens to break loose from you during late-night walks, a lighted or flashing collar can help locate them faster.

Dinner and Bedtime

Alison Holdhus-Small, a research assistant at CSIRO Livestock Industries explains, “When humans change the clocks for daylight saving to suit our preferred working environment, from an animal’s point of view we are suddenly behaving oddly. To the animals, it is inexplicable that suddenly dinner is an hour later or earlier than expected.”

Pets enjoy routine and when dinner isn't at the expected time, they may nudge their bowls towards your feet. Just like potty breaks, gradually delaying dinner by 5-10 minute intervals before the daylight saving time change will help your pet adjust faster.

How is your pet adjusting to daylight saving time? Let us know by using the hashtag #JeffersPet or tag us at Jeffers Pet on Instagram or Jeffers Pet on Facebook! For a chance for your pet to be featured on our social media accounts, you can share via blog or by using the hashtags!