The Effect of Daylight Saving Time on Dogs: Tips for Dog Trainers and Doggy Daycares

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is an annual ritual in many parts of the world where clocks are set forward by an hour in the spring and set back again in the fall. This time shift can affect everyone in the household, including our canine companions.

Dogs, like many animals, are creatures of habit whose well-being is influenced by both environmental cues and the routines of the humans around them. When daylight saving time begins on a Sunday, it can lead to lost sleep and disrupt the well-being of both humans and animals.

Dogs are influenced more by human activity than by the actual time change itself. Pet trainers and doggy daycares can help ease the transition by understanding the effects of DST and adjusting their schedules, environments, and methods of care to accommodate their precious clients.

Understanding the Canine Circadian Rhythm

Much like humans, dogs have a circadian rhythm, a natural, internal process regulating their sleep-wake cycle over 24 hours. Dogs, like other animals, rely on environmental cues such as the sun rising and darkness to regulate their circadian rhythms.

This rhythm is regulated within the body and is influenced by both light and dark cycles. Sunrise and sunset times play a key role in dogs' routines, as dogs tend to wake when the sun rises and sleep after sunset. The sun and its cycle provide important signals for sleep and activity, while darkness signals sleep time and influences physical and behavioral processes.

While we might expect dogs to adjust immediately to the time change, research explains that companion dogs maintain their pre-DST activity patterns and show no significant difference in morning activity based on sunrise times before and after daylight saving time.

In contrast, sled dogs, which are housed outdoors and work with handlers, took one day to adjust to a change in handler arrival time after DST, while companion dogs showed no change in morning activity patterns. This difference highlights how companion dogs are primarily influenced by human schedules and routines, rather than environmental factors like sunrise.

The number-one factor that affect dogs' wake-up time was human activity, not the changing numbers on the clock. When DST begins or ends, the sudden change in the timing of sunrise and sunset can disrupt this rhythm. Dogs may feel more lethargic, anxious, or experience changes in appetite.

Observing Behavioral Changes

Dog training businesses and doggy daycares might notice changes in the dogs they work with. These can include:

• Altered Sleep Patterns: Dogs may have difficulty sleeping through the night or seem unusually sleepy during the day, especially after losing an hour of sleep due to daylight saving time.
  
  
• Increased Anxiety: Some dogs might exhibit signs of stress or anxiety, such as pacing, whining, or being more clingy than usual, as they are creatures of habit and thrive on predictable routines.
  
  
• Change in Appetite: A shift in eating patterns or a change in interest in food can also be observed. Changes in feeding times, meal schedules, and dinner routines during schedule changes like daylight saving time can influence when and how much dogs want to eat, sometimes leading to digestive upset.

Schedule changes, especially sudden ones like those caused by daylight saving time, can cause dogs to suffer from digestive upset or potty accidents, particularly in puppies or senior dogs. Older dogs may have a harder time adjusting to time changes due to their established habits and a decline or loss of circadian rhythm as they age.

If a dog takes medications, their parents should consult a veterinarian to adjust dosage times during DST transitions to avoid disruptions in their treatment routine. As we mentioned, dogs are less influenced by the changing numbers on the clock than by human activity, so maintaining consistent habits and gradually adjusting feeding times and routines can help minimize the impact of schedule changes.

7 Tips for Trainers and Daycares During the Time Change

Gradual Adjustment

If you have regular clients, gadually shift each dog's feeding, walking, and bedtime routines by 10-15 minutes each day in the week leading up to daylight savings time changes. This helps dogs, who are creatures of habit, adjust to the new schedule and different time more smoothly.

Start these adjustments a few days earlier—before the spring shift in March or the fall shift when clocks spring forward, and before the fall shift when clocks fall back an hour—so your dog can acclimate to the hour earlier or later wake up time, feeding, and bed routines. Most dogs will fully adjust to the new schedule within three to seven days after the transition.

Extra Exercise

Provide extra exercise in the morning or evening to help dogs adjust their energy and sleep patterns. A longer walk or more playtime can lead to better sleep and help them settle into their new bedtime and wake up time. Communicate to pet parents that their pups might be a little tired upon pickup because of a full day of physical activity and enrichment.

Consistent Routine

From home to your pet-care facility and back home again , focus on maintaining a consistent routine as much as possible. Feed dogs at roughly the same time each day, year-round, to support their routine and habit. Dogs expect predictability, and a stable routine can provide comfort during times of change. Use communication tools to ensure pet parents are following similar patterns.

Mindful Monitoring

Monitor for any prolonged changes in behavior. If the dog in your care is having trouble adjusting to the new schedule, an extra shot of energy, like a longer walk, playtime with a new toy, a splash in a pool, or group play,may help. If stress, appetite, or sleep issues persist beyond a week, ensure this is communicated to pet parents so they can rule out any medical issues with their vet.

Relaxation Techniques 

Implement calming techniques, such as gentle massage, soothing music, or aromatherapy specifically designed for dogs can help aid in relaxation during times of stress or change. They can also help dogs begin to settle down in the evening after a full day of training or socialization. Since licking releases calming endorphins, wind down your pups' days with a lick mat or peanut butter-filled Kong.

Additionally, create a “calm zone” in your daycare or training facility that is quiet, dark, and encourages relaxation. Some examples include:

• Covered crate (if they’re crate-trained)
• A specific mat or bed associated with quiet time
• Low lighting and minimal traffic

Consistency helps them associate that space with safety.

Dog trainers know that you can can actually train relaxation by teach a “settle” cue. Reward dogs for lying calmly on a mat, for example, gradually increase duration, and keep your voice low and slow. Over time, this becomes their "off" switch.

Communication with Pet Parents

It bears repeating: Always keep pet parents informed about any changes you observe in their pets. Encourage them to maintain similar adjustments at home. Note that cats may also be affected by daylight savings time changes, but their routines and habits may differ from dogs' as cats are often more in tune with their natural rhythms.

Extra Attention

Some "Velcro" dogs may require more attention and reassurance during this period. Extra cuddles, gentle play, individual walks, or simply spending time sitting with them can be beneficial. 

Pro tip: Offer thoughtful add-ons that pet parents can optionally select through their pet portal for relaxation or energy during this time of year.

While DST can temporarily disrupt a dog's routine, with understanding and adjustments, dog training businesses and doggy daycares can play a crucial role in helping them adapt. By being proactive and attentive, we can ensure our furry friends stay happy and healthy throughout these seasonal changes.

Have a Plan in Place as Daylight Saving Time Begins

As Daylight Saving Time begins each fall and spring, a little preparation can make a big difference in keeping routines smooth and stress levels low. By adjusting schedules gradually, communicating expectations clearly, and planning ahead for changes in sleep, travel, and productivity, you can help ease the transition while dogs are in your care — and while they're at home.

Rather than letting the time change catch you off guard, use it as an opportunity to reset priorities and reinforce healthy habits. With a thoughtful plan in place, you’ll be better positioned to stay focused, energized, and on track in the weeks ahead.

Remember: Every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience and observation are key in navigating through the transition of Daylight Saving Time.

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