As Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends next week, Australians in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT will roll their clocks back an hour, signaling the start of the cooler months. While most humans can adjust easily to the time change, it can be a bit trickier for our furry friends.
Dogs are creatures of habit and rely heavily on routines. They don’t understand time the way we do, but they do recognize patterns and anticipate activities based on previous experiences. For example, if you take your dog for a walk or feed them at the same time each day, they can sense when it’s time for those activities.
So, what happens when the clocks go back an hour? The good news is that most dogs won’t be significantly stressed by the change, but some might feel a bit confused or anxious, especially when it comes to meal times or walks.
How to Help Your Dog Adjust:
Dog behavior expert Nathan Williams suggests a simple way to help dogs who may be sensitive to the time change. Rather than making a sudden shift to the new schedule, ease them into it by adjusting their routine gradually. For example, if your dog typically eats or goes for walks at 6:00 PM, start by feeding them or taking them out 15 minutes later each day until the time difference is fully adjusted.
This gradual shift can minimize any confusion or anxiety that might arise when the clocks change. While most dogs will adapt without much issue, this trick is particularly helpful for those who are more anxious or sensitive to changes in routine.
By following this approach, you can help your pet transition smoothly into the end of Daylight Saving Time without too much stress.