Dogs and Clocks changing

Table of contents

Keep routine, sleep and safety on track.

Twice a year, the clocks move. Your dog does not get the memo. Their body says it is breakfast time. Your alarm says another hour. That mismatch is where stress creeps in for many homes.

I see it every March and October. Some dogs sail through it. Others pace, whine, wake early, raid bins, have accidents, or beg for their evening walk at the wrong time. If your dog is young, sensitive, on medication, or already anxious, the bump can feel bigger. Cats also notice changes in feeding and curfew schedules. Small pets respond to light and noise cues in the home.

The good news. You can protect your routine with simple steps. You do not need fancy gear. You do need a plan, patience, and consistency. Dogs and clocks can live together without tears.

Here is what I cover for you.

  • What the time change does to dogs
  • A step-by-step plan for the week before and after
  • Adjusting dog walks in darker evenings
  • Feeding, toileting, and sleep without mixed signals
  • Calming ideas for separation and barking
  • Extra care for older dogs
  • Quick tips for cats and small pets
  • When to bring in a trusted dog walker

I keep this practical and evidence-based. Dogs are creatures of habit. Disrupted routine can raise stress. Slow changes, the Kennel Club’s advice is clear. Adjust your schedules gradually to minimise stress when the clocks change. (The Kennel Club)

Suppose you can start early, that would be even better. The PDSA suggests moving bedtimes in small steps, for example, ten minutes per evening. That same idea works for meals and Let’s. (PDSA)

Let’s create a plan that suits your home, schedule, and your dog.

Does the clock’s changing affect dogs?

Short answer. Yes, for many dogs, in small ways that matter to daily life. Dogs build expectations around time-linked cues. Light levels, your alarm, the school run, the kettle on, keys picked up, the food bowl sounds, and the lead lifted all signal what happens next.

When those cues shift by an hour, your dog still expects the old pattern. That is why you often see early wake-ups, mealtime pestering, or toilet accidents near dawn or late at night. Dogs Trust frames this. Dogs thrive on a routine they can predict, encompassing food, walks, toilet, play, training, rest, and sleep. (Dogs Trust)

Ask yourself. Where does the clock change hit your home the hardest? Breakfast. Bedtime. The last toilet trip. The morning walk. Pick one place to start, then stack the rest.

A seven-day adjustment plan that works

If you have a week before the change, follow this plan. If you are already mid-week, start where you are and keep the same daily step size.

The idea

Move key events by ten to fifteen minutes each day. Please do it for meals, walks, toilet breaks, play, and bedtime. Small steps feel easy. The PDSA and Petlog both suggest ten-minute shifts. That gentle pace smooths the bump for most pets. (PDSA)

The schedule

  • Day 1
    Move breakfast, first toilet break, and the first walk by ten minutes. Move dinner and last toilet break by ten minutes.
  • Day 2
    Add another ten minutes. Keep the new times consistent.
  • Day 3 to Day 6
    Keep adding ten minutes per day. Keep the order the same so cues still make sense to your dog.
  • Day 7
    You are now about an hour shifted. Stick to the new routine for a whole week to solidify the habit.

After the change

  • Stick with the new times for two weeks.
  • If sleep is still disrupted, hold feeding times steady and shift the last toilet trip by an additional five to ten minutes for three nights.
  • If your dog wakes early, avoid feeding at the new early time. Use a quiet chew or snuffle mat in the crate or on a bed. Keep the room dim. Wait for ten to fifteen minutes of calm before you greet them.

Real-life example

I worked with a collie who started waking at 4.45 after the autumn change. We moved dinner and the last toilet by ten minutes each night. We added a stuffed Kong at 5.00 in a quiet place for three mornings, then faded it. Within a week, they were waking at the target time, not pacing the house.

Clock changes can disrupt feeding, sleep, walking schedules, and toilet routines. A progressive shift keeps stress lower for most dogs. (vets-now.com)

Adjusting dog walks as evenings get darker.

Darker evenings change risk. Visibility drops. Paths are busier near rush hour. Some dogs startle more in the dark. Your route and kit choices do the heavy lifting in terms of dog safety here.

Route and timing

  • Pick well-lit, familiar routes for the first week.
  • Avoid narrow cut-throughs and unlit parks after dusk.
  • If your dog is noise sensitive, aim for earlier slots before peak traffic.
  • If the morning is now brighter, move one sniff-heavy walk to the morning for a while.

Be seen and be safe

  • Wear high-visibility clothing. Use a head torch or hand torch. The Kennel Club advises wearing high-visibility clothing and carrying a torch to make both you and your dog more visible in low light.
  • Fit your dog with reflective gear or a clip-on light.
  • Keep ID tags and microchip details current.
  • Keep leads in good condition. Use a secure, well-fitting harness.

On the walk

  • Shorten the lead near roads or cyclists.
  • Pause at kerbs. Give your dog two seconds to check in with you.
  • Avoid ball flingers in the dark. It is easy to lose sight of your dog.
  • If your dog is nervous, pick a wide path and step off to the side to let others pass.

Vets Now also advises a reflective kit for night walks. It helps you and your dog stay visible and safer. (vets-now.com)

Feeding, toileting and sleep without mixed signals

Food, toilet and sleep anchor dogs routine. Small, steady shifts prevent most hiccups.

Feeding

  • Move meals by ten minutes per day.
  • Keep the portion the same.
  • Use a slow feeder or scatter feed to buy calm minutes if your dog is frantic at the new time.
  • Keep water available at all times.

Changing diets or feeding patterns suddenly can upset stomachs. Keep the food the same unless your vet advises otherwise. The RSPCA notes that a sudden diet change can cause problems, and you should ask your vet if your eating or drinking habits change. (RSPCA)

Toileting

  • Tie toilet trips to meals and wake times, not only the clock.
  • Add one extra toilet break in the evening for the first three nights after the change.
  • Praise outdoor toileting. Keep nighttime fuss low-key.

Older dogs may need more frequent toilet breaks. That is normal and worth planning for during clock changes.

Sleep

  • Stick to a simple wind-down routine.—lasttoilet. Settle on a bed. Calm chew for five minutes. Lights down.
  • Use blackout blinds if dawn wakes your dog too early.
  • Keep the bedroom temperature steady.
  • If your dog wakes, guide them back to bed once. Avoid a full play session or an early breakfast.

Calming the home when routine changes trigger anxiety

Some dogs worry more when the plan changes. You can help your dog feel safe with easy daily actions.

Build calm into the day.

  • Add sniff-based enrichment options: snuffle mats, lick mats, hide-and-seek treats, and cardboard boxes
  • Keep sessions short—five to ten minutes, twice a day.
  • Provide a quiet, cosy rest space away from the hustle.

This kind of enrichment reduces frustration and supports relaxation. It serves as a sound buffer when the routine moves across clocks. (

Prevent separation struggles

  • Keep short, frequent absences in your week so alone time stays.
  • Pair “our “going out” cues with a settle mat and a food toy.
  • Increase time away in small steps, then mix in easy wins so it never only gets.

The RSPCA’s step-by-step alone-time training uses short, progressive absences with rewards for calm. It maps well to weeks when clocks change and your diary adjusts.

A quick reset after a bumpy night

  • Morning toilet break on lead.
  • Easy scent walk.
  • Breakfast in a puzzle feeder.
  • A nap in a quiet space.
  • Keep the rest of the day low-key.

Older dogs need a gentler plan.

Senior dogs often feel the effects of clock changes more. Joints are stiff. Bladders are fussy. Sleep can be lighter.

  • Keep everything predictable. Same order. Same place. Same words.
  • Shorter, more frequent walks are kinder on joints.
  • Make toilet areas easily accessible and well-lit.
  • Use non-slip mats near beds, bowls and doors.
  • Consider a coat for thin-coated dogs on dark, cold evenings.
  • Keep water close by overnight.

Older dogs prefer a steady routine and may need to go to the toilet more often. Please support them by minimising change and keeping essentials within easy reach.

Cats and small pets when the clocks change

Cats notice time shifts around feeding and door schedules. Small animals notice changes in light and handling in the home. Help them in the same slow, steady way.

Cats

  • Move meals by ten minutes per day.
  • If you use a timed feeder, adjust the schedule in small steps.
  • Keep curfews predictable. If you bring your cat in before dark, set an alarm so the change does not creep up on you.
  • Offer play before the new bedtime to tire an active cat.
  • Update ID and microchip details in case a spooked cat slips out in the dark.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets

  • Keep feeding and handling times consistent.
  • Check nighttime housing is secure and draught-free.
  • Protect from sudden noise. Move hutches away from gates and bins if the new routine causes traffic to arrive earlier or later.
  • Keep water bottles from freezing as darker evenings bring colder temps.

For broad pet care guidance across the RSPCA, the RSPCA’s advice hub is a solid reference point when you tweak routines. (RSPCA)

When mornings start too early

Early wake-ups are the top complaint after the autumn change. You can avoid reinforcing the new pattern.

  • Do not feed your dog immediately after they wake up.
  • Keep lights low and voices quiet.
  • Offer a safe chew on the bed.
  • Wait for calm, then greet and start the day.
  • Shift breakfast later by five to ten minutes over the next week.

Routine disruption can raise mild stress. A gradual return to your target wake time helps most dogs settle.

Balancing your diary with a trusted dog walker

Work shifts change with the light. School runs move. If your weekday rhythm no longer suits you, consider bringing in help for a few weeks while you reset your dog’s routine.

Look for a trusted dog walker who prioritises welfare, is insured, and has received training in pet first aid. Yappily is a UK directory that approves dog professionals who meet welfare-focused standards. You can filter for one-to-one walks, senior care, or calm dogs that need space. (Yappily)

If you prefer one-to-one, I specialise in solo, enrichment-based walks that start at your door. That is helpful for dogs who struggle with change or are overwhelmed by busy parks. For added peace of mind, you can learn more about what a Yappily membership means for local owners on my website. (Finchley Dog Walker)

Updating and building on my previous advice

In my earlier blog, I focused on calm enrichment, a consistent walking routine, a quiet rest space, and avoiding overstimulating places during the first days after the clock change. All of that still stands. The expanded plan above includes a day-by-day schedule, additional steps for nighttime safety, extra support for older dogs, and clear guidance for cats and small pets. It also folds in alone-time training to prevent barking and door stress on the first week back at work.

Quick checklists you can save

Night walk kit

  • Charged head torch or torch
  • Hi-vis clothing for you
  • Reflective or light-up gear for your dog
  • ID tag checked and readable
  • Poop bags and wet wipes
  • Phone with emergency ICE contact

First week after the change

  • Keep a simple diary of meals, toilet, walks and sleep
  • Hold the new times for at least seven days
  • Add one extra toilet break for the next three nights
  • Keep play short and gentle near bedtime
  • Use scent games to meet needs without over-arousal

Red flags that need a vet check

  • Sudden change in appetite or thirst
  • Straining or repeated accidents after the first few days
  • New night restlessness in older dogs
  • Confusion or getting stuck behind furniture
  • Heavy panting at rest or a disturbing night cough

If in doubt, call your vet. A routine tweak will not fix a medical issue.

FAQ

How long does it take dogs to adjust when the clocks change

Most settle within one to two weeks if you shift meals, walks and sleep by about ten minutes per day. Keep cues predictable and avoid big jumps. If sleep or toileting issues persist beyond two weeks, consult your veterinarian or a qualified trainer. (PDSA)

Should I feed an hour earlier, straight away

No. Move meals in small steps over a week. Sudden changes can upset stomachs and increase begging. Keep water down, use a slow feeder if your dog is frantic, and hold your nerve.

Are dark evening walks safe for nervous dogs

They can be planned. Choose bright routes, use high-visibility clothing and a torch, and maintain a safe distance from others. Keep the first week shorter while your dog adjusts to new shadows and sounds.

Do older dogs struggle more with clock changes?

Often yes. They need steadier routines and more toilet breaks. Keep everything easy to reach and avoid late, high-arousal play. Chat to your vet if you notice new confusion or accidents.

Can a trusted dog walker help during the change?

Yes. A welfare-first walker can keep walks at the right time, add enrichment, and reduce pressure on your diary while your dog adjusts. Yappily lets you find approved local walkers.

Wrap up

Clocks move. Your pet does not. When you understand that gap, you can bridge it. Small daily steps are kinder on your dog’s health and your sleep. Shift meals and walks slowly. Protect dog safety on darker evenings with visible kit and simple route choices. Add calm, enriched dogs’ needs front and centre. If your diary is tight, consider bringing in a trusted dog walker while you reset your routine.

If you would like help with adjusting dog walks, solo one-to-one walks, cat feeding, or small pet visits, I can support you through this change. You can also use Yappily to find approved, welfare-first professionals in your area.