Updated October 2026
The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026, giving us an extra hour in bed. That sounds lovely, unless you have a dog who still expects breakfast at the usual time.
Dogs don’t understand British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time. They understand routines, familiar sounds, daylight, feeding times and the little things that tell them what happens next.
I’ve been walking and caring for dogs around Finchley and North London since 2011, and one thing I’ve learnt is how much a predictable routine can matter, especially for nervous dogs, rescue dogs and older pets.
Some dogs won’t notice the change. Others may start waking earlier, asking for food, becoming unsettled or expecting their walk at what suddenly seems like the wrong time.
Fortunately, a few small adjustments can make the change much easier.
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
In the UK, the clocks go back one hour at 2 am on Sunday 25 October 2026.
That means:
- 2 am becomes 1 am.
- Mornings become lighter by the clock.
- Evenings become darker earlier.
- Your dog’s familiar activities may suddenly happen an hour later according to their usual routine.
You can check future dates on the official UK government clock-change page.
For example, if your dog normally has breakfast at 8 am, their body may still expect breakfast at 7 am after the clocks change.
And unlike us, they won’t necessarily appreciate being told it’s Sunday and we’re having a lie-in.
Do dogs really notice the clocks changing?
Some certainly notice changes to their routine.
Dogs use familiar activities and environmental cues to predict what comes next.
These include:
- When you get out of bed.
- The sound of breakfast being prepared.
- Their usual walking times.
- Daylight coming through the windows.
- Family members leaving for work or school.
- Evening meals and bedtime routines.
The Dogs Trust guide to creating a routine explains why predictability helps dogs feel secure.
When several familiar events move by an hour, some dogs need time to adjust.
You might notice earlier waking, more attention-seeking around mealtimes, restlessness or a change in toileting habits.
However, not every change in behaviour is caused by the clocks. Sudden or persistent changes should never automatically be dismissed as a routine problem.
How to prepare your dog before the clocks go back
My preferred approach is to make small changes rather than suddenly expect your dog to follow a completely different schedule.
If possible, start several days before the clock change.
1. Gradually move meal times later
For the autumn clock change, gradually move meals later by around ten minutes at a time.
For example, if breakfast is normally at 8 am:
- Begin at 8 am.
- Move to 8.10 am.
- Then 8.20 am.
- Continue in small steps until breakfast reaches 9 am on the old clock.
- When the clocks go back, 9 am British Summer Time becomes 8 am Greenwich Mean Time.
Your dog has gradually adjusted while you have returned to your normal clock time.
This is a flexible example, not a strict timetable. Some dogs need smaller changes.
The PDSA’s advice on pets and daylight saving also recommends gradual adjustments.
If your dog has diabetes, receives medication at set times or follows a veterinary feeding schedule, speak to your vet before altering those timings.
2. Keep toilet breaks comfortable
A dog who normally goes outside immediately after waking may still need that toilet break at the usual biological time.
Don’t expect them to wait an extra hour simply because the clock has changed.
This is particularly important for puppies, older dogs and dogs with medical conditions.
If necessary, let your dog outside at their usual waking time and adjust the rest of the morning gradually.
And if there is an accident indoors, avoid telling them off. They haven’t done anything wrong.
3. Protect your dog’s sleep
Try to keep the same calm bedtime routine.
That might include:
- A final toilet opportunity.
- A short, relaxed sniff around the garden.
- A familiar sleeping area.
- A quiet house without unnecessary excitement.
- A comfortable place where your dog can rest undisturbed.
If your dog wakes earlier than usual, check whether they genuinely need something before trying to encourage them to settle again.
Good sleep matters to dogs just as it does to us.
Darker evenings mean changing dog walks
For me, one of the biggest practical issues with the autumn clock change is the loss of evening daylight.
An afternoon walk that was comfortable in daylight may suddenly finish in the dark.
Around Finchley, I regularly walk dogs near Cherry Tree Wood, Coldfall Wood and other local green spaces.
These can be lovely places to explore, but a route that works beautifully in daylight isn’t necessarily the best choice after dark.
Where possible, I recommend:
- Bringing the main walk forward into daylight.
- Choosing familiar, well-lit routes when walking after dark.
- Using a secure, comfortable harness and fixed-length lead.
- Wearing something visible yourself.
- Considering reflective accessories for your dog.
- Carrying a reliable torch.
- Giving nervous dogs more space around unfamiliar people, cyclists and other dogs.
I don’t use retractable leads, and I prefer equipment that allows me to manage a dog calmly and safely.
For more detailed advice, see my Night-Time Dog Walking Safety Guide.
You can also read my Autumn Dog Walking Tips, which cover seasonal walking conditions in greater detail.
What about nervous and rescue dogs?
For dogs who already find changes difficult, an altered routine may be one more thing to manage.
Some dogs are particularly sensitive to unexpected noises, unfamiliar surroundings or changes in their normal activities.
My advice is to avoid changing everything at once.
Keep the important things familiar:
- Their usual walking routes where practical.
- Familiar feeding and resting places.
- The same gentle handling and reward-based approach.
- Opportunities to move away from things they find worrying.
- Plenty of quiet time between activities.
A dog who appears unsettled doesn’t necessarily need more exercise or a busier day.
Sometimes they need less pressure and more predictability.
You can find further advice in my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Guide.
Try a little calming enrichment
On days when walks are shorter or the weather is unpleasant, suitable enrichment can help provide enjoyable activities without adding unnecessary excitement.
Ideas include:
- Scattering a few treats for your dog to find.
- A gentle indoor scent game.
- A stuffed Kong or suitable food toy.
- A short reward-based training game.
- Letting your dog spend extra time sniffing on a familiar walk.
Always choose something appropriate for your individual dog, supervise activities where needed and allow them to rest.
You don’t need to entertain them constantly.
My Dog Enrichment Guide has more ideas for different ages, abilities and confidence levels.
Older dogs may need more time
Senior dogs can find changes in routine more difficult, particularly if they have mobility problems, changes in vision or hearing, or cognitive difficulties.
Rather than expecting them to adjust quickly, I would concentrate on keeping life comfortable.
Make sure:
- Toilet breaks remain easily available.
- Walks suit their current mobility and health.
- Their sleeping area is comfortable and accessible.
- They can move safely around the house.
- You avoid unnecessary changes to feeding and medication.
- They have plenty of uninterrupted rest.
Don’t assume new confusion, night-time restlessness or repeated accidents are simply part of getting older or the clocks changing.
These can have medical causes and deserve veterinary advice.
Remember that fireworks season is approaching
The clocks going back also brings us closer to Halloween and Bonfire Night.
For dogs who are worried by fireworks, suddenly darker evenings can make it more difficult to fit walks around potential noise.
I prefer to plan ahead rather than wait until a dog becomes frightened.
Where practical, arrange a comfortable daytime walk, provide a familiar resting space and make sure your dog has opportunities to toilet safely.
My Dogs and Fireworks Guide covers preparation, safety and ways to support dogs who struggle with loud noises.
Do cats and smaller pets notice the time change?
Dogs aren’t the only animals who follow familiar routines.
Cats may expect meals or access to the garden at particular times. Rabbits and guinea pigs can also become accustomed to regular feeding and care.
The same general principle applies: avoid making unnecessary sudden changes.
For cats, consider adjusting feeding times gradually and reviewing outdoor access as evenings become darker.
For rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets, maintain their feeding, companionship and welfare routines, and check that outdoor accommodation remains suitable for colder autumn weather.
If you’re going away, written feeding and care instructions are especially useful.
You can learn more about my Cat Sitting Service in Finchley.
What if you’ve forgotten to prepare?
Don’t worry if the clocks have already changed.
You can still help your dog adjust.
If your dog starts asking for breakfast an hour earlier, gradually move the meal towards your preferred time over the following days.
The same approach can be used for walks and bedtime.
However, don’t delay food, medication or toilet breaks where doing so could compromise your pet’s health or comfort.
There is no rule that every dog must follow an exact seven-day timetable.
Watch the dog in front of you and adjust the plan to suit them.
When should you contact your vet?
If your dog develops sudden or unusual behaviour changes, don’t assume the clock change is responsible.
Contact your vet if you notice:
- New or persistent confusion.
- Repeated toileting accidents.
- Significant changes in appetite or thirst.
- Signs of pain or discomfort.
- Unusual night-time restlessness.
- Marked distress or changes that are getting worse.
Some of these signs can indicate medical problems that need prompt attention.
Frequently asked questions
Will my dog wake up an hour earlier when the clocks go back?
They might. If your dog is accustomed to waking at 7 am, they may initially wake at 6 am after the autumn change. A gradual adjustment to their routine can help.
Should I change my dog’s feeding time immediately?
For a healthy dog, gradual ten-minute adjustments are often gentler than a sudden one-hour change. Follow veterinary advice where feeding or medication times are medically important.
How long does it take a dog to adjust?
It depends on the individual dog. Some barely notice, while others need several days or longer. Keep routines predictable and seek professional advice if problems persist or cause significant distress.
Should I walk my dog earlier when the clocks go back?
If possible, moving the main walk into daylight can be useful, especially for nervous dogs or those who find dark surroundings difficult.
A little patience goes a long way
The clocks changing may seem like a small event to us, but for some dogs it disrupts the routine they rely on.
My advice is simple.
Make small adjustments, keep things predictable, maintain comfortable toilet opportunities and adapt your walks to the shorter days.
Most importantly, pay attention to how your individual dog is coping.
I’ve always believed that dog care should fit the dog rather than expecting every dog to fit the same routine.
If you’re in Finchley or Muswell Hill and need help keeping your pet’s routine consistent, you can read more about my one-to-one dog walking or house sitting and overnight pet care.
A familiar routine, calm handling and a little patience can make a real difference.
