TIME CHANGE: WHAT IMPACT DOES IT HAVE ON ANIMALS?
Since last night, we've switched to standard time and set our clocks back one hour, which is often perceived as a welcome sleep boost for humans. However, for our four-legged friends, this sudden time difference can disrupt their internal clocks, which are often regulated to the minute by routine.
Unlike us, animals live according to their circadian rhythm (natural day/night cycle) and are extremely sensitive to the regularity of key events, including meals, walks, and playtime. This Sunday, kibble time or a walk will no longer be the same for them!
ServicesPourAnimaux gives you the keys to helping your dog or cat adjust smoothly.
1. Mealtimes, the main source of stress:
This is the most critical time. If you used to feed your pet at 7:00 p.m., they'll now demand their food at 6:00 p.m., according to the new schedule. This one-hour shift can cause anxiety and persistent vocalizations.
Expert advice: Gradual transition
To avoid digestive stress and excessive behavior, it's best to proceed in stages:
_ Start the transition the day before or the day before.
_ Shift mealtimes by 15 minutes (or 10 minutes) each day, until you reach the new time.
_ Example: If you feed at 7:00 p.m. (the old time), feed tonight at 6:45 p.m. (the new time), then tomorrow morning at 7:45 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m., etc. The goal is to smooth the change over a few days.
2. The dog, walks, and safety:
Dogs, very focused on the ritual of going out, generally adapt well if transitions are made calmly. The new rhythm of walks:
_ Evening walk: The time of the last walk will be brought forward by one hour. This can be beneficial, but be careful not to reduce the light.
_ Morning walk: If you get up an hour later (new time), there may be a long time between waking up and your first walk. If your dog has trouble holding it in, it may be necessary to delay it slightly.
Expert advice: Beware of dim light.
With night falling earlier, vigilance is essential. For late or early morning walks:
_ Equip your dog with a reflective collar or harness, or even a LED light-up collar.
_ If you're walking off-leash, be extremely vigilant in unlit areas (woods, parks, dog parks).
3. Cats and feline insistence:
Cats are adept at waking us up to demand their breakfast.
_ Manage the wait: If your cat wakes you up an hour early, calmly ignore them for 10 to 15 minutes before giving them their food at the new time, so they understand that their insistence hasn't set the clock forward.
_ Play: A play session just before the new mealtime can distract them and reduce their stress related to the wait.
In short, patience and routine are your best allies. A relaxed and well-guided pet will quickly adjust to the new standard time schedule.
If you're looking for a dog trainer or feline behaviorist, click on the link below:
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