I don’t know about you, but the thought of getting an extra hour of sleep sounds pretty good to me. Of course, anybody who shares their home with dogs or cats knows that our furry family members don’t always follow the schedule we have in mind! Or at least Sandi, Bear and Pheobie don’t. How about your animals?
When a pet expects breakfast, a walk, or attention at a certain time, changing the clocks doesn’t necessarily change what they expect from us. And if your dog is standing by the door or your cat is reminding you that the food bowl exists, you might find yourself awake before you planned. With daylight saving time ending on Sunday, November 1, 2026, now is a good time to think about how we can help our pets adjust.
In most of the United States, daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1. The clocks move back one hour, giving us that familiar extra hour on the clock. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time. The Navajo Nation does observe it, unlike the rest of Arizona. While we may appreciate the change, our pets don’t understand why the clock suddenly says something different. They rely on familiar routines, including meals, bathroom breaks, walks, playtime, and bedtime.
According to veterinarian Dr. Kelly Hood, speaking for Pet Health Digest, some pets may continue expecting their usual activities at the times they have learned to anticipate. Others may adjust without much trouble. The important thing is to pay attention to the individual animal rather than assume every pet will react the same way.
1. Adjust Feeding Times Gradually– If your dog or cat is accustomed to eating at a particular time, consider adjusting the schedule gradually during the days leading up to November 1.
For healthy adult pets with ordinary feeding schedules, shifting meals and activities by approximately 10 to 15 minutes a day may help make the transition easier. Some animals may need smaller adjustments. The goal isn’t to force your pet into a new schedule overnight. Instead, make small changes and watch how your pet responds. Remember that puppies, kittens, and pets with medical conditions or specific feeding requirements may need a different plan. Ask your veterinarian if you aren’t sure what is appropriate for your pet.
2. Don’t Make Your Dog Wait for a Bathroom Break– An extra hour of sleep sounds wonderful until your dog wakes you because nature is calling!
A change in the clock doesn’t mean your dog can comfortably wait longer to go outside. If your pet needs a bathroom break, make that a priority. Keep the outing calm if it’s still early, give your dog the opportunity to relieve themselves, and work toward your preferred schedule gradually. Cats also need access to clean litter boxes throughout the day and night. If an accident happens during the adjustment, don’t punish your pet. Consider whether the time between bathroom opportunities has become too long.
3. Keep Track of Meals to Avoid Double-Feeding– When several family members share responsibility for feeding pets, a schedule change can create confusion.
One person might feed the dog early, while another assumes breakfast hasn’t been served yet. Before you know it, your pet has received two meals instead of one! Keep track of when meals are served, especially if more than one person helps care for your animals.
For pets that eat several small meals throughout the day, remember to stay within their established daily food allowance. Treats, training rewards, and food placed in puzzle feeders count, too. A little communication can prevent accidental overfeeding and keep everyone on the same page.
4. Check Your Automatic Pet Feeder– If you use an automatic feeder, don’t assume it will handle the time change exactly as you expect.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions and confirm the displayed time and upcoming feeding schedule before and after November 1. Some connected feeders update automatically, while others may require attention. Make sure the next scheduled meal will arrive when you intend it to. If someone in your household also feeds your pet by hand, make sure they know whether the automatic feeder has already dispensed food.
5. Keep Familiar Routines– Meals aren’t the only activities pets anticipate. They may also look forward to their daily walk, playtime, cuddles, and the familiar routine that signals bedtime. Try to preserve those comforting activities while adjusting the timing gradually.
For dogs, that may mean keeping their regular opportunities to walk, sniff, and explore. For cats, it might mean maintaining familiar play sessions and providing a quiet place to rest. Older pets, particularly those experiencing cognitive changes, may find routine disruptions more difficult. If your pet becomes confused or distressed, speak with your veterinarian about ways to make the transition easier.
6. Talk to Your Veterinarian About Medication– If your pet receives insulin or another medication on a timed schedule, don’t change the treatment plan simply because the clocks change.
Ask your veterinarian beforehand how to handle meals and medication on November 1. The right approach depends on your pet’s condition and prescribed treatment. Never skip, double, or change a medication dose based on a general daylight saving time schedule. Make sure everyone responsible for your pet understands the instructions.
7. Remember That Evening Walks Will Get Darker Earlier– When the clocks fall back, sunset occurs earlier according to the clock. That means your usual evening walk may take place in darker conditions.
Choose a well-lit route when possible. Keep your dog on a secure leash and consider reflective or illuminated equipment for both you and your pet. Carrying a light can also help you see uneven pavement and other hazards along the way. You don’t have to give up your usual walk. You may simply need to make a few adjustments to keep everyone safe.
When Should You Be Concerned? A change in routine may explain why your pet seems to expect breakfast earlier than usual, but don’t assume every change in behavior is caused by the clocks.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet stops eating, seems painful, becomes unusually lethargic, or develops new toileting problems. A cat that repeatedly strains to urinate but produces little or no urine needs immediate veterinary attention because a urinary blockage can be life-threatening. As Dr. Hood advises, watch the animal in front of you. Some pets adjust easily, while others need a little more patience and preparation.
Let’s Make the Time Change Easier for Our Pets– We may look forward to that extra hour in bed, but our pets are counting on us to keep their needs in mind.
A gradual adjustment, consistent meals, timely bathroom breaks, and a little extra attention can help make the transition smoother for the whole household. And if your dog or cat still thinks breakfast should happen at the old time, remember that they aren’t trying to ruin your morning. They’re simply following the routine they’ve learned.
What about your pets? Do your dogs or cats wake you up at the same time every morning, no matter what the clock says? Have you ever had a pet that made it clear the time change was not part of their plans? I’d love to hear your stories!
Source
This article was prepared using information supplied by Pet Health Digest, featuring veterinary advice from Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM.
Original source: Pet Health Digest — An Extra Hour in Bed? Your Pet May Have Other Plans When the Clocks Fall Back
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