Helping Your Pet Adjust When the Clocks Go Back

It’s coming round to that time of year when the clocks change. It can throw off our routines and even we, with our digital calendars and smartphone reminders, can get a little confused when the clocks go forward or back. While most pets can't tell the time, they do have internal body clocks that help them establish daily routines around feeding, exercise, sleep and play.

When the clocks change, some pets may find the disruption to their routine stressful and take time to adjust. This can lead to changes in behaviour, such as restlessness, changes in behaviour around food, or increased attention-seeking.

To help keep your pets comfortable during the transition, this article explores the signs that your dog, cat or horse may be struggling to adapt, along with practical advice to help them settle into their new routine.

Signs Your Dog May Be Struggling With the Clocks Going Back

Dogs often thrive on routine, meaning some may struggle to adjust when feeding, walking or bedtime schedules suddenly change.

Look Out For:

• Waking up earlier than usual
• Asking for food before mealtimes
• Restlessness around walk times
• Increased whining or attention-seeking
• Difficulty settling into their usual routine

Signs Your Cat May Be Struggling With the Clocks Going Back

Cats are creatures of habit and can be particularly sensitive to disruptions in their daily routine.

Look Out For:

• Hiding more than usual
• Increased vocalisation (such as excessive meowing)
• Changes in appetite
• Sleeping more than usual
• Appearing restless, tense or easily startled
• Avoiding people or other pets
• Over-grooming or excessive licking
• Increased scratching of furniture or other objects
• Urinating outside the litter tray or spraying indoors
• Irritability or aggression

Signs Your Horse May Be Struggling With the Clocks Going Back

Horses rely heavily on predictable daily routines, so changes to feeding, turnout or exercise schedules may affect some individuals more than others.

Look Out For:

• Changes in appetite or reduced interest in food
• Restlessness or pacing
• Increased vocalisation (whinnying more than usual)
• Becoming more alert, tense or easily startled
• Excessive pawing at the ground
• Weaving
• Crib-biting or wind-sucking
• Reduced interest in social interaction with other horses
• Irritability or unusual aggression
• Changes in performance or unwillingness to work

Helping Your Pet Adjust

Gradually Adjust Their Routine

By gradually adjusting your pet's routine, you can help ease them into the time change. Small changes are generally easier for pets to adapt to than sudden disruptions, reducing the likelihood of stress.

In the week before the clocks change, consider moving feeding times, walks, exercise sessions or turnout times by 10 to 15 minutes each day to help your pet adjust more comfortably. For example, if your dog is normally fed at 7am, try moving breakfast by 10 to 15 minutes each day in the week leading up to the clock change until you reach the new target time.

Maintain Regular Exercise and Enrichment

Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help pets feel more settled while they adjust to changes in their routine. Keeping familiar activities, such as walks, play sessions, training, turnout or ridden work, as consistent as possible can provide reassurance and help maintain a sense of normality during the transition.

Monitor Your Pet's Behaviour

Most pets will adapt to the clocks changing within a few days. However, it's important to monitor your pet for signs of persistent stress or behavioural changes.

These can include:

• Signs of stress persist for more than a week or two
• Your pet stops eating or shows a clear change in appetite
• Behavioural changes are becoming more severe
• Your pet becomes aggressive or difficult to handle
• You notice self-injurious behaviours (e.g. excessive over-grooming in cats)
• You're concerned their behaviour could be linked to an underlying health issue

If your pet is showing any of these signs, get in contact with your vet for advice and support.

While the clocks changing may cause temporary disruption to your pet's routine, most dogs, cats and horses adjust quickly with a little patience and consistency. By recognising the signs of stress and making gradual adjustments to feeding, exercise and other daily activities, you can help your pet settle into their new routine more comfortably.

Remember to maintain any ongoing treatment plans or prescription medication schedules during this period. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, wellbeing or behaviour, speak to your vet for advice.