The clocks are going back, which means an extra hour in bed for us. Lovely, right? Well, your dog might have other ideas!
While we’re looking forward to a Sunday morning lie-in, our four-legged friends might still be expecting their breakfast, morning walk or toilet break at exactly the same time as usual.
Dogs love a routine. It helps them feel safe, settled and confident about what comes next. So, when the clocks change, even a difference of just one hour can leave some dogs feeling a little out of sorts.
The good news? With a little preparation, patience and a few small adjustments, you can help your dog take the clock change in their stride.
Yes, some dogs do notice when the clocks change, even though they don’t understand what the clocks actually mean.
Dogs have their own internal body clocks, known as circadian rhythms, which help regulate when they sleep, wake up and feel hungry. They also learn to recognise everyday cues, such as daylight, mealtimes and when you usually reach for their lead.
When the clocks go back in autumn, these familiar routines suddenly happen an hour later according to the new time.
For example, if your dog normally has breakfast at 7am, their body might still be expecting it at what is now 6am. And if they’re used to waking you up for their morning toilet break, you might find yourself with a rather enthusiastic early-morning alarm clock!
Not every dog will be bothered by the change, but some may become restless, wake earlier than usual or seem a little confused about when their favourite activities are happening.
If your dog is a creature of habit, suddenly expecting them to stay in bed for an extra hour might be a bit of a big ask.
Rather than changing everything overnight, try gradually adjusting their routine in the days leading up to the clocks going back.
Start by moving their bedtime and morning routine around 10–15 minutes later each day. By the time the clocks change, they’ll hopefully be much closer to their usual routine on the new time.
If your dog needs to go to the toilet early in the morning, don’t make them wait simply because the clock says it’s too early. Give them the opportunity to go outside and gradually work towards your preferred waking time.
A little gentle exercise, playtime or mental enrichment in the evening can also help your dog settle down for a good night’s sleep.
We all know a dog who can tell you it’s dinnertime without ever looking at a clock!
For dogs who are particularly enthusiastic about their meals, the clocks going back can mean breakfast and dinner suddenly feel very late.
To help avoid hungry tummies and impatient looks across the kitchen, try moving mealtimes back by 10–15 minutes each day in the week before the change.
For example, if your dog usually eats at 7am, you could gradually move their breakfast to 7:15am, then 7:30am and so on, until they’re comfortable eating an hour later on the old clock.
When the clocks go back, this will bring them back to their usual 7am breakfast on the new clock.
Of course, some dogs won’t mind the change at all, while others may need a little longer to adjust. The important thing is to go at a pace that works for your dog.
Walkies are often the highlight of a dog’s day, and they might not appreciate having to wait an extra hour for their favourite adventure!
If your dog seems restless before their usual walk, consider giving them a short toilet break, some supervised garden time or a little enrichment activity to keep them occupied.
Try to keep the rest of their walking routine as familiar as possible, including the places you visit and the activities they enjoy.
If your usual afternoon walk is suddenly taking place in the dark, it’s worth thinking about how you can keep your dog safe and comfortable.
And remember, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. A snuffle mat, puzzle feeder or a few minutes of scent games at home can be a brilliant way to keep your dog entertained when the evenings draw in.
For some dogs, keeping to a consistent routine isn’t just about comfort. It’s important for their health, too.
If your dog takes medication at specific times, particularly for conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, it’s important not to change their medication schedule without speaking to your vet first.
Some medications need to be given at carefully timed intervals or alongside meals, so even a small change could matter.
Your vet can advise you on the safest way to manage the clock change while keeping your dog’s treatment on track.
Every dog is different. Some will barely notice the clocks changing, while others might need a little extra reassurance.
You might notice your dog:
If your dog seems unsettled, try slowing down the adjustments and keeping the rest of their day as familiar as possible.
A predictable routine, plenty of positive interactions and a little patience can make all the difference.
If your dog shows significant or persistent changes in their behaviour, appetite or toileting habits, speak to your vet rather than assuming it’s simply down to the clocks changing.
In the UK, the clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
This means that 2am becomes 1am, giving us an extra hour overnight.
If you know your dog finds changes in routine difficult, it’s worth starting to make small adjustments around a week beforehand.
At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we know that every dog is an individual. Some will happily snooze through the extra hour without a second thought, while others will be standing beside their food bowl wondering why breakfast is taking so long!
The most important thing is to understand your dog’s needs and give them the time and reassurance they need to adjust.
Whether it’s changing their mealtimes a few minutes at a time, making room for an earlier toilet break or finding new ways to keep them entertained on darker evenings, those little things can make a big difference to their wellbeing.
After all, our dogs rely on us to help them feel safe, happy and understood, whatever the time on the clock.
Looking for more advice on keeping your dog happy and healthy?
At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we’re here to support dogs and the people who love them. Explore our dog advice and support resources for more helpful tips on giving your four-legged friend the best life possible.
Many dogs will settle into their new routine within a few days to a week, although some may take longer. Gradually changing feeding, walking and sleeping times can help make the transition easier.
Your dog’s internal body clock is still following their old routine. If they normally wake up at 7am, their body may now be telling them it’s time to get up at 6am. Gradually adjusting their morning routine can help them get used to the new time.
If your dog is used to eating at set times, it’s usually best to adjust their meals gradually rather than suddenly making them wait an extra hour. Moving mealtimes by 10–15 minutes each day can help them adapt.
Puppies may find changes in routine more challenging because they’re still learning when to eat, sleep and go to the toilet. Keep toilet breaks frequent, avoid making them wait longer than they’re comfortable with and make any changes gradually.
Some dogs can become unsettled when their familiar routines change. They might seem more restless, seek reassurance or become frustrated around mealtimes and walks. Keeping their day predictable and introducing changes gradually can help.
