Your dog doesn’t get the memo on the change to Daylight Savings time. They are creatures of habit with an internal clock determined by natural light. Their days are measured by changes in light and by our behavior. Their routines keep them happy, secure, and calm. Our pets are incredibly sensitive to our schedule – waiting by the door for the 7am walk and bathroom break, sitting in the window as we arrive home from work, staring at their food dish at the appointed time for dinner. Their security comes from knowing how and when we’re going to do the things that are important to their lives. Then suddenly, their morning walk is a lot earlier, before potty time, in the dark. We suddenly appear at the door when their acute sense of time says we should still be away, diner is wonderfully early but still unexpected. Your dog’s world is suddenly a bit unpredictable, and this is a source of stress and anxiety in a world totally dependent on knowing how you behave. There are a few steps you can take to help your dog transition across this one-hour jolt in their lives. 1. Your dog may be anxious walking in the now dark of morning. Bring extra treats and provide reassurance to any signs of anxiety. Be aware that the dark hour means more wildlife may be around to distract. Your dog’s schedule may require a bit more time for potty time as he adjusts. 2. If your arrival home is now earlier take a few extra minutes to greet your dog or add a short walk to quiet the excitement of your early return. If your pet is older or disabled and their walk is by pet stroller the time outdoors with you is equally important. 3. Dinner time is a highly anticipated part of your pet’s day. You can help adjust the schedule by gradually moving feeding time to the time they expect instead of moving it suddenly by a full hour.4. Night time walks are often potty time. Avoid an uncomfortable pet or a messed carpet by taking your evening stroll later by smaller increments. The early hour may mean that your patience may be required as your pet’s digestive system catches up to the clock. Dogs are more active during hours of light as part of their normal rhythm and the longer days mean that your dog may look for more outdoor time.5. Sleep time may be a problem for your pet as their internal clock says it isn’t time to sleep yet. Avoiding play time for the hour or so before the end of the evening can help your dog accept a new routine.6. For dogs with medication regimens it is important to observe the medication intervals particularly for dogs with problems such as diabetes. It is important to remember that animals are incredibly tuned to your mood. They sense your stress and it makes them anxious. Even a small degree of time-change discomfort can send your pet reeling until you return home. Your attention to this sudden change in their lives can help them enjoy the change to longer days.We're celebrating Daylight Savings Time with a $10 off coupon for any purchase of $150 or more at our website http://www.petroverusa.com. Visit our site for the best quality strollers for your pets.
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