The transition to summer time is approaching (as well as the change of season). This change has consequences for us humans and also for our faithful four-legged friends. What are the consequences of the change from solar time on the habits of dogs?
Today we try to understand what consequences thesummer time in the dog and we give you some suggestions on how to help Fido deal with this change.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
L’daylight savings time is a convection introduced in the European Union in 1996 for reasons of energy saving. It is about moving the hands of the state clocks forward by one hour in order to make the most of the sunlight during the summer period. This passage is the loud announcement of the transition from winter to the long-awaited spring.
On the contrary, solar time is the backward movement of the clock hands that accompanies us throughout the winter period.
Daylight saving time change of 2023: when to move the hands?
In 2023, the time change will take place on the night between Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March. Precisely at 2 in the morning (which will therefore become 3!).
Nowadays most devices make this change automatically.
The most concrete consequence of this change is that until October 2023, we will have an extra hour of daylight. Which is a determining factor for commercial activities, but also for the health of us humans (and not only!)
What are the consequences on our health?
From the point of view of human health, this step can have a more or less important impact on our body.
According to some studies, in humans, there has been a increase in the number of heart attacks: +5% in the week following the transition to daylight saving time! Very young children, the sick and the elderly would be particularly affected by this change. Other experts, however, state that the presence of more hours of light would have euphoric consequences on human beings and would predispose them to a state of psychophysical well-being.
But what are the consequences of summer time in dogs? And in felines?
Can moving clock hands affect animals?
The answer to this question is…no! It is not possible to give a precise answer to this question because each specimen is unique, but in general the change of habitual rhythm can have consequences. Above all because animals (and cats in particular) are creatures of habit.
Changes in the biological rhythm of dogs
For humans and animals, the circadian rhythm it defines the alternation between the phases of sleep and wakefulness, the biological rhythm of the 24 hours.
Faced with such a change in pace, dogs and cats can be confused. It’s not uncommon for them to get a little grumpy or even stressed. Because an hour before or an hour after isn’t the same for them. Dogs and cats are for the most part a routine. We must also bear in mind that dogs are used to going out at the same time every day. Dogs and cats eat at fixed times and, if the owner works, expect his return for a given time.
A change in habits in particularly sensitive specimens, such as puppies or older dogs, could have a negative impact on mood and, therefore, on behavior.
Dogs more sensitive to the transition to daylight saving time
Some specimens, as mentioned, may be more affected than others. We have already mentioned puppies and older dogs, but it should be noted that even dogs under medical treatment can be more affected than other healthy dogs.
Which?
- Diabetic dogs on insulin;
- Epileptic dogs taking anti-seizure medical treatment
- Some medicines, such as those for heart failure, can cause problems if given late.
If Fido is in one of these three cases, we advise you to consult your vet before changing the times at which the medicines are administered.
How to help the dog in this period of change?
The role of the owner in adapting his pet is to accompany Fido in this change by anticipating any problems. As? Just get used to it little by little.
Begin to change your partner’s habits and activities gradually, in 5-15 minute increments in the days leading up to the time change. Provided you also respect the new timetable!
It is also possible to resort to treatments such as those based on natural pheromones which can calm the animal in case of stress.