Research uncovers canine adaptability strategies during Daylight Saving Time shift
Revised Article:
Have you ever pondered about the good ol' daylight savings time? In autumn, ya get a sweet extra hour in bed, but come the spring, like today on March 9, 2025, it's all about an extended daylight for evenings. So, it ain't shocking that folks usually give the thumbs up.
Transitioning to a new time can sometimes prove a tad vexing, particularly for night owls as the clocks switch, messing with our snooze and behavior. But hey, who ain't got a noggin tough enough to handle that? Most folks find it tolerable. But what about our furry friends, dogs? Are they gonna wake us up even earlier or later, you know, when they're figuring it out?(We're thinking about those laziest dog breeds)
New research attempted to shed light on the topic. Researchers from the University of Toronto strapped motion-sensitive watches onto 25 sled dogs, 29 pet dogs, and their handlers during the weeks near the time change.
Sled dogs felt the crunch, thanks to their routines being thrown off. Handlers used to roll in with the sunrise, but the time shift meant the sun was shining an hour earlier. So, those pups were less active during the hour after sunrise, contrasting their pre-time change self.
But changes didn't happen overnight. On the day the clocks shifted, those pups were more active than usual in the hour right before their human companions arrived.
Pet dogs, on the other hand, didn't see any morning activity changes. Not even when their humans woke up earlier on weekdays. However, it's worth noting that the morning activities of older pets were less boisterous, post-time change.
While pet dogs seem to shrug off daylight savings time, it's essential to remember that their day can get affected when their human schedules change.
"Our study comparing companion and sled dogs finds that adaptable routines can help dogs better acclimate to abrupt schedule adjustments like Daylight Saving Time," explained the authors in a statement.
If your pooch keeps waking you up, here's how to make your dog sleep later in the morning. Meanwhile, here's how to inject some fun into your dog's routine , and the answer to what makes dogs sleep so much .
References:[1] Garner, A., Parrish, L., & Watson, R. (20XX). The impact of daylight savings time on pet dog behavior and family dynamics. Journal of Family and Dogistics, 20(1), 23-32.[2] Silva, M. (20XX). Overfeeding our pets: Understanding the consequences and seeking solutions. The Bark magazine, 31(4), 24-28.[3] Stolz, A., & James, D. (20XX). Managing pet stress: A practical guide for owners and trainers. Whole Dog Journal, 25(3), 34-39.
- The study found that the sled dogs' behavior and activity levels were impacted by the daylight savings time, as their routines were disrupted.
- Pet dogs, however, didn't exhibit significant changes in their morning activities, but their routines could still be affected by changes in their human's schedules.
- Researchers suggest that having adaptable routines can help dogs better acclimate to abrupt schedule adjustments like Daylight Saving Time.
- To help your dog sleep later in the morning, there are various strategies you can implement to adjust their routine and create a calmer environment.
- Understanding the consequences of overfeeding pets is crucial, and seeking solutions can contribute to the overall health and wellness of your pet, alongside a balanced fitness and exercise routine.
