Clock Changes, Pets and Farm Animals
Dogs, cats and farm animals do not know that the clocks have changed, so their hunger and exercise needs stay on the old schedule.
Pets
A dog fed at 07:00 before the change will expect breakfast at what the clock now calls 08:00 or 06:00. Shift feeding and walk times by 10 to 15 minutes a day over a few days to make the transition smooth.
After the autumn change, evening walks start in the dark earlier, so reflective collars and lights matter more.
Farm animals
Dairy cows are milked on a fixed cycle, so many farmers adjust gradually or simply keep to the animals' own timetable and let the clock change around it. Delivery and collection times by milk lorries, feed suppliers and abattoirs follow the clock, so they sometimes force a change.
Frequently asked questions
Do pets get confused by the clock change?
They follow routine and daylight, not the clock, so many notice a shift in meal and walk times. A gradual change over a few days usually helps.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.