(Toronto) The return to standard time also affects pets.
Like humans, pets have a natural circadian rhythm. Their biological clock is set on the cycle of light and darkness. Feeding, exercise and medication schedules are closely related to their owner’s daily routines, says Jocelyn Rutgers, a certified veterinary technician at the Ontario SPCA Midland Animal Centre.
From an animal point of view, their entire schedule will be turned upside down by an hour when they return to normal time, says Karen Van Haaften, a veterinary behaviorist based in Toronto.
If you get up every day at 7 a.m. to go walk your dog, your dog is psychologically ready to go out at 7 a.m. They will get excited, their bladder will be full. They expect to come out at that time, she said. We may think we can sleep an extra hour that day, but animals don’t necessarily share this opinion.
Karen Van Haaften, veterinary behaviorist
Mme Rutgens remembers that in the past, she tried to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep she got from the return to standard time, but her cat stopped her. Accustomed to his daily regiment, he demanded his food as usual.
“My cat lives according to a very strict routine. He wants to be fed at his favorite time. Otherwise, he gets loud and meows in my ears when it’s time for lunch or dinner. If I change the routine, he lets me know his displeasure. »
The time change will take place at 2 a.m. and will last until March 10, with the exception of Yukon and most of Saskatchewan which keep standard time throughout the year.
It will get dark earlier in the late afternoon, but the sun will also rise an hour earlier.
Of course, not all animals will notice the difference. But for those with a very strict schedule, Mme Van Haaften recommends getting them used to the time change little by little, in particular by modifying each planned activity by 10 to 15 minutes in the days or weeks before the return to normal time.
If you have not been able to prepare in advance, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recommends feeding your pet 30 minutes later than usual. Otherwise, you can ignore the time change and modify the activity schedule in 15-minute intervals during the days following the return to standard time.
It’s also important to pay attention to your own routine and circadian rhythm, because a pet can notice if you’re feeling down, says Mme Van Haaften
Mme Rutgers says that smaller animals, such as birds, amphibians and nocturnal animals, are not as committed to a routine as cats and dogs. For them, the transition may be easier.
She also advises not to forget your pet when preparing an emergency first aid kit.
“Many people don’t think about preparing one for their pet,” she laments.
According to the SPCA website, an emergency first aid kit can include three days of food and water, bowls, medications, medical records and first aid items for animals.
“For most cats, dogs and people, the time change is no big deal! underlines Mme Rutgers. The key is to have a routine and stick to it. »