(Toronto) The return to standard time also affects pets.
Published at 10:50 am.
Tyler Griffin The Canadian Press
Like humans, pets have a natural circadian rhythm. Your biological clock is set to the cycle of light and darkness. Feeding, exercise and medication schedules are closely related to their owners’ daily routines, says Jocelyn Rutgers, certified veterinary technician at the Ontario SPCA Midland Animal Centre.
From an animal perspective, their entire schedule will be turned upside down by an hour if they return to normal time, says Karen Van Haaften, a veterinary behaviorist based in Toronto.
If you get up at 7 a.m. every day to walk your dog, your dog will be psychologically ready to go out at 7 a.m. They will be excited, their bladder will be full. They expect to come out at that time, she said. We may think we can sleep an hour more that day, but animals don’t necessarily share that opinion.
Karen Van Haaften, veterinary behaviorist
Ms. Rutgens recalls that in the past she tried to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep that came with returning to normal time, but her cat stopped her. He was used to his daily routine and demanded his food as usual.
“My cat lives on a very strict schedule. 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 shows me his displeasure. »
The time change occurs at 2 a.m. and lasts until March 10, except for the Yukon and most of Saskatchewan, which observe standard time year-round.
It gets dark earlier in the late afternoon, but the sun also rises an hour earlier.
Of course, not all animals will notice the difference. But for those whose schedules are very strict, Ms. Van Haaften recommends getting used to the time change gradually, particularly by changing each planned activity by 10 to 15 minutes in the days or weeks before returning to school.
If you weren’t 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 change the activity schedule at 15-minute intervals in the days after the return to standard time.
It’s also important to pay attention to your own routine and circadian rhythm, as a pet may notice when you’re feeling poorly, says Van Haaften.
Rutgers says smaller animals like birds, amphibians and nocturnal animals don’t rely on a routine as much as cats and dogs. The transition might be easier for them.
She also advises not to forget your pet when preparing a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
“Many people don’t think about preparing one for their pet,” she laments.
According to the SPCA website, a first aid kit can include three days’ worth of food and water, bowls, medications, medical records and animal first aid supplies.
“For most cats, dogs and people, the time change isn’t a big deal! emphasizes Ms. Rutgers. The key is to have a routine and stick to it. »