With yet another time change almost upon us, we find ourselves slowly adjusting our routines, especially when it comes to completing tasks outdoors before the sun sets. No one likes it when the days start feeling shorter.

But, we aren’t the only ones in our homes that need a little bit of pre-time change prep work. It turns out that our pets could use an extra hand getting over the time change hurdle. Nancy Mello, an animal communicator, comes to our rescue with tips to get your pup primed and ready for these clocks to fall back, especially when it comes to dinner time.

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Daylight Savings Tips to Keep Your Pets Comfortable

Mello says in her TikTok video that the biggest thing pets complain about is the change in their mealtimes. Having a dinner time that is now an hour off can be a hard adjustment. I know my pup gets grumpy if dinner is two minutes late. So the time change makes him feel like he isn’t getting fed on time.

Thankfully, Mello has suggestions for a solution. She says she doesn’t just get complaints from dogs. Cats, horses, birds, and other animals are all affected, especially the week after the time change. She points out that it doesn’t matter if it’s springing forward or falling back; any change in their food schedule is disruptive to our pets.

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Steps to Help Your Pet

Mello says the first thing you need to do is acknowledge that the change is happening. Tell your pet that you understand if their mealtime is early or late, and reaffirm that this is indeed their new routine, even if it’s upsetting.

Secondly, if your pet is really struggling, you can give them a portion of either their breakfast or dinner. The snack will help them avoid feeling like their stomach is completely empty. The snack can be eaten in the morning or mid-afternoon, depending on your pet’s schedule and their food preferences.

Thirdly, the week of a time change is not the time for your pet to adjust to anything other than the time. Don’t change their food, its amount, or any other pertinent details of their schedule. Just let them get over this hump first.

Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust their feeding times before the time change hits. You can move it a little earlier or a little later, depending on the time of year, up to a week or a week and a half prior. Move the time in 15-minute increments. Though if you notice your pup having a hard time or getting more confused, you can wait.

Related: Sweet German Shepherd Clings to Dad’s Legs Like a Toddler Every Time He Tries To Leave

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.