“Fall Back” with Biscuit: Adjusting Your Dog’s Routine for the End of Daylight Savings 

It’s that time of year again! As the clocks “fall back” an hour, you may be excited for that extra bit of snooze-time, but for your dog, this shift in schedule could throw them off their paws! Here’s how to keep your pup’s routine as smooth as pumpkin pie 🐾 

Early bird gets the squirrel 🐿️

With an earlier sunrise, your dog might be up and at ’em a bit earlier than usual. Since dogs thrive on routine, that extra hour can feel like waiting an eternity for breakfast or their morning walk. Gradually adjusting feeding and walking times leading up to the change can help but if you haven’t managed to, be mindful that your dog doesn’t understand the change and will need help for a pawsitive transition! Stick to original times to start with and gradually shift mealtimes to match the new schedule. 

Evening walkies just got cooler 🌙 

Be ready for colder temps with the right coat and footwear for you and possibly your dog as well, as winter draws in. Reflective dog coats have dual purpose for keeping the pooch warm, comfortable and visible. 

Light up the night 🌟 

Visibility is top dog when it comes to walking in the dark and with darker evenings, safety is key! Make sure you’re both visible with reflective gear (coats, harnesses, leads) and consider fitting your pup with an LED light up collar or LED clip-on that attaches to their collar, to make sure your dog is visible from a distance. It also helps you keep an eye on them, as well as for traffic and other dog walkers. 

Buddy up 📲 

Consider meeting up with a dog-owning friend or neighbour and take your evening stroll around the block together with your dogs, so you both have Biscuit buddy. If you’re walking solo, take a familiar well-lit route and let others know where you're going. You can see how long your usual route takes on your Biscuit app.

Stay alert & keep close 🐕 

Even if your dog’s well-trained off-lead, dusk and darkness bring out new scents, sounds, and animals (hello, nocturnal wildlife). Keeping your dog on a lead will help prevent sudden chases or wandering into less visible spots when the light is dimming. 

Be prepared and pack essentials 🦴💡 

It’s always a good idea to have treats and poo bags on hand anyway, but when it’s darker, a small torch or headlight can be extra helpful. A light not only keeps you and your dog visible, but also helps you spot any paw hazards (or sneaky squirrels) along the way. 

Little and often 🏃‍♂️ 

If the darker evenings aren’t ideal for your dog’s energy levels, consider shorter, more frequent walks, throughout the day if possible. This keeps their routine steady without leaving them in the dark for too long. Consider using a dog walker on days when you're not able to walk in daylight hours, check out Tailster in the Biscuit App Rewards Store and get £10 off your first walk.