Daylight Saving and Dog Seizure Meds
Every November, when the clocks “fall back,” most of us enjoy that extra hour of sleep. But for pet parents whose dogs take medication on a strict schedule—especially for epilepsy—that time change can feel more stressful than soothing.
If your dog relies on seizure medication, you’ve probably wondered: What do I do when the clocks shift? Do I adjust their medication times right away, or do it gradually?
Here’s what experts recommend, what I personally do with Ruby, and how you can find a plan that works best for your dog.
Why the Time Change Matters
Anti-seizure medications work best when they’re given at consistent intervals—usually every 12 or 8 hours. That consistency keeps the medication level in your dog’s bloodstream steady, which helps prevent seizures.
What Experts Recommend
Medical and veterinary experts agree on one key thing: consistency is critical, but the body also appreciates gradual adjustments.
Human medical guidance — The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other circadian experts suggest shifting by 15–30 minutes per day before or after a time change. That small adjustment helps minimize internal rhythm disruption.
Veterinary advice — While there aren’t controlled studies specifically on Daylight Savings for dogs, many veterinary neurologists and epilepsy organizations recommend the same approach—breaking that hour shift into smaller daily steps instead of jumping all at once.
In short, easing into the new schedule can make the transition smoother and less stressful for both you and your dog.
What I Personally Do with Ruby
Here’s what works for us after years of trial, tracking, and conversations with Ruby’s vet.
In the fall (“fall back”) — I take a more gradual approach. Because we lose an hour, I don’t want Ruby waiting an extra full hour for her medication. Instead, I shift by 15 minutes each day leading up to the time change until we’re aligned with the new time. That small daily adjustment helps keep her medication levels steady and makes the transition gentler.
In the spring (“spring forward”) — I switch immediately to the new clock. So if Ruby takes her meds at 6:00, we keep it at 6:00 according to the new time. It’s a one-hour earlier shift, and since it’s just once a year, she adjusts easily.
Track and Stay Consistent
No matter which approach you choose, the most important thing is to be intentional and consistent.
Keep a medication log or seizure tracker to note exact dosing times for a few days before and after the time change. This makes it easier to stay on track and spot any changes in behavior or seizure activity.
If you ever feel unsure, your veterinarian can confirm what’s best based on your dog’s specific medication and schedule.
The time change can throw everyone off for a few days, but with a simple plan, you’ll get through it smoothly. Whether you make the change all at once or ease into it gradually, your consistency is what matters most.
And if you want extra guidance on managing seizure routines, tracking medications, and staying confident through the ups and downs of caring for a dog with epilepsy, my course My Dog Was Diagnosed With Epilepsy – Now What? can help. It walks you step-by-step through building routines, medication schedules, and seizure management systems that actually work in real life.