When you are a dog owner, it can be difficult to make major changes to your schedule and routine without upsetting the rhythm that you have established with your pooch. This can be especially true if you have a drastic change in your routine like switching to an overnight schedule. Overnight shifts can be great because they are often longer shifts and give you more days off from work, but they can also wreak havoc on your sleep cycles and the routine your pet has gotten accustomed to. Get to know some of the ways that you can help your dog adjust to your new schedule so you can be sure you are always doing what is best for them. 

Consider Hiring an Overnight Pet Sitter for the First Few Weeks

Your dog is used to you being gone during certain hours and being home at certain hours. And when suddenly you will be gone overnight rather than during the day, they can feel scared, lost, and anxious. This can lead to many problematic behaviors including accidents in the house, chewing on household items, and more. 

To help ease the transition and make your dog feel more comfortable with you being gone overnight, you may want to hire an overnight pet sitter to help you. This does not have to be a permanent arrangement, but can be helpful for a few weeks during the transition process. Start with the pet sitter arriving before you leave for work. Then, gradually shorten the hours they are there until they are just checking in on your dogs. Eventually, your dog will feel more secure alone overnight and you can phase the pet sitter out completely. 

Doing something like this will help your dog get used to the new routine and will cut down on negative reactions to your schedule change. 

Take Them to Doggy Daycare a Few Times a Week

Another adjustment your dog will have to make is getting used to you sleeping during the day. In the daytime, your dog will want to play, go on walks, and go outside because the sun is shining and it is a part of their natural internal rhythm. However, this does not bode well for your sleeping needs. 

As such, one of the best solutions is to use the pet boarding services of a doggy daycare. Your dog will get to spend time in a facility that will give them treats, take them outside for walks, and allow them to socialize with people and other dogs throughout the day. They will get the care and attention that they want and need during the day and you will be able to sleep when you need to. A few times a week may be enough time at daycare to keep your dog happy or you might want to take them all days that you work. Either way, you and your dog will be happier with your new schedule with the help of such daytime pet boarding services. 

With these tips in mind, you can be sure your dog adjusts more easily to your new overnight work schedule. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.marcumroadvet.com.