When record cold, with ice and
snow hit, as part of Animal Emergency Preparedness, animal owners should be
aware and ready to protect their pets and livestock and do the proper things to
help them through this unusual cold spell. Following are a number of concerns
and recommendations:
- Our animals, especially
indoor/outdoor pets, probably do not have an adequate winter coat for
protection in these very low temperatures.
- Hypothermia and dehydration are
the two most probable life-threatening conditions for animals in cold weather.
- Wet conditions and wind-chill add
greatly to the cold-stress for animals (and people).
- Pets should be brought inside or
into protected covered areas, provided with plenty of bedding and food and
drinking water.
- Livestock should be provided with
wind-break and roof shelter, and monitored for signs of discomfort (extensive
shivering, weakness, lethargy, etc.)
- It is very important that
livestock be provided extra hay/forage/feed as up to double the calories for
normal body heat maintenance may be needed in extreme cold.
- It is critical that animals have
access to drinking water. Usual water sources may freeze solid in low
temperatures and dehydration becomes a life-threatening factor. Many of our
animals, especially the young, may not know how or be unable to break several
inches of ice to reach water. In general, animals tend to drink less in
extreme cold, risking dehydration. Research with horses shows horses drink
more water if it is warmed during winter weather.
- Adding a warm sloppy bran mash,
sloppy moistened beet pulp or soaking pelleted feed in warm water is a good
way to add water to your horses’ diet and provide some “comfort food” in the
cold weather.
- Special attention should be paid
to very young and old animals. They may be less able to tolerate temperature
extremes and have weaker immune systems.
Many professionals and organizations
are available to assist you in recommendations and health care for your
animals:
Pet owners should check with their
veterinarian, animal control or humane societies for additional tips and
assistance.
Horse and livestock owners should
check with their veterinarian, the State Veterinarian, SC Dept. of Agriculture
or their County Agriculture Extension
Agent for additional information and assistance.
Please take the extra care to
provide for your pets and livestock a cold period.
