Veterinarians share advice on ensuring livestock safety during freezing temperatures

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Cold temperatures and wind chill can pose dangers to livestock. It’s key to know what should spark concerns in your animals.

“When you see snow on the back of a cow, it’s actually a good sign because she’s holding her body heat in instead of letting it radiate out and melt the snow,” said Veterinarian for Meriden Animal Hospital, Dr. Jeff Van Petten. “If a horse is used to having a blanket on you probably better leave it on. Horses that are not used to having a blanket on - they will most of the time stay warmer without a blanket because they’ll stand their hair up and insulate themselves against the cold. If you put the blanket on them, it pushes their hair down and they can’t insulate themselves.”

Petten said it’s essential to check your animal’s water supply often throughout the day to make sure it isn’t frozen and that your animals have enough.

“They will get dehydrated easily in this type of weather and a person doesn’t really think that,” said Petten. “Their metabolism doesn’t really slow down and the water is cold so sometimes they don’t want to drink quite as much. So if you can make sure they have adequate water - it helps their metabolism stay up, produce body heat, help them digest the extra hay you’re feeding them and the extra grain going through them.”

Petten also noted to keep an eye out for anything that seems off.

“If they’re not eating and they’re not as active as they normally are when you’re out there with them - you may notice a shaking or shivering, they’re showing signs of cold stress,” said Petten.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the well-being of your animals, Petten recommends contacting your local vet immediately.