Our state experienced super-cold weather in late January, and many cities—including some in the northern Florida area—saw temperatures and wind chills plummet into the 20s.
If you own horses or pets, consider these tips for keeping them safe and warm in unusually frigid conditions, and normal winter temperatures.
Caring for Your Horses
If you own horses keeping them warm in winter weather, especially during cold snaps, is obviously of utmost importance. Sheltering them is a primary way to ensure their comfort and safety. Make sure that your animals have access to a barn, or at least a three-sided structure that provides protection against the wind and cold, according to Horse Health Matters—an online resource for horse health-related news.
Another way to keep your horses warm is to blanket them. Make sure, though, that if you blanket your horses you always keep clean and dry spare blankets on-hand to swap-out ones that become wet, dirty, or damaged. If you’re not quite sure if your horse is cold, consider this: If your horse’s ears are cold, then your horse is cold, says Horse Health Matters.
Be careful when blanketing your horses, though. If temperatures become frigid you might be tempted to layer them with another blanket. But resist the urge. Although horses with full or partial body clips (trimmed coats) need blanketing during winter—whether they’re kept indoors or not, horses with natural winter coats aren’t likely to need blanketing—just as long as they are sheltered from the elements, have proper nutrition, and are healthy.
Over-blanketing your horses can cause them to overheat, and lead to dehydration and many other health issues. If you’re concerned about the well-being of your horses during the winter months, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Caring for Your Pets
During winter months and unusual cold snaps it’s best to keep your pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s probably too cold for your pets as well, say Palm Beach County officials.
If temps drop below 40 degrees, your animals should be brought indoors or given warm places to sleep that provide protection from the weather.
If you spot an animal in distress, take note of the type of pet and its location or address, and contact animal care and control authorities.
