Oklahomans Warned To Take Precautions For Pets and Livestock

“If you're cold, they are, too.” That's the popular piece of advice buzzing through Oklahoma, but is it true? When incliment weather rolls in, what are the proper ways to care for your animals – indoor and outdoor. If you see animals outside in snow, freezing rain or ice, should you be concerned? These are all questions that the Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management did their best to answer.

Tips and Suggestions For Animal Safety During Extreme Cold

In a recent post, the Lawton Emergency Management staff warned Oklahomans not to leave pets outdoors during extremely cold weather. They also suggested that watering bowls should be checked to make sure they aren't frozen.

In Oklahoma, though, there are more than just small pets. Livestock like cattle, goats, sheep, llamas and horses are all usually kept outdoors. Although they're more so built for withstanding some elements, there are still precautions that livestock owners should make sure they have prepared for their animals.

Outdoor Animals Should Receive Certain Care During Severe Weather

In order for livestock to stay warm and comfortable in incliment weather, they need:

• Constant access to fresh water
• Shelter from wind and precipitation
• Constant forage and feed

Some animals aren't necessarily built for being in the cold and will need extra attention during severely cold temperatures. Poultry animals like chickens, ducks and other birds should have:

• Extra bedding and insulated shelters
• Proper ventilation

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While most pets aren't built for the cold, there are a few select animals that are usually with livestock that don't necessarily need the same attention. Livestock gaurdian breeds like Anatolian Shepards, Great Pyranees, and even some Husky or Malamute breeds have specially made coats that don't allow the snow to penetrate.

In general, larger dogs do withstand the cold better than smaller dogs, as well as double coated breeds. In most situations, these animals are fine outdoors (yes, even in the snow) and usually have access to shelter with the livestock they're guarding. They can get out of the elements if they need to and are usually working if they're out and about.

Any animal who should receive immediate care will show common symptoms, no matter the breed or species:

• Constant strong shivering
• Lethargy/Not drinking water
• Not willing to move
• Listlessness or reduced alertness

If you do see an animal in need, reach out your local animal welfare officers. If you want to help some animals in need, consider adopting some of the animals that will be at Petco in Lawton this Saturday, Jan. 11.