Winter Animal Safety

Submitted by Koenig.Equipment on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 3:14pm

Animal Safety 

Animal Safety

We’ve seen some record-setting low temperatures recently, and winter is not done with us yet. As we continue to battle the cold weather, the experts at Koenig Equipment put together a few tips to help make sure your animals are properly cared for throughout this season.

Temperature Regulation

Just like us, animals that spend excessive amounts of time outside in the cold risk conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Water can freeze to their skin/hair, making it that much more difficult for them to stay warm. Ice can be sharp and give your animals some nasty injuries! If your animals do have any such injuries, they run the risk of those wounds being exposed to toxic substances that are common to this weather such as salts and antifreeze.
To help your animals avoid these hazardous situations, it is recommended that you limit their time outside as much as possible and monitor them while they are out. It’s also important to remember that it’s much easier for animals to get lost in the winter so keeping an eye on them can help to avoid that as well! If they show any signs of discomfort outside it is best to bring them back inside right away. When they come back in you should dry them off so that they are able to warm up more quickly.

Food and Water

Proper amounts of food and water are essential weapons in your animals’ arsenals to fight against the cold. Water helps combat the onset of dehydration while more calories are needed to sustain body heat to fight the cold.
To keep your animals properly supplied, consider increasing their meal sizes slightly to provide those important extra calories. They should also have access to ample drinking water. If you have outdoor pens you may also consider a heated dish to avoid the water freezing!

Heating

Just like when we get cold and look for a heat source, animals will do the same. Whether it’s the open flame of a fire or a space heater, warmth will bring the animals in for comfort. Unfortunately, in their search for comfort the animals may not realize they are actually putting themselves in harm’s way by getting too close to the heat source, leading to possibly singed hair or burns.
To keep your pets warm and safe, you should always exercise proper use of any and all heating sources. Monitor your animals as they warm themselves up and make sure they don’t put themselves in any dangerous situations.

Hopefully these tips help you maintain the health and safety of you and your animals. For more tips please ask the experts at Koenig Equipment! Stay safe this winter!