Michigan winter weather is approaching fast, and the Gladwin County Animal Shelter would like to share some tips to help keep your pets and outdoor animals safe and well cared for.
Small Animals. If you have dogs and cats living outdoors, bring them indoors during subzero temperatures if possible.
Provide outdoor pets with a dry, draft free shelter that is large enough for them to sit and/or lie down in comfort, but not so large that they lose their body heat. The floor should be a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw.
Turn the shelter so it faces away from the wind. Cover the doorway with heavy plastic or waterproof burlap. Water and food dishes should not be metal, use plastic as their tongue can get stuck on metal dishes. Feed should be slightly increased in extreme cold weather.
Barn cats should also be fed and watered in plastic dishes, increasing food amounts in cold weather.
Keep fresh, unfrozen water readily available.
Large Animals. Bigger animals should have a place of protection from wind and cold temperatures with extra food for body warmth.
Keep fresh, unfrozen water readily available. Tank heaters are safe and help keep your large animals drinking regularly. If your horses are in a pasture 24/7 without shelter and are not stalled at night, blankets provide them with the ability to conserve body heat in very cold weather. Blankets should be taken off on average winter temperature days.
Livestock. Pigs, sheep, goats usually lay down at night to sleep, they need clean, warm bedding and a constant source of fresh water. All outdoor farm animals should have access to relief from extreme cold and extreme heat.
The cold winters also means that the animals need regular daily feedings and increased amounts in winter months. All outdoor farm animals/pets need your regular attention to endure our Michigan winters. They need you in order to thrive and survive.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to call the animal shelter at 989-426-4579. If they do not have the answers, they will find the information you need.