Ag Dept. Offers Advice for Animals in Cold

With arctic air gripping the region, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is offering advice for making sure animals are taken care of in the cold.

According to the Agriculture Department, small pets, especially younger and older ones, should be kept indoors.

Officials say most heat loss occurs from ears, the respiratory tract and foot pads.

Also, the Agriculture Department says to make sure there is plentiful food and water.

Officials say there are also other hazards that come along with cold weather to consider.

For example, they say cats will hide anywhere to stay warm, including under the car hood, so if parked outdoors, tap the hood to scare away felines that might be hiding there.

Elsewhere, the Agriculture Department says healthy horses can tolerate cold temperature as long as they have adequate food and water.

For older, skinnier horses, the Agriculture Department recommends offering adequate shelter or a winter blanket to help them stay warm.

For cattle, beef cows exposed to cold stress require more energy for maintenance.

Officials say cold stress occurs when the wind, temperature and humidity affect bovines’ critical temperature.

The Agriculture Department says if a farm has woods, hills or other types of shelter, this can provide some protection against wind and officials say people should try to reduce mud in and around feeding areas.