How To Protect Pets And Property During The Winter
By: Matthew Farrell
Updated: January 14, 2013
MIDLAND -- In West Texas, January is historically the coldest month of the year.
The National Weather Service is predicting lows in the 20's for most of the week,
As we continue on into winter, this trend can be dangerous for household pets.
"Well, obviously, not all animals were created equal. Some have longer coats than others, but if you go outside and you have a shirt on and pants on and it's 18 degrees, you're still cold just like they are," Veterinarian Joe O'Hara told Big 2.
When temperatures drop below freezing, animals can not protect themselves from the cold, so owners should bring their pets indoors.
It's important to remember is that household pets are mammals just like you and me, so just like humans they are susceptible to those cold weather illnesses ike Frostbite and Hypothermia, so it's important to bring them inside when the temperatures drop below freezing.
If you can't bring the pets inside, then you should put them in a garage, or a sturdy structure that will keep out the wind and cold.
Don't put them in a dog house, since they won't be able to stay warm enough.
Some animals, such as livestock, are too big to be brought inside, but there are ways to protect them as well.
"If you don't have a fully enclosed barn or anything like that, they definitely need a blanket on them in this kind of weather," O'Hara continued.
So how do you know if your animals are too cold?
"Just like us, shivering, restlessness, looking to get under blankets, looking for attention, trying to get inside. They're trying to give you clues to tell you they're cold," O'Hara said.
It's also important to remember to protect your pipes, so the water inside doesn't freeze, which can cause cracks and leaks.
To do this, insulate outdoor pipes and keep them covered.
Also, remove hoses and cover spigots.
If your pipes run through a building, such as with apartments, there is a way to keep those safe as well.
"If that's the case, it's definitely a good idea to maybe leave a faucet dripping and keep some water running through those pipes. They're a lot less likely to freeze and break that way," Plumbing Supervisor Wayne Beaird said.
