Part II
A cloud of moisture can be seen as this horse exhales during the recent subzero temperatures in the Potomac Valley. Horses and cattle can benefit from something to stand by, like a building or tree, because it absorbs the heat from the sun and radiates heat to the animal. For Animals Surviving Below Zero Part II see page 7.
Potomac dog owner Sherry White uses a warm fleece on her dog Fiona in order to keep her warm during subzero temperatures.
Many horses, cattle and dogs live in rural areas and experience subzero weather in the winter. Each species has certain needs during cold snaps.
Missoula County Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Bill Brown has practiced for the last 25 years. He said horse and mule, or equines, needs include extra hay, fresh water and a place to get out of the wind during subzero temperatures. He said having something for the animals to stand by, like a building or tree, provides extra warmth by transferring radiant heat from the structure to the animal. The normal equine body temperature for a horse or mule is 98.5 - 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (ºF).
"If a horse has a temperature of 98.5 [ºF] or below, it [the horse] is getting cold and the core body temperature becomes a concern," Brown said.
Horses in good condition adapt to subzero temperatures normally but those who are thin, wet and hungry need extra help, said Brown.
Older horses may have a difficult time maintaining their weight and can have stiff joints. Their body fat is harder to maintain. Sometimes older horses lay down and cannot get back up, thus lowering their body temperature even further.
The thick winter coats on equines play a huge role in keeping the animals warm. Equines begin to hair up due to a change in sunlight (shorter daylight hours) in the fall. They normally shed out in the springtime when rainy, cold and windy weather can also lower body temperature.
"Minus 10 and calm is different than minus 10 and windy", Brown said.
Equines have a huge blood supply to their feet and a very efficient way of supplying heated blood to their extremities. It is called counter current heat exchange, which brings blood to the extremities; otherwise their legs and hooves would freeze. Humans are the opposite. Our blood leaves the extremities to pool around our organs in order to maintain core temperature.
Equines and cattle benefit from extra feedings because during digestion, energy is created producing body heat.
Feeding extra hay during subzero weather is important because horses do not have a rumen like cattle do. Fermentation from digestible fiber like hay creates energy and heat within the horse. Hay with a higher protein content such as alfalfa is good and is easily digestible but grass hay can have more fiber. Brown thinks using a mix of grass and alfalfa hay can be best.
Warm mashes can also aid in getting something warm into equines as well as providing extra hydration. "But it does depend on what you make the mash out of," said Brown. "Beet pulp is good, fiber is important."
Potomac rancher Denny Iverson feeds up to 25 percent more hay every day to meet the energy needs of the cows to keep them warm. He has noticed if the cows are warm enough they will not run to the tractor for hay the next day.
"Shivering uses a lot of energy so if we can feed that cow more, she will have the energy to keep herself warm," said Iverson.
Healthy resting cattle should have a normal body temperature of 101.5ºF. When their body temperatures start dropping below normal, they may begin to experience hypothermia.
When cows herd up in a tight group they are trying to stay warm. "You can observe them moving in and out of the tight grouping as if to take turns being on the outside where it's colder," Iverson said.
Providing water to livestock can be an issue when it's subzero. Equines, cattle and dogs eat snow but need access to fresh water.
"All animals need water even when it's cold," Iverson said. "Keeping the water tanks thawed or the creeks open is a chore when it's minus 30 degrees but it's one of the most important chores each day."
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dogs need special care during subzero weather.
The normal body temperature for dogs is 101 - 102.5ºF. Hypothermia can occur when dogs sustain a body temperature below 99ºF. They will become weak, shivering and listless.
Dehydration can be common during cold weather and manifests in dry flaky skin. Fresh water should be available at all times to keep dogs hydrated during the winter which can help with the dry skin and keep them healthy. Frequently bringing outside dogs into the dry heat in a house can also create dry skin.
Some dog breeds with lots of hair on their paws can get snow or ice balls in between the pads. Some owners provide booties to prevent this.
Booties also prevent sand, salt and ice melt chemicals from getting lodged between toes and causing irritation, according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA also recommends that massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside to help protect from salt and chemical agents. Rinsing the belly and feet to remove chemicals can alleviate this.
Like equines and cows, dogs also burn more energy while trying to stay warm in subzero weather. By feeding dogs more food, more calories are provided which helps the dog overwinter during cold snaps.
Older dogs and shorter-haired dogs may also benefit from wearing coats to protect them from ice, snow and wind.
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