As temperatures drop this winter it’s important for those who own horses or livestock to think about how to best care for animals in the cold. According to veterinarian Faye Vittitoe, there are a number of things to remember. Vittetoe tells KCII News, it is very important to make sure animals have plenty of water. Water brought out to animals can freeze within an hour when temperatures drop below freezing. She recommends using a livestock water heater rated for outdoor use to keep water from freezing.

Vittetoe continued saying, it’s also important to keep animals out of the wind and damp weather. If animals are damp in a light wind they may get hypothermia. Animals need to be fed more during times of cold weather and recommends foods which encourage warmth in an animals digestive system.