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In freezing temperatures, veterinarians and animal rescue groups worry that pets will be outside.
Horses of all ages are given special care and surgery at the Pine Ridge Equine Hospital in Glenpool. Although most horses are outdoors in all weathers, freezing temperatures can still affect them.
“The biggest problem most horse owners worry about is keeping them hydrated,” said Dr. Garrett Metcalf, an equine surgeon and veterinarian.
In winter, horses eat more hay and grain, which can lead to colic, a painful and potentially fatal intestinal problem.
“Winter is an impact, they eat dry, there is no access to fresh green grass,” Metcalf said.
Metcalf said horses are quite resilient when it comes to the cold, but it’s important that they get plenty of food and water to be safe. He said it was best if weaker horses and newborns were inside or wearing blankets.
Some dogs were rescued in Muskogee after being chained outside with frozen water bowls in freezing weather on Tuesday.
“We work every day to avoid so many constraints [to be] live outside, “said Erin Shackelford of the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals.
Shackelford said the center has received nearly 400 calls in the past two days for dogs and cats in need of warmth.
She said if your dog needs to be outside you need to isolate their kennel and make sure they have fresh water, but she urges pet owners to bring pets inside, even if it’s only at night.
“These dogs will suffer and freeze to death if you don’t take the right steps to get them indoors or keep them warm,” Shackelford said.
Shackelford said if you see a frozen animal, call local law enforcement.
OAA needs donations and volunteers. So if you want to help, visit the website for more information.
