LANSING, Mich. — As winter storms continue to move across the Midwest, experts caution livestock and pet owners to be prepared for unpredictable weather.

“Pets and livestock throughout the state can be negatively impacted by severe winter weather,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill. “Both pets and livestock react to these harsh conditions, and it’s imperative that owners plan ahead and take the extra steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of their animals.”

Much of the Midwest has experienced an arctic blast during the past week, which is expected to continue for at least another week. In Michigan, temperatures have held steady in the single digits with wind chills dipping to 10-20 degrees below zero.

Snowfall has varied, with lakeshore communities receiving a foot or more. Most inland areas have had 6-8 inches of snow during the past week, with more on the way.

Michigan state law requires that owners provide an adequate supply of feed and water for their animals, as well as shelter from the wind and other severe conditions. Averill said this can be challenging in the extreme cold weather.

Clean, thawed water is the No. 1 nutrient requirement for all animals, and as winter progresses, it can be difficult for livestock and pet owners to fulfill this basic need. Michigan State University equine extension specialist Karen Waite agreed, and urged people to plan ahead and take extra precautions while caring for their outside animals.

“The most important thing for any large livestock is making sure they have an adequate water supply,” she said. “You can get in trouble faster without water than just about anything else, whether it’s colic or other issues.”

Waite said animals drink better if the temperature of the water is warmer than at the freezing point. “The optimal temperature with horses and water is 45 degrees,” she said, noting this likely is not realistic for most animal owners unless they have an outside supply of hot water. However, she said even cold water drawn directly from a hydrant is warmer than water in a tank that simply has the ice on top broken through.

She also reminds large animal owners that automatic waterers may freeze and break in this weather, so it’s important to check them at each chore time. In addition, animals that have been acclimated to Michigan winters are typically all right to remain outside with some form of shelter.

“Horses in particular can do pretty well if they have full winter hair coats and adequate body condition scores,” she said. “It is important that they have some form of shelter, whether it’s a three-sided shed or some form of natural shelter, such as tree lines. People just have to use some common sense about whether it’s enough.”

While Waite said it’s not necessary for large animals to be kept inside, she cautions owners to be careful about snow over ice and the potential for injuries from slipping and falling.

In regard to small animals, Averill said companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, are impacted by severe winter weather and animals kept indoors may have great difficulty adjusting to outdoor temperatures. In addition, guard dogs and barn cats that live outside still need dry, clean, enclosed spaces such as pet houses that help retain body heat.

Other winter precautions for companion animals include ensuring they are protected from de-icing chemicals, which can irritate the skin, and that they are protected from antifreeze, which tastes sweet to animals but is extremely toxic. They also should be groomed regularly.

MDARD’s Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for the Care of Farm Animals have specific guidance on cold-weather care for livestock species. Other general precautions include: increasing feed to provide energy, which helps animals stay warm; caution around icy areas to prevent falls and injuries; and taking care while hauling livestock in icy winter weather.