The Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) urges to care for both pets and agricultural animals during the cold season, according to the information published by the service.
The Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) notes that this winter is particularly cold, and meteorologists' forecasts indicate that the frosts will only intensify.
The service emphasizes that cold and frost have the most significant impact on dogs, which are primarily kept outdoors.
The FVS explains that at low temperatures, animals require additional calories to warm their bodies and maintain vital processes, so dogs that are mostly outside should be given more calorie-rich food and increased portions during cold weather. Water in the dog's bowl freezes quickly, so it is necessary to provide the animal with warm drinking water whenever possible.
Additionally, if a dog has a kennel, it should be insulated to protect the animal from the cold. The entrance to the kennel should be covered with a curtain to shield against wind and cold. The sleeping area is recommended to be lined with a thick layer of straw, hay, or a heavy blanket.
The FVS indicates that even the mentioned measures do not always ensure the preservation of body heat, especially if the air temperature drops below minus 20 degrees, so in such weather conditions, it is best to allow animals inside.
The service also informs that owners of agricultural animals must take care of them by providing shelter from wind and precipitation, as well as sufficient food and water. In cold weather, consideration should be given to the possibility of transporting animals indoors.
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