As Louisiana braces for shifting holiday weather — from sudden cold snaps to wet, windy fronts — animal experts are urging residents to take extra precautions to keep both indoor and outdoor pets safe.

Whether you care for livestock, backyard chickens, barnyard companions or family cats and dogs, changing temperatures can pose serious risks.

Here’s what you should consider:

Bring pets indoors during cold snaps

According to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. Their fur doesn’t always protect them from frostbite or hypothermia — smaller, short‑haired, elderly or sick pets are especially vulnerable.

If you can, treat your pets like family and bring them indoors — even a brief freeze can do harm.

Provide proper shelter, bedding for outdoor animals

For pets that must stay outside — or for livestock such as dogs, barn cats, or barnyard animals — the shelter must be solid, insulated and dry. The shelter floor should be raised off the ground, lined with straw or wood shavings (never wet), and positioned so the door doesn’t face prevailing winds, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine said.

If the only option is a doghouse or outdoor shed, make sure it meets those conditions.

Ensure constant access to fresh, unfrozen water

Cold weather often means frozen water bowls or troughs — which can dehydrate pets and livestock. The LSU Vet Med recommends regularly checking water dishes to ensure water is fresh and unfrozen.”

For animals like horses or cattle, heated buckets or livestock water‑tank heaters can be lifesaving.

Increase feed for livestock, outdoor animals

Cold weather causes animals to burn more energy to stay warm. As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes in its preparedness guidance, livestock should have ample food and water before extreme weather hits — enough to sustain them throughout a severe weather event.

For livestock such as cattle or horses, adding extra hay or higher-quality feed in cold spells helps them generate internal heat and maintain body condition.

Shelter livestock from wind, rain or storms — not just cold

Livestock can tolerate colder temperatures better than small pets, but wind, rain and storms pose real threats. A sturdy barn or windbreak, with proper ventilation and dry bedding, can significantly reduce stress for animals of all sizes. If you blanket large animals (like horses), check frequently for signs of irritation, discomfort, or other health issues.

Help stray or outdoor cats — especially around cars

Outdoor or feral cats often seek shelter under car hoods to stay warm. The LSU Vet Med warns that when you start your car, the engine could seriously injure — or kill — a cat hiding underneath, LSU Vet Med said. A simple precaution: bang on the hood or honk before starting your engine.

Protect Paws and Prevent Chemical Injuries

Cold weather can crack or injure paw pads — especially in short-haired dogs. The LSU Vet Med recommends checking paws frequently, and dog coats or sweaters for short-haired or small breeds, particularly during prolonged cold or wet weather. If you use any de-icers or have antifreeze present, be cautious — these substances are toxic, and pets can lick them off their paws.

Watch for signs of hypothermia, frostbite — act quickly

Cold exposure can lead to serious conditions like hypothermia or frostbite, especially in small animals, the elderly, or those with health issues. According to the LSU Vet Med, symptoms may include lethargy, weakness, shivering, or darkened skin (in the case of frostbite).

If you notice these signs, bring the animal inside immediately and contact a veterinarian.

Prep early — don’t wait until cold hits

The LSU Vet Med urges owners to schedule preventive care (wellness) exams before winter — especially for older pets or animals with chronic conditions — to ensure they’re as healthy as possible before colder weather arrives.

Make sure shelters, water systems, and food supplies are ready well ahead of any forecasted freeze.

Keep identification up-to-date

Cold, ice, or storm conditions can disorient pets. The Louisiana SPCA recommends making sure your pet’s ID tags are current — microchipping is even better — in case they get lost or separated during severe weather.

Plan for emergencies — power outages, storms, extended cold

Weather in Louisiana can include storms, high winds or sudden freezes. As the USDA recommends, have a preparedness plan: enough food, water, medications, and shelter for all animals for at least a few days, and a safe place to shelter pets if needed.

Holiday weather in Louisiana is notoriously unpredictable — warm one day, freezing the next. By following evidence-based guidance from experts like the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana SPCA, USDA, and LDAF — and by acting ahead of time — pet and livestock owners can significantly reduce weather-related risks and keep their animals safe, warm, and healthy.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Here’s how to protect pets, livestock from cold weather in Louisiana