GAINESVILLE, Texas — With a significant winter storm approaching North Texas, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts are sharing critical advice for protecting livestock, pets, plants and pipes from freezing temperatures.
Livestock Protection
Dr. Eric Kneese, a clinical associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, emphasizes the importance of wind protection for cattle and horses.
"Utilize windbreaks such as tree lines, brush, natural terrain features, barriers, barns or temporary tarps," Kneese advises. "Rolling out hay provides dry, insulated ground for resting. Healthy cattle tolerate cold when dry and shielded from wind."
Water access is critical during freezing weather. Tank heaters can prevent freezing, while producers in areas with shorter freeze durations may rely on insulated buckets or manual ice-breaking twice daily.
Pet Safety
Dr. Lori Teller, clinical professor at the veterinary college, recommends bringing pets indoors during freezing weather. If outdoor time is unavoidable, provide well-insulated shelters with elevated floors and deep straw bedding.
"Short-coated, small, underweight, elderly, or very young animals face highest vulnerability," Teller notes. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, pale gums, reluctance to walk and collapse.
Pet owners should use sweaters or jackets for thin-coated animals and apply paw balm for protection. Avoid salt and chemical deicers, and wash paws with warm water after outdoor exposure.
Plant Protection
Dr. Mike Arnold, professor of horticultural sciences, recommends watering plants thoroughly before freezing temperatures arrive. Moist soil freezes more slowly, insulating root systems.
"Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to protect plant roots," Arnold advises. "Cover cold-sensitive plants with frost cloth or blankets, but don't let covers contact foliage."
Avoid pruning dead growth until late winter or early spring, as early pruning risks additional freeze damage.
Pipe Protection
Joel Pigg of AgriLife Extension recommends purchasing insulation materials well before freeze warnings arrive. A single unprotected line can burst and cause major damage.
Insulate well houses, wrap exposed pipes and shield vulnerable lines in attics or exterior walls from direct wind exposure.
For more information, contact the Cooke County AgriLife Extension office at 940-668-5412.