How to Keep Animals Warm in Blizzards

Buy or make a jacket for the animal. Store-bought quilted or fleece jackets typically fasten beneath the animal's belly using Velcro or clips. Make sure to buy a jacket that has a waterproof surface that melting snow won't permeate.

Cut blankets into strips to make an emergency jacket. The width of the strips should be equivalent to the space between an animal's fore and hind legs. Secure the blanket in place using one or more belts joined together end-to-end or some twine.

Create or find shelter for the animals. Any standing structure will do, provided that it has solid walls. In a pinch, loose branches stacked horizontally between trees can provide some respite from wind-borne snow. Lining the floor of an enclosure with grit or sand helps prevent slippage and keep the animal from coming into direct contact with the cold ground, thus helping to prevent further heat loss. Some hoof-less animals can be fitted with special booties.

Heat the area where the animals are located. Make a fire if there's someone able to tend it. Alternatively, fill hot water bottles and wrap them in towels so that they don't burn the animals' skin. Provide plenty of hay and thick bedding that will help retain the animals' own body heat when they lie down or sleep.

Provide the animals with high-energy food to ensure their bodies continue generating heat. Like humans, animals burn more calories when it is cold. Hoofed animals may be given molasses and extra grain if available. Fruit and seeds are also good sources of energy. Carnivorous animals should ideally be supplied with meat, but will also benefit from foodstuffs such as porridge and peanut butter.