Oklahoma winters swing wildly. A sunny 65°F afternoon can be followed by a north wind and a hard freeze the next morning. Our pets and the birds that visit our yards feel those swings, and a few small changes keep everyone healthy until spring.
Dogs and cats
Most indoor pets do not need more food in winter. In fact, shorter walks often mean fewer calories burned. Weigh your dog in November and again in January, and trim portions slightly if the scale creeps up. Outdoor and working dogs are different: they burn extra energy staying warm and may need 10 to 20 percent more food. Ask your vet before making a big change.
- Check outdoor water bowls twice a day. A frozen bowl is a common winter problem.
- Wipe paws after walks on treated sidewalks to remove salt and de-icer.
- Bring cats in on freezing nights and bang on the car hood before starting the engine, since cats sometimes shelter near warm engines.
Pond fish
Koi and goldfish slow down as the water cools. Once your pond drops below about 50°F, cut back feeding to a few times a week, and stop entirely when it falls below about 40°F, because fish cannot digest food properly in cold water. When spring warms the pond again, restart slowly with an easy-to-digest food like Pond Fish Food Premium.
Backyard birds
Winter is when feeders matter most. Cardinals, chickadees, juncos and titmice all visit Midwest City yards, and high-energy seed helps them get through cold nights. A blend like Wild Bird Feed and Seed attracts a wide mix, while safflower seed is a favorite of cardinals and is often ignored by squirrels and grackles.
- Keep feeders filled before a cold front arrives.
- Offer fresh water. A shallow dish refreshed each morning helps when puddles freeze.
- Clean feeders every couple of weeks with a mild bleach solution to prevent disease.
Looking for a specific food? The Pet Department on Floor 03 has dog, cat, fish and bird food, and our help desk is happy to help you compare formulas.
