The high mountain towns of Utah hold a pristine, almost magical allure in the winter. Yet, this stunning beauty comes with the harsh reality of isolation. Snow closes off roads as temperatures plummet. Securing the well-being of our people and, just as importantly, our cherished animal companions, hinges on having reliable local support. This is why the presence of a devoted veterinarian in town is absolutely vital.
Fortunately, Ogden Valley is home to Dr. Beau Bradbeer, a dedicated veterinarian with extensive experience in emergency care. Dr. Bradbeer’s journey into veterinary medicine began naturally, inspired by a childhood spent in rescue and rehabilitation. “My mum was a wildlife carer,” she explains. “So, it was kind of the natural progression of life that I would end up being a vet.” This lifetime of experience now serves her community, focusing on immediate and preventative care.
Dr. Bradbeer offers practical advice on keeping your dogs, horses, and chickens safe this winter.
Canine Companions:
De-icing salts: One of the most common, yet often overlooked, risks is the salt used on driveways. Sodium Chloride— normal de-icing salt—can irritate paws, and if ingested in large quantities, it may be toxic. Hypernatremia is a condition that can be “tricky to treat.” The best advice: “It’s best to avoid it rather than have to treat it.” Dr. Bradbeer advises using pet-friendly salt, though being mindful that even these are not 100% safe, and brushing off feet after exposure is still important.
Antifreeze Toxicity: The Fatal Mistake: Dr. Bradbeer highlights one of the most serious cold-weather dangers for all animals, but most commonly our dogs and cats: antifreeze. "That one's the big one." Ethylene glycol, the toxic substance in many commercial antifreezes, is extremely dangerous. It only takes a small ingested dose to be fatal, and the commonly sweet taste makes it tempting for our pets.
"Once ingested, it rapidly causes crystals to form in the kidneys, which leads to irreversible renal failure." She also reveals a sobering fact about the treatment: "Alcohol! One of the treatments is intravenous, diluted 190 proof Vodka. For treatment to have any chance of success, though, it needs to be started immediately after exposure."
Prevention is key. All dog and cat owners need to be informed about this danger. Always ensure antifreeze spills are thoroughly and immediately cleaned up and that your pets cannot access stored containers, even empty ones.
Frostbite & Exposure: “Low temperatures can be a killer. It is vital that outside dogs have somewhere to go that is warm and dry and protects them from the elements.” For those enjoying outdoor activities, consider bringing your dog with you during the warmest part of the day or avoid extreme wet or cold adventures altogether.
Hooved Heroes:
Horses have natural defenses against the cold, but owners must be vigilant about a few key areas:
Feed & Warmth: "The big thing with horses is going to be nutrition; “Good quality roughage and grain, with consideration of your horse's age and dental condition, is essential to help keep them warm on those cold, snowy days," says Dr. Bradbeer. "Take care not to overfeed or leave feed shed doors open by mistake, as sneaky horses will gorge themselves and are at risk of developing gut ulcers and even colic with overingestion of grain.
Blanketing & Shelter: Blanketing is a subjective decision. Only blanket a horse that is accustomed to being blanketed or has been brought from a warmer climate. However, for a fully coated horse, over-blanketing can cause overheating and sweating. This actually making them colder is "counter-intuitive." Blankets should generally be used only when it is extremely cold, wet, or windy. Crucially, all horses need adequate shelter.
Hoof Care: Winter often means going shoeless. "It's best to avoid normal shoes when there's snow on the ground. Snow compacts up underneath the foot, and it's not only slippery but can also cause strain on joints and muscles." If you do need to shoe, one option is snow pads that your farrier can place between the hoof and the shoe to stop the accumulation. Don't forget to add borium to your shoes to help with traction.
The Flock:
Water & Ventilation: Preventing frozen water is essential, but proper ventilation in the coop is paramount. “You can insulate the coop,” but too much insulation without airflow creates a humid environment. "The humidity is a killer because wet feathers equal frozen chickens."
Heating: The use of heating in coops can be controversial. Heat mats are one option, but as with all electrical devices, there is a risk of fire. If using a heat source, make sure it is not near nesting material, check all cords regularly, and do your research on the products that you use.
By following these preventative care tips, we can ensure our beloved animal companions remain safe, healthy, and happy throughout the winter season.
“It was the natural progression of life that I would end up being a vet.”