Why Winter Preparation Matters for Livestock
Winter brings unique health challenges for farm animals. Cold temperatures increase energy demands, reduce immune function, and create conditions where respiratory diseases, parasites, and nutritional deficiencies can take hold quickly. The best time to prepare is before the cold arrives — not after your animals are already stressed or sick.
Here's a species-by-species guide to the health supplies every small farm should have on hand heading into winter.
🐴 Horses
Dewormers
- Moxidectin — Fall deworming with moxidectin targets encysted small strongyle larvae that burrow into the gut wall over winter. This is the most important deworming of the year for horses.
- Ivermectin + praziquantel — Covers tapeworms and bots. Use after bot fly season ends (typically after the first hard frost).
Nutritional Supplements
- Electrolytes — Horses drink less in cold weather, increasing colic risk. Electrolyte supplements encourage water intake.
- Joint supplements — Cold weather worsens arthritis and joint stiffness in older horses.
- Vitamin E and selenium — Important for muscle health, especially in horses without access to fresh pasture.
First Aid & Emergency Supplies
- Thermometer (normal horse temp: 99–101.5°F)
- Wound care supplies (antiseptic, bandaging material)
- Banamine (flunixin meglumine) — for pain and fever; prescription required
- Your vet's emergency contact number posted in the barn
🐐 Goats & Sheep
Dewormers
- Restock ivermectin, fenbendazole, or levamisole based on your herd's resistance patterns. Do a fecal egg count before treating to confirm which animals need it.
- Have injectable ivermectin on hand for animals that can't be drenched easily.
Vaccines
- CDT (Clostridium perfringens C&D + Tetanus) — Booster in fall; give to pregnant does/ewes 4–6 weeks before kidding/lambing for passive immunity transfer.
Nutritional Supplements
- Loose minerals — Goats and sheep need year-round access to loose minerals, especially copper and selenium. Deficiencies worsen in winter when pasture is unavailable.
- Vitamin B complex — Useful for stressed or off-feed animals.
- Propylene glycol — For does at risk of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis) in late gestation.
Respiratory Supplies
- Penicillin or oxytetracycline — For bacterial pneumonia, which spikes in winter when animals are housed together in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Nuflor or Draxxin — Longer-acting antibiotics for respiratory disease; consult your vet.
🐔 Chickens & Poultry
Dewormers
- Safe-Guard AquaSol — Deworm your flock in fall before they're confined to the coop for winter. Easy water-based treatment, FDA-approved, only 5-day egg withdrawal.
Respiratory Health
- Tylosin or doxycycline — For mycoplasmosis and other respiratory infections that flare up when birds are crowded indoors in cold weather.
- Vet Rx — A natural respiratory aid for mild symptoms.
Nutritional Support
- Poultry vitamins and electrolytes — Support immune function during cold stress.
- Scratch grains — Feeding scratch in the evening helps birds generate body heat overnight.
- Apple cider vinegar — Added to water to support gut health and immunity.
Coop Supplies
- Extra bedding (deep litter method helps generate warmth)
- Heated waterers or water heater bases to prevent freezing
- Petroleum jelly for combs and wattles to prevent frostbite
🐖 Pigs
Dewormers & Parasite Control
- Injectable ivermectin — Treat sows before farrowing to reduce parasite transmission to piglets. Also effective against sarcoptic mange.
- In-feed fenbendazole — For roundworm and whipworm control in growing pigs.
Respiratory Supplies
- Tetracyclines (in-feed or injectable) — For respiratory disease complex, which increases in winter housing conditions.
- Tiamulin — For swine dysentery and respiratory disease.
Bedding & Housing
- Deep straw bedding is essential for pigs in cold weather — they'll nest and stay warm.
- Ensure draft-free housing with adequate ventilation to prevent respiratory disease buildup.
Universal Winter Livestock Checklist
Regardless of species, make sure you have these basics covered:
- ✅ Adequate feed and hay stored for the season
- ✅ Heated or insulated water sources to prevent freezing
- ✅ Shelter that blocks wind and precipitation
- ✅ Dewormers appropriate for each species
- ✅ Antibiotics for respiratory emergencies (consult your vet)
- ✅ Vitamins and minerals for each species
- ✅ First aid kit stocked and accessible
- ✅ Large animal vet contact information posted and current
Shop Livestock Winter Health Supplies at Paw and Tail Supply
We carry dewormers, antibiotics, vitamins, and health supplies for horses, goats, chickens, pigs, and more — everything you need to get your animals through winter healthy and strong. Stock up now with fast shipping before the cold hits.
