A veterinarian at South-East Veterinary Clinic in Steinbach says animals are enjoying this warmer winter weather. Dr. Gwenda Olson says outdoor animals are happiest between -4ºC and -10ºC.

"Most of our animals that spend the majority of their time outside, they're really enjoying this warmer weather," notes Dr. Olson. "It's easier for them to maintain their weight and they don't have to consume as much to maintain their metabolic needs. They're just enjoying this way better than -40ºC and windchills. They're being more active and just much happier animals."

Since temperatures have been dipping below zero at night Dr. Olson says there hasn't been a worry about animals becoming reinfected from bacteria or parasites. She notes they have also seen complaints about ticks dwindling as well.

"The season [for ticks] went longer than normal this year but it also started later than normal. But now that the weather is becoming cool enough at night, we haven't had clients coming in or complaining about wood ticks or deer ticks anymore. That seems to have dwindled off and it's getting cool enough that the ticks are into their hibernation and it's not warming up sufficiently to allow them to come out of that and start being active again."

She notes wood ticks are more active and deer ticks tend to be more active in fall and early winter.

As for indoor animals, Dr. Olson says they are able to enjoy the fresh air and go for walks more frequently which is a win-win for everyone.