Winter is coming. That's right, you may think it's been seriously cold, but the winter season doesn't actually officially start in the Northern Hemisphere until 21 December. That means you ain't seen nothing yet. Balls.
But realistically it's not that bad for us, because when we get fed up of jumping about in the snow with soggy feet and frozen fingers, we can just head inside for a hot chocolate spiked with whisky to warm up.
Dogs, on the other hand, aren't so lucky. I mean, has anyone even asked them if they want to be dragged out into the freezing cold snow for walkies? Do they need a coat or is that just daft? They can't even grumble about bad weather like us, which must make things even harder.
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"A lot of dogs love the snow, so it's always nice to play and have fun in the snowy weather," RSPCA dog welfare expert Samantha Gaines told LADbible.
"But take care that their paws don't get impacted with snow, as this can be painful, and ensure you dry your pet's coat thoroughly when you get back home.
"If your dog is more of a fair weather walker and doesn't like the rain or cold, then avoid forcing them to go out. But, from a dog's point of view, exercise is more than just going for a walk, it also allows them to go to the toilet, sniff, explore and play games."
Gaines adds that grit can also get lodged in between your dog's toes and pads, which could be irritating or painful, so you may have to clean your dog's paws when you get in from your walk. Your dog might also need grooming if its fur has become tangled and frozen by the ice.
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She also says that if your dog is reluctant to go out, then make sure they have regular opportunities to go to the toilet, and that they still have lots to do indoors to keep them happy and entertained.
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If your dog does want to go out for a wander, there are lots of measures you can take to make a walk better when the weather's a bit harsh.
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"If your dog is young, elderly, sickly, or thin coated then a special dog coat or jumper could be ideal for keeping him warm when you're out walking - especially during the colder, winter months," says Gaines.
"It is important for owners to check that their dog can still behave normally - such as going to the toilet easily - and it is a good, comfortable fit. If your dog doesn't like having it on then it is better not to force him to wear it."
There's also an issue of safety involved with the shorter days and darker nights. Gaines advises wearing reflective clothing during wintry dog walks, and that it's often worth thinking about a light for your dog's collar.
In terms of diet, while we're all 'bulking' for the winter and kidding ourselves that a few extra pies here and there will help us pad out for the colder months, the same dodgy ethos can't be applied to your four-legged pal.
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"If your dog is exercising less during the winter months then he may be prone to gaining a little weight," Gaines says. "Regularly check your dog's weight and body condition to keep him in tip top condition."
Ultimately, though, Gaines says that pets need regular exercise, whatever the weather - so sometimes it might be a case of hauling your own ass off the sofa and taking them for a stroll, whether you like it or not.
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