At first glance, animals seem to react to hot weather the same ways we do — by slowing down, drinking more water (or something), and catching a breeze where they can. However, for them it’s more than seeking comfort — it can mean life or death.

We all know better than to leave a dog or cat in a car in hot weather. What we may not realize is that the animal will start reacting to the heat much faster than we would. As the U.S. government blog Gov Gab notes, dogs’ and cats’ bodies are less efficient at cooling themselves. It can take only a few minutes for damage to set in.

(Gov Gab goes on to say that signs of heat injury in a pet are a bright red tongue, thick, sticky saliva, rapid panting, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, and shock. If you think it’s happening to your pet, you can hose him down or put him into cold water — if he lets you. Of course, you should also call the vet.)

On the other hand, one summer problem pets may have is the same as one of ours — sunburn. Yes, they can get it, especially in spots where their fur is thin or just doesn’t grow — like the nose, especially if it’s light colored. There are pet sunscreen products you can buy if this threatens to be a problem.

Unless you don’t wear shoes, you probably don’t give much thought to the heat of the sidewalk you’re walking on — but your dog can burn his feet on a hot one. It’s better to exercise him at a cool time of day, anyway.

If the heat is getting to you, remember it may be getting to your pet even worse. Keeping that in mind will help you have a good summer together.