Pets are sensitive people. Being close to the ground and covered in fur, they seem well enough equipped to deal with whatever weather the sky can throw at them but sadly, they have drifted a bit too far from nature and become too dependent on humans to beat every extreme.

Severe cold and heat have the same effects on our fuzzy little friends as they do us. When left out in the cold, do they not freeze? When over exerted on a hot day, do they not jump in the nearest lake to avoid passing out? Of course they do. Here are some helpful hints and a few tidbits of info that will help pet owners (or, as we’re known to our pets, big hairless food givers) keep their furry (or not so furry) buddies safe and comfortable in extreme weather conditions.

The Cold

When that great thermostat in the sky is cranked down to the capital C, pets can run into to their fare share of dangers, some potentially fatal but all definitely avoidable.

Cats and dogs are animals and as animals they are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. If you can’t keep your pet inside with you, make sure it has sufficient shelter built to fit that particular pet. As it will be heated by the animal itself, it can’t be too large or too small. Drinking water should be kept in a deep, wide bowl made of thick plastic and if the shelter is made right, the body heat of the animal will keep it from freezing.

If you’re really looking to impress, check out this kitty condo where your cat can bunk up with all of its feral friends. Here are some free doghouse plans, many of which are nicer than the average studio apartment. Go ahead and spoil the mutt, he’s/she’s the only sentient being that doesn’t mind when you wear sweatpants to the grocery store.

Also, watch for freezing paw pads and animals crawling into your car’s engine block for warmth. And pay no mind to your neighbor’s funny looks when you’re banging on your hood before you start the car and a sneaker-sporting cat high-steps away.

The Heat

As aforementioned, cats and dogs tend to be furry. That oh-so-pettable pelt does wonders to keep the little fella warm in the cold, but it tends to backfire when the heat is on.

Cats and dogs are, like their human counterparts, covered in sweat glands but all that fur stops them from doing their job. Cats and dogs mainly release sweat from the nose and paw pads, the only places not covered in hair. If you want proof, check out the wet, little paw prints your cat leaves behind on a hot day. As cute as that is, it might be a sign that your cat is beginning to over heat. Watch the humidity as much as the heat and remember, if your pet has a short muzzle (like Boxers, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) it may have more trouble breathing in the heat.

Dogs mainly get rid of excess heat through panting. Cats also pant but only when they are way too hot so if you see your cat panting, give it some vanilla ice cream and a cool, shady place to stretch out. Ice cubes and cool (not cold) water will also work but ice cream is so gooood.

Thunder and Lightning

Lighting and thunder are scary. If you say otherwise you’re crazy. You’re probably one of those people who chases tornadoes around. Crazy.

Pets are not crazy and they are scared of lightning storms so follow these basic rules when the pressure drops (and your pet will sense that drop as well as the best trained techno enthusiast can sense a drop at an EDM show): Allocate a hiding place — give the dog/cat a place to hide such as a closet or a crate.

Remove anything that you don’t want destroyed — dogs will respond to the fear by ripping things to shreds. Attach identification to pet — make sure it’s wearing an identification collar because it might bolt. If the problem gets out of control and the pet is in danger of harming itself during heavy storms, talk to your vet about doggy and kitty anxiety pills and audio conditioning. Other than that, be understanding when your little buddy poops or pees on the floor when it becomes frightened. I’m sure he/she would forgive you if you had a little accident.

You love your pet. As far as you know, your pet loves you. Your pet shares the same chills, burns, and fear of loud, unexpected noises as you do. It also shares your love of vanilla ice cream. Never forget that.