Whether they're lying under chairs, lapping up water or sleeping from dawn to dusk, dogs and cats are champs at beating summer's heat.

They have to be. Unlike people, whose perspiration keeps them cool, pets have hardly any sweat glands at all. They do sweat between their toes, but it's not enough to carry heat away.

What they do instead is pant. (Cats are less likely than dogs to overheat, which is why they pant less often.) Panting helps dispel some heat, but it really isn't very efficient. Which is why hot weather, for both dogs and cats, is uncomfortable weather.

To help your pets beat the heat, here's what experts recommend.

Double the water. Even if your pet has a water bowl the size of a birdbath, chances are he occasionally kicks it over -- and perhaps goes without water the rest of the day. To prevent him from going thirsty, provide two bowls of water and always keep them filled.

Let 'em drip. One way to make sure outdoor pets always have a fresh supply of cool water is to place their bowl under a faucet that's allowed to drip.

Give them shelter. Direct sunshine raises body temperature fast, which is why dogs and cats need cool places where they can go to escape the sun. You don't need anything fancy. As long as their territory includes a porch, an umbrella or even a leafy tree, they'll find ways to stay cool.

Do a home check. While doghouses, garages or other outbuildings often stay comfortably cool, in some cases the temperature rises fast. So don't automatically assume your pet has a pleasant place to escape the heat.

Wait until the hottest part of the day, then check the temperature of his hideaway yourself. If it feels uncomfortable to you, it's probably too hot for him. You'll need to arrange for other more comfortable accommodations.

Smear on sun protection. Although dogs and cats don't take off their clothes in summer (they never even remove their coats), they can still get sunburn, particularly on their noses, ears and other pink spots.

If your pet spends time outside, it's a good idea to smear exposed skin with sunscreen, preferably one with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher, at least once a day. You'll probably want to apply it more often, since many pets like the taste and will lick it off.

Most sunscreens aren't toxic when taken internally. You should avoid those containing zinc, however, which can be dangerous when licked.

Beat the heat. Rather than taking your pet outside during the hottest times of day, try scheduling your romps in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler.

Keep the cruising cool. Even when you have the windows open, it's often hotter inside the car than it is outside. To keep your pet comfortable, give him a window seat where he can catch the breeze, vets say. (Make sure the windows are closed far enough to prevent a daredevil jump.) Or let him lie on the floor near an air conditioner vent.

On long trips, it's also a good idea to take water and an extra bowl so he can have a drink when he needs one.

Park carefully. The temperatures inside a parked car can get almost oven-hot in just a few minutes. You should never leave your pet inside a parked car. If you must leave him in the car during a trip -- while you pick up groceries, for example -- always park in a cool, shady spot. Leave two or more windows open to allow air to circulate (but not so wide that he can jump out). And don't ever leave him there for more than a minute or two.

Don't push too hard. Dogs and cats that play all day during the cool months may find themselves slowing down when it's hot outside. Don't push them too hard, particularly when they start panting. Pets don't always know their limits. We have to put the brakes on for them.

Forget the haircut. It seems logical, when temperatures rise, to take your pet to the groomer for a summer 'do. But while a long coat may look hot, in many cases it helps insulate your pet and keeps him cooler.

It's okay to give him a trim. Just don't give him a buzz cut unless that's his usual style.

Don't fret about feed. Most dogs and cats naturally eat less during the summer months, so don't be alarmed if your pet's appetite falls off a little bit. He's not expending as much energy keeping his body warm, so he needs less food.

Put in a pool. Dogs often enjoy taking a cool dip on a hot day. Fill a small wading pool with an inch or two of cool water to give them a pleasant place to cool off.

In most cases, a little rest and a cool drink of water is all your hot, panting pet needs to recover from the heat. But if he gets too hot, he could develop heatstroke, which means he needs a vet fast.

Heatstroke may occur whenever a dog or cat's temperature rises above 104º. But you don't have to take your pet's temperature to recognize the warning signs. Visible symptoms of heatstroke include exhaustion, heavy panting and a lurching gait. Some pets may get so weak they can't even raise their heads.

Pets with heatstroke can suffer brain damage or worse, so don't take chances if you suspect there's a problem. Get him to a vet right away. In the meantime, you can lower his temperature fast by dousing him with a hose and then wrapping him in a cool, damp blanket while you wait for assistance.

You should encourage him to drink, but don't force him. Pets with heatstroke may not swallow properly, and forcing him to drink could make him drown.