During thunderstorms, does your dog hide in the bathtub or your cat growl at the first rumble? This same anxiety often surfaces during holidays like July 4 when fireworks light up the sky.

As Americans gear up for Independence Day festivities featuring dazzling fireworks displays, pet owners across the nation are reminded to take precautions to safeguard their furry companions from the stress and potential dangers of loud explosions.

David Olthaar, founder of PetRadar, highlights the risks associated with fireworks and changes in routine during the summer season.

"Pets are creatures of habit and can panic when faced with sudden changes," he said. "It's crucial to take preventive steps, such as microchipping and securing your pet indoors during festivities."

To assist pet owners in preparing for the upcoming celebrations, here are some essential tips:

Keep pets indoors: Ensure pets are kept indoors during fireworks displays. Create a safe haven in a quiet, interior room where they can retreat from the noise. Close windows and draw curtains to minimize sound and flashes.

Use background noise: Mask the sound of fireworks with calming music, the television or white noise machines. This can help reduce anxiety and provide comfort to pets.

Provide comforting items: Include familiar items like their bed, favorite toys, or an article of clothing with your scent in their safe space. These familiar objects can help them feel secure.

Avoid fireworks exposure: Never bring pets to fireworks displays. Even if they seem calm, sudden loud noises can trigger fear. Additionally, fireworks debris can pose physical hazards.

Exercise beforehand: Engage pets in vigorous exercise earlier in the day to help expend excess energy. A tired pet is more likely to remain calm during the fireworks.

Update ID tags and microchips: Ensure all identification tags and microchip information are current. This increases the chances of a safe return if your pet becomes lost.

Consider anxiety aids: Consult with your veterinarian about anxiety-reducing products such as Thundershirts, calming collars or prescribed medications to help manage your pet's stress levels.

Stay calm yourself: Pets can pick up on their owner's emotions. Remaining calm and reassuring can help alleviate their anxiety during fireworks.

Be cautious with outdoor celebrations: If hosting a backyard celebration, keep pets away from grills, fireworks and sparklers. Ensure they are securely contained in a pet-friendly area.

Protect pets from heat stroke: Along with the noise, summer celebrations can expose pets to extreme heat, increasing the risk of heat stroke — a condition that can turn deadly swiftly. Never leave pets in parked cars, even on mild days. According to the Humane Society of the United States, a vehicle's interior can reach a fatal 116 degrees within an hour, even if the outside temperature is just 72 degrees. Additionally, be cautious of hot pavement; if you cannot hold your hand on it for five seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws.

Check your yard: Inspect your yard for fireworks debris post-celebrations. These materials can be harmful if ingested by curious pets.

Be mindful of neighbors and livestock: If you're hosting a July 4 celebration, consider the impact on your neighbors and their animals. In areas like Baldwin County, where farms are prevalent, the loud noise from fireworks can startle horses, cows and other livestock, posing a danger to them. Fireworks can also pose a fire risk to crops, and debris left behind may be ingested by livestock. Exercise care to minimize these risks and protect your community's agricultural interests.

As the sky fills with vibrant explosions, many pets may become frightened and attempt to escape, increasing the risk of them becoming lost. According to PetRadar, missing pets reports spike 49% during summer, especially around July 4. Should your pet go missing, promptly contact local animal shelters and rescues. Act quickly and reach out to nearby shelters and rescue organizations. This can greatly improve the chances of being reunited with your pet.

"I recommend that all pet owners find out the contact information of their local emergency clinic and local shelters ahead of time, so that it's quickly within reach in those unexpected moments," cautioned Dr. Erin Katribe, medical director at Best Friends Animal Society.

It is also a good idea to keep your veterinarian's number handy. In the event of an injury or ingestion of hazardous materials from fireworks, immediate veterinary care is essential. Fireworks debris can be toxic or cause serious harm if ingested.

For more tips on keeping pets safe during fireworks and preventing them from getting lost, visit www.petradar.org, www.bestfriends.org, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's website or consult your local veterinarian.