Remember to think about our animal friends during the 4th of July

July 4th is a time for cook-outs, beach get-a-ways, and fireworks. It is easy to take all of the fun for granted. Unfortunately, it is also easy to forget just how much animals are terrified of the fireworks.

According to a Google search, this holiday is the number one time of the year that dogs become lost. In addition, wild animals tend to leave their nests and dens in fear, leaving babies vulnerable to predators or the elements.

Stopping people from shooting off fireworks is nearly impossible. But there are a few things animal lovers can do to help animals during this time of year. Perhaps the most important thing a pet owner can do is keep their beloved pets inside. If possible, secure your dog or cat in a safe room until the fireworks end. Doing so will keep them safe while limiting the chances of escape. You can also put on some soothing music that will help drown out the noise. And finally, try to have someone that your pet knows stay with them. This will give your pet a sense of security.

In regard to wild animals, you should not panic if you see a wild animal like a raccoon running around. Chances are it ran away from its nest and became disoriented. It is best to keep your distance and keep an eye on it. Of course, if it acts sick or aggressive, then you should call local animal control or check out the CT DEEP information on dealing with distressed wildlife at http://www.ct.gov/deep. Birds are also known to leave their nests and never return to their babies. So, if you happen to come across a nest with hatchlings, you can try contacting a wildlife rehabilitator using the previous DEEP link.

With a little patience and common sense, we can all help keep our animal friends safe while enjoying the 4th of July holiday.