Before setting off those fireworks, think about the animals and veterans

We celebrate them. We thank them for their service. But for the servicemen and women, veterans who have served and experienced combat, the explosions, gunfire, the sights, smells, and sound of fireworks can be traumatic, potentially triggering their memories of being under attack, even cueing them to react.

If you’re hosting a July 4th event that includes fireworks, Robert Galbraith, commander of CMVFW Post 414, recommends taking care to consider any veterans who may live in your neighborhood.

“The main thing,” he said, “is to stop by and ask how that neighbor experiences fireworks well before the event.  It helps bring understanding both ways.  And any veteran will appreciate it.”

The Veterans Administration National Center for PTSD site (ptsd.va.gov) offers a detailed list of suggestions for both veterans and neighbors who might be including fireworks in their celebrations.

Among their recommendations:

• Consider using sparklers, light shows, or other alternatives to explosive materials like fireworks
• Let guests know well in advance if fireworks are being planned
• Set a specific time, in advance, to allow guests who would prefer to avoid fireworks to leave before they start
• Have enough space that allows guests room to move around easily; avoid large, crowded gatherings
• Be understanding of guests’ preferences, their need to maintain a feeling of safety

July 4th celebrations are also stressful for animals, our pets, wildlife and livestock. According to veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox, of the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, it’s the day most pets go missing. Even pets inside a home can become frightened enough to bolt through a screen or run through a door as guests arrive and mingle.

For some pets who are highly reactive, she suggests a visit to your veterinarian’s office well in advance, where it may be prescribed a sedative.  In this case, you’ll want to observe how the pet responds to the medication well before the date to make sure the dose is sufficient and well-tolerated.

Pet and livestock owners can find additional tips for safeguarding their animals at the American Veterinary Medicine Association website, “July 4th Safety” (avma.org).

Among their recommendations: leave pets at home; provide safely fenced areas for livestock and horses; if entertaining, make sure to secure pets so they don’t get loose, preferably in a safe, escape-proof room or crate; make sure pets have ID with up-to-date contact information and a microchip in case they get lost. 

And, finally, always check your yard or pasture for fireworks debris following the event. Safely discard any material that could cause burns or poison the animal if ingested.