BANGOR, Maine — The Fourth of July is punctuated each year by fireworks displays. While many enjoy their sights and sounds, some people and pets find it distressing.
Beyond fireworks, crowds, changes in routine, and unfamiliar settings can all be impactful, according to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Conrad.
She emphasizes talking about mental health and planning ahead for stressful events.
"Thinking about the coping strategies that will be available and that can be helpful in that moment and to have an ongoing conversation about where things are in terms of triggers and what coping skills will be available," Conrad said.
Fourth of July festivities and fireworks can also be stressful for our pets. The Bangor Humane Society reports that staff have seen up to a 45-percent increase in strays during the holiday.
The humane society's staff recommends closing all windows and doors, turning on the radio or other noise machines, and ensuring your pet has food and water.
Before fireworks go off, Kathryn Ravencraft, the Bangor Humane Society’s director of development and communications, recommends getting your pet exercise beforehand to help them sleep through celebrations.
And for already anxious four-legged friends, Ravencraft suggested talking with your veterinarian about any medications that may help lessen their anxiety.
In years to come, many of these concerns may fade away as quieter and more accessible aerial displays grow in popularity.
On New Year's Eve, Auburn became Maine's first city to celebrate the holiday with a drone show. Liz Allen, Auburn's director of communications and community engagement, said public response was positive.
"It was incredible. There was a lobster. There was a big Maine with a heart where our community is. It was unifying and really moving," Allen said.
Compared to traditional fireworks displays, Tyler Kubicz, a production manager at Sky Elements Drones, says drone presentations come with notable advantages.
"There's no pollution at all. There's no noise either," Kubicz said. "So just in general, drone shows are a little bit more accessible to a lot more people."
The City of Auburn hopes to bring more drone shows in the future, but notes cost, which can be twice or three times the price of traditional pyrotechnics.