Fireworks affect veterans with PTSD and spook pets
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) With Fourth of July around the corner, one local veteran and the SPCA for Monterey County are asking people to be mindful of how fireworks works affect people and pets.
Loud noises can trigger symptoms for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
During the Fourth of July, Americans generally show their appreciation for their country with intricate displays of lights that fill the sky but for those that fought for our freedom, the day can seem like a cruel irony. Tony Virrueta, a former U.S. Army veteran, says the day can be triggering for a lot of veterans.
"Many veterans suffer with PTSD, a lot of times there are certain triggers, loud noises. If anybody who's been deployed in combat, one of the most relevant things are the loud explosions, the bombs, the noises," said Virrueta.
However, Virrueta says there are some ways that veterans can help soothe their PTSD.
"I say get yourself comfortable, get some white noise that will just kind of deflect the explosions and if something does happen, just kind of bring yourself back home. Call a friend for some support and that'll help work your way through the episode itself," said Virrueta.
The SPCA for Monterey County says the Fourth of July can also be a stressor for animals as well which can lead to pets leaving their homes.
"We strongly recommend keeping pets indoors because a scared cat or dog can easily jump a fence and when they're scared, they don't know where they're running and many animals are hit by cars around this time," said Brookhouser.
