Yes, fireworks can be terrifying for animals. My daughter has guinea pigs, and some (thankfully, not hers) guinea pigs have actually died of heart attacks due to fireworks.

I also understand what you mean when you say it feels like there's less to celebrate this year (whether here on Canada Day, or there, on July 4th). There are still many worse places on the planet, I guess. But, perhaps, there are also better ways to celebrate?