According to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior, the reason pets are scared of thunderstorms isn’t always clear. One study found that a traumatic experience linked to noise was the likely origin of noise sensitivity in only about a third of pets with these phobias. Other factors that may contribute to noise sensitivities include chronic stress, genetics, neurochemical imbalances, and a change in hearing.

Practicing at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ballantyne offers behavior consultations to help pets with phobias and other behavioral issues.

She says it is perfectly normal for a pet to be scared by the loud noises and flashes the first time the pet experiences a thunderstorm or fireworks. A pet may react defensively to these high-decibel noises because they probably hurt the pet’s ears, they lack a regular pattern, and it’s difficult to figure out where they are coming from.

It isn’t normal, however, if the animal does not get used to storms, and each thunderstorm is as terrifying as the previous one. Unfortunately, thunderstorms are common, and these frequent stressors can reduce a pet’s quality of life. Addressing your pet’s fears is important for the sake of the pet—not to mention the household objects sometimes destroyed by frightened pets.

Dr. Ballantyne suggests several measures that may help noise-sensitive pets feel a little safer and less frightened during a thunderstorm.

“First, try to make a safe place where your pet can go,” she says. “An interior room with no windows is ideal because it is more sheltered from noise and the flashes of light. Avoid crating your pet unless the pet already feels that the crate is a safe place.”

When pets are already hiding, don’t force them out: that can scare and stress them more. Playing music or increasing the white noise in the house can decrease the perceived amount of noise from the storm.

Your behavior around your pet also plays an important role in managing the pet’s anxiety during a storm. You should avoid either comforting or punishing the pet, and you should stay calm to avoid increasing the pet’s anxiety.

If your dog isn’t too scared, you can try to play with him. Interactive toys, such as a Kong filled with food, can help as well if he is willing to eat.

A pheromone spray for dogs called DAP helps reduce anxiety in some dogs. It can be sprayed on a bandana and tied around the pet’s neck during a storm.

Dr. Ballantyne acknowledges that noise sensitivities can be hard for owners to manage. Sometimes you can do everything right and your pet is still scared of the storms.

“Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help,” advises Dr. Ballantyne. “If nothing else is working, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to augment the behavior modification plan.”

Don’t forget that a pet that is scared of thunderstorms will likely have a similar reaction to fireworks. These pets should be given a safe place to hide during the celebration and should never be taken to watch fireworks.

If you have questions about pets’ noise sensitivities, please contact your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine.

Lowering the ‘Boom’: Reducing Pets’ Noise Sensitivities The Saturday Evening Post

So how did the uproar over “swine flu” get started?

Dr. James Lowe, a swine veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, recently offered a brief primer on influenza as well as some background on the 2009 flu outbreak. Food animal veterinarians play an important role in protecting public health by ensuring a safe food supply, but influenza is not a disease that is spread by eating meat, so worries connecting pork and flu are entirely unfounded.

“The virus that causes influenza is genetically unstable, meaning it evolves rapidly,” says Dr. Lowe. “The influenza virus changes so quickly that scientists who develop vaccines must race to try to keep ahead of it.”

Whereas vaccines developed to prevent tetanus and measles remain effective for years because the infective agents that cause these diseases change little, the flu vaccine must be updated every year. Flu shots are designed to protect against a few strains of the influenza virus that are predicted to be common in a given flu season.

“Most mammals and birds are affected by influenza,” says Dr. Lowe. “Scientists categorize influenza A strains according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin—hence the “H”—which has 17 variations, and neuraminidase—“N”—with 9 variations. The structure of these proteins differs from strain to strain because of rapid genetic mutation.”

Strains of the influenza virus affect various species differently. For example, people are usually only affected by the H1, H2, and H3 and the N1 and N2 strains. Some of these variations also affect birds and pigs. Strains arising in different species can combine to form novel strains that may affect more than one species.

There are three strains of influenza now circulating in U.S. pigs that also affect people: H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. The flu is spread primarily by exposure to the virus through coughs and sneezes. It is just as possible for people to give the flu to pigs as it is for pigs to give the flu to people.

Pigs and people experience much the same manifestations of flu: runny noses, cough, and high fevers. The deadly aspect of influenza occurs if it damages the airways, allowing secondary infections to set in.

For people, key strategies for keeping flu-free are washing hands and staying home if infected. For pigs, modern farms have very stringent biosecurity protocols that prevent people from bringing pathogens in or out of the farm.

Although it was called “swine flu,” H1N1 is historically a human flu. It was the culprit in the 1918 pandemic Spanish Flu.

The H1N1 flu outbreak of 2009 originated in Mexico. Ironically the first cases of the 2009 outbreak that affected U.S. pigs were traced to sick farm workers who had contracted the illness from schoolchildren.

Despite dire warnings in the media and a fearful public, the number of U.S. deaths attributed to the pandemic H1N1 outbreak between April 2009 and April 2010 was estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fall between 9,000 and 18,000—well below the 40,000 U.S. deaths attributed to seasonal flu in a typical year.

The influenza virus is a frustrating virus to deal with, even when it is not deadly. It causes major economic losses in people and pigs: people lose productivity and incur medical bills, and pigs don’t grow well so farmers lose income.

The truth is, new strains of the virus will continually appear, and from time to time a new strain will cause more severe illness than is typical. But there is no true “swine flu,” and certainly not one that is guaranteed to be deadly in people.

It is simply the flu, we can all get it, and we all try our best to avoid it.

If you have questions about infectious diseases that pass between people and animals, your local veterinarian can be an excellent resource.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Truth About “Swine Flu” The Saturday Evening Post

Pet obesity is a growing problem that often isn’t taken seriously, even though it contributes to life-threatening and life-shortening conditions such as cancer, heart disease, joint problems, and more.

Kim Knap, a certified veterinary technician and a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, runs the Companion Animal Rehabilitation clinic at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Through a program called “Shape up, Pup!” Knap works with pet owners to develop practical, individualized plans to safely achieve and maintain ideal body weight for pets.

If you are uncertain whether your pet may have a weight problem, Knap offers these guidelines: “You should be able to easily feel the ribs without a layer of fat. When you look down at your pet, you should be able to see a waist, and when you look from the side, you should see a tucked abdomen,” she says.

But what if Fluffy is, well, fluffy?

“For pets with lots of fur, run your hands through the fur to see if you can easily feel her ribs,” says Knap.

If you think your pet’s weight may be a problem, call this to the attention of your veterinarian. If the veterinarian rules out metabolic disorders, you may be referred to a rehab program like “Shape up, Pup!” that would create a personalized plan to fit you and your pet. These programs often have special equipment, such as a doggy treadmill, that will make exercise more fun for your pet. You will find plenty of options and people who can help once you start looking.

Knap cautions that unmonitored treats are a common pitfall in an otherwise well-regulated pet diet.

“Commercial treats are typically high in calories,” says Knap, “and the semi-moist variety is especially bad. Moist treats add fats and sugars to keep them moist.”

What should you do if your pet habitually looks at you with big sad eyes and begs for treats? Knap says he may really just be begging for your attention and playtime. Try finding more time to play, she advises, which provides both the attention he craves and the activity he needs.

Another approach Knap recommends is to replace calorie-laden treats with baby carrots or ice cubes, inexpensive choices that your pet will love. Most dogs will be just as thrilled about getting that carrot piece and your attention as getting a processed commercial treat. And you might enjoy watching your pet dash after the slippery ice cube just as much as your pet likes chasing it.

Keeping pets at an ideal weight helps them live longer, healthier lives. Fit pets can make the most of play time without tuckering out early, and they are less likely to develop chronic, life-threatening diseases.

For more information about your pet’s ideal weight, talk to your local veterinarian.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Resolve to Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight The Saturday Evening Post

1. Ringworm is caused by a worm.

This disease got its name because of the way it looks, not because it is caused by worms under the skin. Ringworm is caused by one of several common dermatophytes; fungi that grow on skin. The “ring” look comes when the skin heals in the center as the fungus spreads outwards.

2. You can’t give ringworm to your pet or vice versa.

Actually, ringworm is quite contagious between mammals. Not only can you get it from your pet, you can just as easily give it to your pet, whether that is a cat, a dog, or even a rabbit. In fact, ringworm can affect any mammal.

3. Ringworm is only contagious through direct contact.

If that were true, the situation would be so much easier to resolve. The fungus infects the hairs, which are shed into the environment. These hairs can remain infectious for years. Part of treating a pet for ringworm involves extensive cleaning of the environment, that is, your house. Electrostatic wipes can be especially helpful for collecting all the pet hairs. Dr. Campbell recommends disinfecting all the surfaces you can with a common household cleaner. And don’t forget the air vents!

4. Only the affected pet needs to be treated.

If one pet in a multi-pet household has ringworm, you need to worry about all the other pets too. If the animals spend time together, it is very possible that they all have ringworm even if they do not have any obvious sores. To address the situation, you can either have all animals tested, or just treat them all. The choice depends on your preference and cost. Testing takes time (days to weeks) and can be expensive. The most common treatment for ringworm is lime-sulfur dips, which are fairly inexpensive. Discuss which course of treatment is best for your situation with your veterinarian.

5. If there are no visible skin problems or hair loss, the animal does not have ringworm.

Some pets infected with ringworm may not show signs, but still carry the fungus, meaning they can still transmit the fungus to other animals or other people. Make sure if you have a pet with ringworm to follow through the whole course of treatment. Never stop treatment just because the animal looks better.

6. A circular area of hair loss on your pet means ringworm.

While ringworm can be missed or misdiagnosed (mistaken for something else), it is also over-diagnosed. A lot of things can cause your pet to itch and lose fur. Mites, fleas, bacterial infections, and even allergies can cause hairless patches that itch. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Treating for ringworm will not help if your dog is itchy because of mites.

Now that you are armed with the facts, you can do your best to avoid contracting ringworm or to treat it aggressively if you or any member of your family does get it. If you still have questions about ringworm, your local veterinarian is an excellent source of information, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Andrea Lin is an Information Specialist at University of Illinois’ College of Veterinary Medicine.

Ringworm Myth-Busters The Saturday Evening Post