San Ramon pets unsettled by shaking from quake swarms

The earthquakes that have been rocking the San Ramon area are now becoming old hat for some, but they are still causing some problems, especially for dog owners.

The USGS say more than 400 quakes in two weeks could be a record. But they're still trying to figure it out.

Regardless, all this earth movement is unsettling for people and pets.

At the Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital, the earthquakes have been more than just a nuisance for pet owners.

"We've been getting a lot of calls from our clients about their dogs sensing the earthquakes and being a little bit more anxious or stressed out about it," said Dr. Ashley Atkin.

She says many animals are so affected by the quakes that she's even prescribing anti-anxiety medication.

"Some of them are pacing, panting, not able to get comfortable. Some of them are digging under doors, trying to escape. Some are even hiding, going into strange places to hide."

At the nearby Remax office, longtime real estate agent Lucille Evans has never experienced anything like this cluster of more than 400 quakes in just two weeks.

"I've lived in San Ramon for 29 years and I have never seen this many in a row," said Evans.

Evans says she's now more comfortable with the ongoing shaking than she would like to be.

"The more that they happen, then the more we're becoming used to them. Which is probably is not a good idea," she said.

But, she says it's a good reminder for everyone to be ready for the big one.

"Unless it's a big one, it kind of doesn't really cause us to stop and think," remarked Evans. "But again, this interview and the question you asked me makes me think perhaps we should."

The USGS is also sending out the reminder: The Bay Area has a 72 percent chance of a major quake in the next 30 years, so residents need to be ready.