Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, FFCV, discusses why dog's chase their tails, in a dvm360 interview.

Debunking a canine myth

Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, FFCV, senior director of behavior, research, and education at Gigi’s, a shelter organization in Ohio, presented a continuing education session on the top 10 behavior myths at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri. In an interview with 

 at the conference, Herron debunked a common myth about why dogs chase their tails.

The following is a transcript of the video:

 One of the myths that drives me crazy is that dogs spin, chase their tail, or lick their paws because they're bored. Anytime a dog is paying extra attention to a body part, I need to know why. As a veterinarian, we need to put that medical cap on and say, ‘You're paying attention to your body, either because it itches, it hurts, or it feels funny, and I need to rule out all of those reasons for that focus before I'm ever blaming some sort of boredom or behavior problem.'

I've had dogs with hip dysplasia, cauda equina syndrome, anal gland disease, or impaction, and that's why they're chasing their tail. That's why they're running in circles, because it's uncomfortable for them. I've had it in irritable bowel disease. They're putting focus on their belly. They're putting focus on that hind end. It has actually nothing to do with boredom, and it may not even be a compulsive disorder. A lot of people want to say, ‘Oh, spinning [obsessive-compulsive disorder]—put them on the Prozac [fluoxetine].’ Well, [that] may be beneficial to some dogs who do have compulsive disorders, [but] we really have to do our job in ruling out the medical reason for it first.

Caring for the emotional well-being of animals

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In a dvm360 interview, Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, FFCV, discusses the real reason why dogs chase their tails.

A recent systematic review by Kansas State University in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service on Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vector and host competence found that at least 9 additional mosquito species may be potential vectors for JEV.

 The pathogen, which is transmitted via infected mosquitoes, affects people and many animals, including wild birds, horses, and swine.

“This review provides updated data not only on newly reported species showing competence for JEV but also on the level of competence observed in previously identified species,” the authors wrote in the study.

 “These findings offer valuable insights that go beyond what individual studies can provide, helping to synthesize the evidence base in a way that is accessible and actionable for policymakers, public health authorities, and disease modelers. Ultimately, the goal is to support evidence-based decision-making with the most current and comprehensive data available.”

According to the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), although the JEV primarily circulates between mosquitoes and waterbirds, it poses a significant threat to human and animal health.

 In swine, all ages are susceptible to the disease.

 Infected pigs can also pass the virus to mosquitoes.

 According to Iowa State University, JEV outbreaks in humans are often linked to areas where infected pigs and mosquitoes coexist.

 Other animals that may serve as reservoirs include snakes, lizards, many wild birds, and chickens.

In swine, JEV can cause reproductive issues, including stillbirths and abortions. Although the virus has not been detected in the US, its global spread (including a recent expansion into mainland Australia

), along with suitable vectors and hosts in the US, increases the risk of entry.

The recent systematic review, which received funding from the SHIC, built on a 2018 analysis and included only experimental studies from 2016 to 2023. The review found that nearly half (45.4%) of 51 mosquito species tested experimentally became infected after being exposed to JEV. “This highlights the significant potential for virus amplification in mosquito populations around livestock, including pig farms,” the SHIC wrote in a report.

Additionally, the transmission rate for the disease across 30 experimentally tested mosquito species was 22.7%, meaning approximately 1 in 4 infected mosquito species could pass the virus to animals and humans. Among all mosquito species that were experimentally tested, the 

species showed the highest rates of infection and transmission at 51.9% and 27.8%, respectively. According to the SHIC, this mosquito species is commonly found in human and livestock environments, representing “high-priority targets for surveillance and control.”

Moreover, the study identified 9 to 12 additional mosquito species beyond the initial potential mosquito vectors found in the previous review, which were shown to be competent vectors for JEV.

The authors of the study noted that understanding mosquito abundance, host preference, longevity, geographical ranges, and co-occurrences with human settings or animal reservoirs are also important for determining JEV transmission and risk. “Moreover, data on JEV dissemination and transmission rates in vectors are crucial for assessing the risk of JEV introduction and transmission within new geographical areas previously free of the virus,” they added.

Edache S, Dixon AL, Oliveira ARS, et al. Mosquito vector competence for Japanese encephalitis virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis update. 

. 2025;18(1):191. doi:10.1186/s13071-025-06843-7

SHIC-funded research reveals JEV threat remains high with mosquito control essential. Swine Health Information Center. News release. July 25, 2025. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.swinehealth.org/shic-funded-research-reveals-jev-threat-remains-high-with-mosquito-control-essential/

Japanese B encephalitis. Iowa State University. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://webhost-dev.cvm.iastate.edu/swine-disease-manual/index-of-diseases/japanese-b-encephalitis/#:~:text=Mosquitoes%20become%20infected%20by%20feeding,many%20wild%20birds%20and%20chickens.

Articles

New research uncovers additional mosquito species as potential vectors for Japanese encephalitis virus, highlighting risks to swine and public health.

Study suggests more mosquito vectors capable of spreading Japanese encephalitis virus

Viva Raw, LLC, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced that it has issued a voluntary recall for 2 lots of dog and cat food because of contamination with 

 The recalled lots include the following:

Lot 21495 (Viva Ground Beef for Dogs; Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies)

Lot 21975 (Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs; Viva Chicken for Cats; Viva Pure Chicken).

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture identified the contamination during routine testing, and only the lots listed above were affected. As of August 25, 2025, no illness was reported in dogs, cats, or humans related to the recall.

According to the recall, the impacted lots were distributed directly to consumers across the US and some small, selected retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, New York, and South Carolina between July 2, 2025, and August 21, 2025. Both products were frozen, 1-lb bricks in clear vacuum packaging, and the lot number is printed on top of the packaging.

 can present as lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets could also only present with decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. It is possible for pets to be otherwise healthy when they are infected but can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Anyone whose pet ingested one of the affected lots should contact their veterinarian.

B. Braun Medical Inc issues voluntary recall of 1-L Lactated Ringer and saline

they should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: abdominal cramping, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea. In rare instances, 

 can result in more serious ailments such as arterial infections, arthritis, endocarditis, eye irritation, muscle pain, and urinary tract symptoms. Anyone presenting with these signs after having contact with the contaminated lots should contact their health care providers. The FDA also noted that pregnant individuals are especially susceptible to 

 infections, and it can cause a miscarriage. People who have weak immune systems, as well as the younger and older populations, are also more vulnerable to infections.

Anyone who is in possession of a contaminated lot should contact Vivia Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product and dispose of the product in a way that is inaccessible for children, pets, and wildlife. Those in possession of the product should not donate, sell, or feed it to pets or other animals. Additionally, all pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers should be washed and sanitized.

Viva Raw issues voluntary recall of two lots of dog and cat foods due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. News release. FDA. August 25, 2025. Accessed August 26, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/viva-raw-issues-voluntary-recall-two-lots-dog-cat-foods-due-salmonella-and-listeria-monocytogenes

Two lots of its dog and cat food are being recalled due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Viva Raw issues voluntary recall 

Edward J. Robb DVM, MS, DACVN, received the Iron Paw Award, and On A Mission KC was presented with the Spirit of Service award, during the 2025 KC Animal Health Corridor Summit in Kansas City, Missouri opening session.

The Iron Paw is one of the industry’s highest awards, according to Matt Musselman, chief operating officer, farm services for Dairy Farmers of America and chair of the KC Animal Health Corridor Advisory Board. “The Iron Paw is given annually to someone from research, academia, industry or government, regardless of their title or years of service, who's made a significant impact contribution to the global animal health industry,” Musselman told the audience while presenting the award.

The Spirit of Service Award recognizes nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health and welfare of animals. These organizations are frequently operating with limited resources to carry out their work.

Photo courtesy of KC Animal Health Corridor

2025 Iron Paw Award recipient Edward J. Robb DVM, MS, DACVN

A graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Robb completed a Master of Science degree in epidemiology and a residency in veterinary nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). He was a clinical practitioner and lecturer at Penn Vet before transitioning to product development. Over the years, he has held various technical and business positions, leading to his role as vice president of research and development (R&D) at Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, where he grew the US R&D program from 90 to 240 full-time employees with research investment growing from less than $30 million a year to more than $70 million annually.

After taking on roles at Ceva Animal Health and Parnell Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Robb founded BioPharmaPotentials (BPP) and currently serves as its CEO. BPP offers consulting for health product development and has a client list with many innovative projects across various therapeutic sectors, according to KC Animal Health Corridor.

In his acceptance speech, Robb said he was humbled by the recognition and reflected on his career in research and development. “Some of my opinions haven’t always been appreciated. Our industry vacillates between conformity…and focus on innovation. So at times, new ideas, new therapeutic options, new classes, new prevention treatments are not always popular. Over time, I've mellowed on some of these ideas. Setbacks and failures have taught me more,” Robb said. “So keep innovating. Let's keep opening up new therapeutic areas. Let's keep on building alliances to support One Health solutions. Let's continue to thrive and support interdisciplinary teams and, most importantly, we need to work together to keep attracting talented, creative, results oriented women and men to animal health.

Photo: Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA/dvm360

On A Mission KC founder Scott Poore (center) accepts the Spirit of Service Award from Kimberly Young (left), president of the KC Animal Health Corridor (AHC) and Matt Musselman, chief operating officer, farm services for Dairy Farmers of America and chair of the KC AHC Advisory Board, during the 2025 KC AHC Summit in Kansas City, Missouri. 

On A Mission KC is dedicated to helping long-term shelter dogs find love and stability by generating awareness of these pets and providing resources to assist their care. The organization’s work includes helping these canines find homes and providing support to families in crisis to help them keep their animals.On A Mission KC has helped more than 1500 long-term shelter dogs and has raised more than $1.5 million for shelters, rescues and outreach programs since 2016.

“They’re trying to do a lot with a little,” Scott Poore, founder of On A Mission KC, said in a video, during the award presentation. “What I do is I look for things that I know that they're going to need, while they tell me what they think they need, and usually it's something really simple and humble when I'm thinking much bigger picture.”

An example of On A Mission KC’s work was shown in the video. At Windsor Animal Shelter in Missouri, On A Mission KC provided fenced play yards so that the animals housed there could get outdoors more often and have places to be active. While working at the shelter, Poore noticed needs for heat and air conditioning in the kennel areas and a refresh for the facility’s aesthetic. On A Mission KC then provided the shelter’s first HVAC system and volunteers painted the building, which Poore said would help make the facility more visually appealing. “We want the volunteers, the staff members and potential adopters to be excited and walk into a building that looks happy,” he said.

At the summit, Musselman and Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor, presented On A Mission KC with a symbolic check. Poore said the funding will help further the organization’s mission.

“I am so grateful for the spirit of service award, this donation is life changing for my organization. It's the largest donation we've ever received. We have so many projects now that we have put on hold that we can actually move forward with thanks to this generosity.” Poore said.

2025 Spirit of Service recipient. KC Animal Health Corridor. Accessed August 25, 2025. 

https://kcanimalhealth.thinkkc.com/events/Spirit-of-Service

2025 Iron Paw Award recipient. KC Animal Health Corridor. Accessed August 25, 2025. 

https://kcanimalhealth.thinkkc.com/events/kcahc-iron-paw-award

A veterinarian and a nonprofit organization were both recognized on stage at the 2025 KC Animal Health Corridor Summit.

The 2025 Iron Paw and Spirit of Service awards are presented

A new campaign aimed at expanding access to opportunity in veterinary medicine was launched at the 2025 Animal Health Summit in Kansas City, Missouri. The Animal Health Corridor (AHC) Workforce offers recruitment materials, digital tools for career seekers, and information on the various ways that individuals from many different job sectors can find their place in the animal health industry.

The campaign helps address the needs of the animal health industry workforce. “We are no longer just talking about the talent shortage. We are doing something about it…. [The campaign] is bold, it's needed, and it's long overdue,” Kimberly Young, president of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, said during the announcement for the campaign.

Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor; and Matt Musselman, chief operating officer, farm services for Dairy Farmers of America, open the 2025 KC Animal Health Corridor Summit with the announcement of the Animal Health Corridor Workforce campaign.

Matt Musselman, chief operating officer of farm services for Dairy Farmers of America, who made the announcement with Young, noted that the AHC spent the last year listening to students, companies, and educators, ascertaining their needs. “What we heard was loud and clear: The next generation of young people don't have the full picture of what a career in animal health could look like…so we ask ourselves: What if we redefine our narrative? What if we stood together as a collective animal health industry and said animal health is more? That’s what inspired the launch of our new Animal Health Corridor Workforce campaign,” Musselman said.

According to a video presented during the announcement of the campaign, animal health takes all kinds of professions, encouraging the summit audience to help spread the word. “Tell the story. Lead the way. Let everyone know this industry has so much to offer everyone…. The corridor is growing. We need all kinds of people. We need to attract. We need to compete—for today [and] for tomorrow,” the video said.

, provides access to downloadable materials, opportunity insights, and other resources. It also explains how many different professions provide unique strengths to the animal care industry. These professions include transportation, shipping, data science, pharmaceuticals, machinery, academics, hospitality, sales, analysis, research, communication, and more.

 Under communication, a skilled writer, for example, can create content for trade publications such as industry news, feature articles, and creative stories that engage and inform animal health stakeholders.

The AHC Workforce campaign is fittingly launched as the AHC celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over time, the organization has significantly grown in reach and impact on the industry, Musselman explained.

“Since the inception of the corridor, 85 new companies have relocated to the Kansas City region, and many existing companies have chosen to invest and expand in this region. We have added an impressive 4500 new jobs, $405 million in new payroll, and [more than] $4 billion in new capital investments over the past 40 years,” he said.

According to Young, 2025 is an appropriate time to address the needs of the current and future generations. "Today is not just a gathering," she said of the summit. "It's a call to action.

“Twenty years ago, this summit started as an idea, a place to connect talent, innovation, and opportunity, and [to] just look around. That idea became a movement, one that is now leading the global conversation on what's next for our industry,” Young said. “As we have talked about for years, there's a growing talent gap threatening our industry, yet there's a generation out there full of passion, skill, and purpose, many of whom don't know yet that our industry needs them."

That notion was echoed later on stage, during the “Insights From Emerging Leaders” panel discussion by Mary Young, an operations support engineer with Merck Animal Health. “[Upon] graduating from college, I had no idea that, as an engineering graduate, there was anywhere for me to go in animal health. Turns out, there absolutely is,” she said. 

Young K, Musselman M. Opening remarks and impact awards ceremony. Presented at: 2025 Animal Health Summit; August 25-26, 2025; Kansas City, MO.

KC Animal Health Corridor. Accessed August 25, 2025. https://exploreahcareers.com

Writer. KC Animal Health Corridor. Accessed August 25, 2025. https://exploreahcareers.com/writer/

The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor announced the initiative and a call to action at the organization’s 2025 summit in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Industry campaign aims to improve access to opportunity

 of 600 pet owners in the US found that most pet owners are more concerned about their pet’s emotional well-being than traditional concerns like physical health, aggression, or disobedience. Specifically, pet separation anxiety was cited as the No. 1 concern among 61% of the pet owners surveyed.

The data were collected between July 3, 2025, and July 9, 2025. The findings from SATELLAI’s inaugural "Pet Tech Trends" survey, conducted by Pollfish, also revealed that 52% of the pet caregivers surveyed believed the most valuable insight they would want about their pet is how the animal is feeling. According to SATELLAI, the desire to connect with pets on a deeper emotional level was consistent across all ages, regions, and pet types surveyed.

In comparison, 9% of those surveyed said they most wanted to know whether their pet had eaten. Meanwhile, 10% reported prioritizing their pet’s activity level, and 16% percent chose knowing where their pet is as the most valuable insight.

“[These] data [show] that pet parents are increasingly attuned to the emotional and behavioral complexities of their furry friends," David Teaster, product marketing director at SATELLAI, said in a news release.

"There is a substantial desire among pet owners to learn more about how their pets are feeling and help them communicate those emotional needs effectively....”

For most respondents, their pet’s separation anxiety or stress was a concern, if not the biggest concern. Sixty-one percent of pet caregivers said their biggest behavioral concern was separation anxiety, and 72% said they are at least “somewhat concerned” about their pet’s anxiety or stress when left alone. Concerns over this aspect of their pet’s well-being surpassed concerns over behavioral issues like aggression and disobedience, with these worries being the top concern for only 19% of respondents.

For pets, anxiety may represent a health risk because of its effects on the immune system. According to a 

article, anxiety may lead to an increased risk of illnesses and infections.

 Additionally, chronic stress has been associated with obesity, cardiac disease, and gastrointestinal conditions.

"Pet anxiety is no longer just another worry of pet owners, but rather their primary concern," Teaster said.

With the rise in caregiver concerns over pets’ emotional well-being, Teaster predicts future artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pet products will be able to evaluate a pet’s overall well-being. “Owners now assign their pets' emotional well-being the same importance as their physical safety, underscoring the importance of developing new tools to address behavioral concerns in real time," Teaster said. "The next era for smart pet products is all about this trend, and we're likely to see more all-inclusive, AI-powered products capable of evaluating a pet's overall well-being introduced in the near future.”

America's pets are stressed — and their owners want to know why: new survey finds pet parents' biggest concern in 2025 is mental health. News release. SATELLAI. August 19, 2025. Accessed August 25, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-pets-are-stressed--and-their-owners-want-to-know-why-new-survey-finds-pet-parents-biggest-concern-in-2025-is-mental-health-302531137.html

Crossley Coppock K. Caring for the emotional well-being of animals. 

 June 16, 205. Accessed August 25, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/caring-for-the-emotional-well-being-of-animals

The survey revealed 72% of pet owners are at least “somewhat concerned” about their pet’s anxiety or stress when left alone.