'Werewolf syndrome' warning for dog owners over chews from China which can cause death

A warning has been issued to dog owners after some chews have been linked to causing the animals to suffer from “werewolf syndrome”.

The European Union (EU) has raised concerns about specific dog chews from China due to a possible link to serious behavioural changes.

Known as “werewolf syndrome”, symptoms include panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic fits and, in some cases, death.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said on Friday that no confirmed distribution of the chews to the UK has been detected, and no cases have been detected in the country.

The FSA said it has been liaising with authorities in affected EU countries to gain a better understanding the issue.

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at FSA said: “While there is no confirmed distribution of affected products to the UK, there is the possibility that some consumers may have purchased these online from international sellers.

“No unsafe dog chews have been identified but based on international investigations so far, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding the affected chews to dogs as a precaution.

“There is no evidence to suggest these products present any risk to human health.”

What products are affected?

Barkoo products, with three chewing bones, are among the products owners should not feed to their dogs.

Kaustange, kauknochen geknotet natur, geknotet and geknotet mit Spirulina packs should not be consumed.

Dog chews from China linked to 'werewolf syndrome' in pets. — Dog chews from China linked to ‘werewolf syndrome’ in pets. Food Standards Agency

A number of products from the company Chrisco are also not to be consumed.

The chews have a long shelf life and may have been bought several months ago.

The full list of affected products can be found here.

What should dog owners do if they have fed the chew already?

In advice published by the FSA, any owner who has fed the affected chews to their dog should stop doing so immediately.

If dogs become unwell and have been fed any of the chews listed, owners should seek veterinary advice and provide detailed information to the vet about the foods and treats their dog has been fed.

Vets should also be alert to symptoms in dogs presenting at their surgeries and whether they may be associated with the consumption of the chews.

Relevant symptoms include sudden behavioural changes such as howling, crying, aggression and epileptic-type seizures

If vets suspect cases associated with dog chews, they can report them through the Food Standards Agency to foodincidents@food.gov.uk adding reference number I-009-004.