Dog owners issued urgent warning as treats linked to 'werewolf syndrome' illness

A close-up of a Labrador dog eating dry food out of a silver bowl placed on the floor.
-Credit:Getty Images/iStockphoto


Dog owners in the UK have been warned to watch out for treats on sale that could be fatal to their pet following international investigations.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an alert urging owners not to feed their pets specific dog chews from China, following concerns from the EU of a possible link to an illness that causes serious behavioural changes. While there is no confirmed distribution of the chews to the UK and no cases have been detected in the UK so far, there are concerns that the treats may be available to buy online from international sellers.

Reports from the EU suggest that these products are potentially linked to dogs experiencing what is known as 'werewolf syndrome'. the FSA said. Worrying symptoms of this illness include panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic seizures, and in some cases death.

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The FSA said it has been liaising with authorities in affected EU countries to gain more understanding of the issue. Any dog owners who have fed the affected chews to their pet is advised to "stop doing so immediately", and UK vets have been urged to report any cases they see of dogs presenting with sudden behavioural changes or epileptic-type seizures.

"If your dog is unwell and has been fed any of the dog chews listed, you should seek veterinary advice and provide detailed information to the vet about the foods and treats your dog has been fed," the agency said.

A white chew bone in clear packaging with a label that reads Barkoo Kauknochen.
One of the affected treats -Credit:Food Standards Agency

Here is the full list of products that owners are advised not to feed their dogs. Photos can be found on the FSA website.

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  • Barkoo kaustange natur 29 cm: Packaging: bags of 570 grams (with 3 chewing bones) / Code on packaging: 1148655 MHD 04.2027 3200PF027 / Barcode: 4260077047292

  • Barkoo kauknochen, geknotet natur 11cm: Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) / Code on packaging: 1148592 MHD 07.2027 3200PF027 / Barcode: 4260077046875

  • Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet 24cm: Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones) / Barcode: 4260077046899 / Code on packaging: 1148657 MHD05.2027 3200PF027

  • Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet mit Spirulina 12cm: Packaging: bags of 180 grams (with 3 chewing bones) / Barcode: 4260077047261 / Code on packaging (see photo): 1148654 MHD 06.2027 3200PF027

  • Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling, 10 stk: Item number: 12457 / EAN code: 5764630124578 / Use by dates: all dates

  • Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling & kyllingelever, 100g: Product no. 12324 / EAN code: 5764630123243 / Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-03-2026; 15-04-2026; 20-04-2026; 01-06-2026; 15-07-2026

  • Chrisco Tyggeruller 18 stk. - hvide: Product no. 12468 / EAN code: 5764630124684 / Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 26-02-2027; 15-03-2027; 18-03-2027; 24-03-202

  • Chrisco Massive politistave, 2.stk. - brune: Product no. 12541 / EAN code: 5764630125414 / Use by dates: 26/02/2027; 15-04-2027

  • Chrisco Massive politistave, 2stk. - hvide: Product no. 12542 / EAN code: 5764630125421 / Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 20-04-2027; 01-06-2027

  • Chrisco Tyggerulle m. kylling & kyllingelever, 1stk: Product no. 12624 / EAN code: 5764630126244 / Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-08-2026

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, 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."

Vets should be alert to symptoms in dogs presenting at their surgeries and whether they may be associated with the consumption of the chews, which have a long shelf life and may have been bought several months ago, the FSA advised. f vets suspect cases associated with dog chews, they can report them through the Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) Small Animal Surveillance service.