Pet owners have been issued a warning by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) not to feed their dogs a series of chews made by two popular brands.
The FSA is a government department which aims to ensure food safety and transparency for consumers. It is responsible for food safety and food hygiene in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It also recalls products which may potentially pose a risk of causing illnesses or other consequences.
Recently, a precaution has been issued in relation to a number of dog chews by brands Barkoo and Chrisco over concerns they could lead to “serious behavioural changes” and illness as a result of a condition dubbed ‘werewolf syndrome’. The initial warning was sparked in January but it has recently been reissued.
The FSA advises if you’ve given any of the affected chews to your dog, you must stop “immediately”. If, after eating the chews, your dog becomes unwell or displays any new behaviours, it’s best to seek advice from a vet. Be sure to provide details of the foods and treats your dog has consumed.
The products were imported from China and sold to various parts of Europe. There are reports from the EU which suggest the products could potentially be linked to dogs experiencing a condition known as ‘werewolf syndrome’.
This neurological issue presents a range of symptoms, including “panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic fits and in some cases death”.
The FSA has said there’s been “no confirmed distribution of the chews to the UK and no cases have been detected in the UK”, though concerns have been raised over dog owners potentially making purchases from online retailers.
The concern over the chews – and the possible ‘werewolf syndrome’ – have been echoed on social media, where users urge pet owners to “stay informed” and “monitor for symptoms” to best keep their dogs safe:
Tina Potter, head of incidents for 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.”
As per the FSA, affected products include:
Packaging: bags of 570 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Packaging: bags of 180 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Use by dates: all dates
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
Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 26-02-2027; 15-03-2027; 18-03-2027; 24-03-2027
Use by dates: 26/02/2027; 15-04-2027
Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 20-04-2027; 01-06-2027
Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-08-2026
Barkoo and Chrisco have been contacted for comment.
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