WARNING ISSUED OVER DOG TREAT THAT COULD CAUSE ‘WEREWOLF SYNDROME’ WITH ITEM LINKED TO SEVERE SYMPTOMS AND EVEN DEATH

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding a dog treat that could potentially cause “werewolf syndrome.”

Pet owners have been advised that a specific brand of bone may trigger this alarming condition, which can lead to severe symptoms and even death.

The warning follows a report from a health authority in the Netherlands, which advised against feeding pets cheese sticks and chew bones from the brand Barkoo after a dog there reportedly died.

The FSA has warned that chews made in China could cause sudden behavioural changes in dogs, including panic attacks, aggression, spasms, and seizures.

While the agency confirmed that the products have not been distributed in the UK and no cases have been reported here, Tina Potter, head of standards at the FSA, explained: “Although there is no confirmed distribution of the affected products in the UK, some consumers may have purchased them online from international sellers.

“While no unsafe dog chews have been identified, based on international investigations, we are advising dog owners to avoid feeding these chews as a precaution.

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

The FSA is working with European countries to better understand the issue.

Dog owners who have already given their pets the affected chews are urged to stop immediately. If a pet shows signs of illness after consuming the treat, owners should consult a veterinarian and provide as much information as possible about the pet’s diet.

The FSA also advises vets to be vigilant for symptoms in dogs that may be linked to these chews, which have a long shelf life and could have been purchased months ago. Symptoms to watch for include sudden behavioural changes such as howling, crying, aggression, and seizures.

Vets who suspect a link to the chews should report cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) Small Animal Surveillance program.