The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to pet owners over the consumption of dog chews from China which could be linked to serious behavioural changes
News
Neil Shaw and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor
15:30, 15 Jan 2025
One of the Barkoo treats included in the warning issued by the FSA over imported dog treats(Image: FSA)
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to dog owners, advising them not to give their pets certain dog treats from China due to concerns raised by the European Union (EU) over a potential link to severe behavioural changes.
According to EU reports, these products may be connected to dogs experiencing ‘werewolf syndrome’, which can cause symptoms such as panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic seizures, and even death. Although there is no confirmed distribution of the chews in the UK and no cases have been reported, the FSA is taking precautions.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, stated: “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.
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“There is no evidence to suggest these products present any risk to human health.” If you have been feeding the affected chews to your dog, stop immediately.
If your dog is unwell and has been fed any of the listed dog chews, seek veterinary advice and provide detailed information about the foods and treats your dog has been fed. Vets are being urged to be vigilant for symptoms in dogs that may be linked to the consumption of certain chews.
These chews, which have a long shelf life, could have been purchased several months ago. If vets suspect cases associated with these dog chews, they can report them through the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) Small Animal Surveillance, reports Bristol Live.
The treats include:
Barkoo kaustange natur 29 cm
Packaging: bags of 570 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Code on packaging (see photo): 1148655 MHD 04.2027 3200PF027
Barcode: 4260077047292
Barkoo kauknochen, geknotet natur 11cm
Packaging: bags of 150 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Code on packaging (see photo): 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 (see photo): 1148657 MHD05.2027 3200PF027
Barkoo Kauknochen geknotet mit Spirulina 12cm
Packaging: bags of 180 grams (with 3 chewing bones)
Barcode: 4260077047261
Code on packaging: 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