Made-in-China dog chew linked to âwerewolf syndromeâ: UK vets warn owners
Britainâs Food Standards Agency has warned dog owners against feeding certain chews imported from China to their pets over âwerewolf syndromeâ concerns.

in short
- Made-in-China dog chew linked to âwerewolf syndromeâ
- UK veterinarians warn pet dog owners to be careful
- Pet owners are asked to rely on reliable, locally sourced products
Britainâs Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to dog owners to avoid feeding their pets certain dog chews imported from China, after the European Union (EU) declared a rare and dangerous condition. Concerns have been raised over the possible link. Werewolf Syndrome.â
Werewolf syndrome is a term used to describe a set of severe and concerning symptoms in dogs, including sudden panic attacks, aggression, muscle cramps, epileptic seizures, and in extreme cases, death.
This condition is not an actual disease but rather a group of behavioral and neurological symptoms that can be caused by toxic or harmful substances in certain dog products.
Although no cases have been reported in the UK and there is no confirmation of distribution of the affected chews, the FSA is advising caution, especially for consumers who may have purchased these products online from international sellers.
âThere is no evidence of the distribution of unsafe dog chews in the UK, but based on international investigations, we recommend dog owners to avoid feeding these chews as a precaution. There is no evidence that that these products pose any risk to human health.â Tina Potter, head of events at the FSA.
The agency is cooperating with EU authorities to further investigate this issue and ensure the safety of pet products in the UK.
UK vets urge dog owners to stop their pets from chewing any affected chews immediately. If a dog has chewed and shows symptoms such as yapping, crying, aggression or seizures, owners should seek veterinary attention immediately. Providing detailed information about a dogâs diet can help veterinarians assess the situation more effectively.
Veterinarians are being asked to be alert for signs of werewolf syndrome, especially in dogs who may have come into contact with these chews.
The long shelf life of such products means they could have been purchased months earlier, potentially complicating diagnosis. Major symptoms to watch out for include sudden behavioral changes and epilepsy-like seizures.
As a precaution, pet owners are encouraged to rely on reliable, locally sourced products and to consult their veterinarians before adding new recipes to their petsâ diets.