Precautionary advice issued to pet owners on dog chews linked to illness

This article was originally published on 14 January 2025. It was updated on 14 February 2025 with new information on where to report suspected cases.

Barkoo products

The affected products 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 (see photo): 1148654 MHD 06.2027 3200PF027

Chrisco products

Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling, 10 stk (No image available)

Item number: 12457

EAN code: 5764630124578

Use by dates: all dates

 

Chrisco Tyggeruller med kylling & kyllingelever, 100g (No image available)

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 (No image available)

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 (No image available)          

Product no. 12541

EAN code: 5764630125414

Use by dates: 26/02/2027; 15-04-2027

 

Chrisco Massive politistave, 2stk. - hvide (No image available)      

Product no. 12542

EAN code: 5764630125421

Use by dates: 05/01/2027; 20-04-2027; 01-06-2027

 

Chrisco Tyggerulle m. kylling & kyllingelever, 1stk  (No image available)    

Product no. 12624

EAN code: 5764630126244

Use by dates: 01/12/2025; 05-01-2026; 15-03-2026; 18-08-2026

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Reports from the EU suggest that these products are potentially linked to dogs experiencing what is known as ‘werewolf syndrome’. Symptoms include panic attacks, aggression, spasms, epileptic fits and in some cases death. 

There is no confirmed distribution of the chews to the UK and no cases have been detected in the UK.

‘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.’

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents, Food Standards Agency

The FSA has been liaising with authorities in affected EU countries to gain more understanding of the issue.

Advice for dog owners

If you have fed the affected chews to your dog, stop doing so immediately.

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.

Advice for vets

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.

Relevant symptoms include:

• sudden behavioural changes such as howling, crying, aggression
• epileptic-type seizures

If vets suspect cases associated with dog chews, they can report them through the Food Standards Agency to foodincidents@food.gov.uk adding reference number I-009-004.