Pet owners have been warned after a common chew toy was linked to ‘werewolf syndrome’. Nearly 50 dogs have fallen seriously ill – and 15 have died – with cases reported in several countries.
A Dutch health authority has warned that the product, which can be bought online, can cause the sickness. Werewolf syndrome is often illustrated by panic attacks, extreme amounts of energy, aggression and dogs howling like a wolf.
Several dog owners who claim to have purchased the chew toy online say the neurological symptoms appeared soon after use. In one case, in Groningen, Netherlands, one dog reportedly died while its brother was taken to a veterinary hospital. Vets claimed that the toy item was to blame.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, NVWA, has now issued an official warning for chew bones, which are sold online. “These chew bones are the suspected cause of the development of serious neurological abnormalities in dogs,” they announced in a statement.
“This is currently still being investigated. These neurological abnormalities are also described as werewolf syndrome. This syndrome can lead to death.” Nina Meyerhoff, a veterinarian in Hanover, told the German magazine GMX: “It seems as if the dogs are hallucinating.
“Some try to jump out of the window or suddenly become aggressive.” Cases have also been reported in Switzerland, Finland and Belgium. The manufacturer been approached for comment.
Trade Association UK Pet Food said t he Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are aware of the concerns. They are in communication with European authorities, actively monitoring the situation, and conducting further investigations. Should any affected products be found to have been imported into the UK, the appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the safety of pets and consumers.