Precautionary product safety warning: Dog chews from China

22 January 2025

Warnings have been issued in Netherlands, Germany, Finland and other countries regarding reports of dogs exhibiting acute neurological signs following consumption of certain chews and chew toys/bones originating in China, which have resulted in precautionary recalls and withdrawals.

The EU issued alerts to Governments across Europe and UK Government Departments are actively monitoring the issue. Checks indicate that these products do not appear to be available to purchase in the UK; however, purchase in the UK via on-line sales may have been possible until recently. The chews have a long shelf life and may have been bought several months ago. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been liaising with authorities in affected EU countries and has published a list of affected products.

Affected dogs have displayed sudden and severe behavioural changes including panic attacks, aggression, howling, barking, restlessness, drooling and epileptic-like fits. In some cases, dogs have died or have been euthanized. Collectively these clinical signs have been described as “werewolf syndrome”. Differentials include distemper and, in recently imported dogs, rabies. Ceasing feeding with these chews and providing symptomatic care (including sedatives and/or antiepileptics as appropriate) have been successful in managing these cases in mainland Europe. The causative agent is not known.

Owners have been advised that if they notice these signs in their dog, they should contact their vet who can advise if the signs relate to the products in question or if there are other possible causes.

If clinical and historical features mean that vets in practice consider there is suspicion of rabies, this must be reported immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, call 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

APHA’s Small Animal Expert Group (SAEG) has issued an alert and vets in practice can report cases here siu@apha.gov.uk or here.

Further information is available from the FSA here. Information on recalls/withdrawals in other countries is available as follows Tilbagekald af tyggeruller til hunde – Fødevarestyrelsen  and Veiligheidswaarschuwing Barkoo kauwbotjes voor honden | Waarschuwing | NVWA

If you would like to sign up for SAEG alerts, find out more here.