Many dog owners love to spoil their pets with treats. Chew sticks are a popular choice, but in several European countries, they have been linked to a serious health risk.
Reports from the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Belgium, and Switzerland describe dogs developing severe and unusual symptoms.
Some pet owners call it "werewolf syndrome" due to the strange behaviors dogs exhibit after consuming the treats, reports DigiAnimalWorld.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning. They advise against feeding these products to dogs until further investigations are complete.
The chew sticks in question come from China and are sold online, making them easily accessible worldwide.
It is unclear whether they have an official distribution route in the UK, but pet owners everywhere are urged to be cautious.
Dogs affected by this condition display alarming symptoms. Some suddenly become aggressive or start howling like wolves.
Others bark excessively, act restless, or destroy household objects. Physical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and in severe cases, neurological damage.
One of the most shocking cases occurred in Noordhorn, Netherlands. A dog named Jayden suffered an extreme reaction after eating the chew sticks.
His owner, Manon Grave, described how he became hysterical, howled, and even tried to escape through a window. "He looked like a wolf. It was terrifying," she said.
The veterinarian who treated Jayden had seen four similar cases. Two of those dogs had to be euthanized because their symptoms were so severe.
European food safety agencies are now working together to find the cause. Scientists are investigating whether a toxic substance in the chew sticks is responsible for these reactions.
So far, there is no evidence that these treats pose a risk to humans.
Tina Potter, an FSA spokesperson, urged pet owners to stay alert. "As a precaution, do not give these products to your pets. If your dog shows symptoms, take them to the vet immediately and tell them exactly what they ate."
For now, the best way to keep dogs safe is to avoid these chew sticks entirely.
Pet owners should stay updated on new findings and choose safer alternatives for their furry friends.
