Dog owners warned as chew toy linked to deadly 'werewolf syndrome' that's killed 15 pets
The so-called 'werewolf syndrome' leads to panic attacks, extreme amounts of energy, aggression and canines howling like a wolf and has been linked to the deaths of 15 dogs
Dog owners are being warned to be careful of a common chew toy which is alleged to have caused 'werewolf syndrome' linked to the deaths of 15 pets.
The popular toy for dogs can be bought online and is now the subject of a health warning in the Netherlands after 50 pooches fell seriously ill. Cases have also been reported in several other countries. The so-called 'werewolf syndrome' leads to panic attacks, extreme amounts of energy, aggression and canines howling like a wolf.
Several dog owners who claim to have purchased the Barkoo 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 Barkoo chew bones, which is sold by websites such as Zooplus and Bitiba. The NVWA said in a statement: "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. Barkoo, Zooplus and Bitiba have been approached for comment.