Dogs Die From Mystery Illness After Venice Canals Visit, Health Alerts Issued

Understanding the Unexplained Illness Affecting Dogs in Venice Canals

Local authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents and pet owners in the Venice Canals area, urging them to remain vigilant when walking their dogs. This comes after several canines have fallen ill and died over the past week and a half due to an unknown illness. The situation has raised concerns among local communities and prompted officials to take immediate action.

According to reports, animal services officials were notified on Monday about “a number” of affected dogs that had become ill or died within the last 10 days. The Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health (VPH) program provided details about the cases, noting that the dogs range in age from young to senior and appear to be from different households. All of them were reportedly healthy before suddenly showing severe symptoms.

The VPH described the symptoms as including neurologic signs such as seizures and weakness, as well as cardiac arrest and peracute to acute death. At this time, the cause of the illness remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Officials have asked pet owners to report any cases they suspect by submitting their dog’s medical records through LA County’s VPH report form.

What the County is Saying

In a statement, the county public health department confirmed it is investigating reports of an unexplained illness affecting multiple dogs in the Venice Canals area. The department was first alerted to the situation on July 28, 2025, when a concerned resident reported the sudden onset of severe illness in dogs in the region.

“Public Health was first notified of the situation on 7/28/2025 when a concerned resident reported that there has been acute onset of severe illness in dogs in the Venice Canals area. At this time, the cause of the illness is unknown, and we are working closely with local veterinarians and pet owners to gather more information,” the statement said. “We understand the concern this may cause pet owners in our community and want to assure residents that we are treating this matter with the utmost urgency. Updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.”

Recommended Steps for Pet Owners

City and county animal services officials have outlined several steps that pet owners should take to protect their animals:

• Closely supervise pets when they are outdoors.
• Leash pets during walks to prevent them from wandering or interacting with unknown substances.
• Prevent pets from sniffing or eating anything off the ground, entering canals, or drinking from standing water or shared bowls.

County animal control officials are also advising residents in nearby Marina del Rey — which falls under their jurisdiction — to avoid letting their pets swim or drink from the canals or any stagnant water bodies until further notice.

Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to:

• Monitor their pet’s health by watching for signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior. Consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise.
• Stay informed by following updates from local authorities regarding the status of the canals and any health advisories for pets.

“Pet owners who think their pets may be sick should seek immediate veterinary care,” the county public health department emphasized.

Officials have also asked veterinarians with relevant information to report suspected cases to the Veterinary Public Health Program at (213) 288-7060 or vet@ph.lacounty.gov.

Reports of Sick and Deceased Dogs

Neighbors in the area have reported 15 sick or deceased dogs in the Venice Canals since June 6, with 11 of those cases occurring between July 18 and July 27. According to L.A. Magazine, at least six dogs have died in the past month, suffering from symptoms similar to those reported by the VPH.

Signs warning dog owners about the health risks have since been posted in the area. Barbara Malsch, a resident of the canals, shared her grief after her rescue dog Shadow died on July 21. She described the dog as “pure joy and much more than just a pet.” Her experience highlights the emotional toll this situation is taking on the community.