What to know about mysterious deaths of dogs recently walked in the Venice Canals

Local officials are urging people to be vigilant when walking dogs in the Venice Canals after an unknown illness caused several dogs to have severe symptoms and die over the past week and a half.

In response to questions from LAist, L.A. animal services officials said they were notified on Monday about “a number” of affected dogs over the prior 10 days in the Venice Canals community.

City officials provided LAist with a description from the county’s Veterinary Public Health program (VPH): "The dogs range in age from young to senior and appear to be from separate households, all apparently healthy before suddenly becoming ill or dying. Many of the dogs are experiencing neurologic signs (seizures, weakness), cardiac arrest, and peracute to acute death."

VPH added that it's currently investigating and has requested that owners report their case and include their dog’s medical records using LA County's VPH report form.

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In a statement, the county public health department said it’s “currently investigating reports of an unexplained illness affecting multiple dogs in the Venice Canals area.”

“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.”

What steps officials recommend taking

City and county animal services officials are asking pet owners to:

• Closely supervise pets when outdoors
• Leash pets on walks
• Prevent pets from sniffing/eating anything off the ground, entering canals, and drinking standing water or from shared water bowls

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

They're also encouraging pet owners to:

• Monitor their pet’s health by keeping a close eye for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behavior and consult a veterinarian regarding any concerning symptoms.
• 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 said.

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

Six dogs reportedly dead

Neighbors in the area have reported 15 sick or deceased dogs in the Venice Canals area since June 6, 11 of which were between July 18 and July 27, according to L.A. Magazine. At least six dogs have died in the past month, the magazine reported, after suffering symptoms similar to those listed by VPH.

Signs have since been put up warning dog owners about the health risk.

Barbara Malsch, a resident of the canals, said her rescue dog Shadow died on July 21.

“I am heartbroken,” Malsch told the Westside Current, describing the dog as “pure joy and much more than just a pet.”