08/05/2025
Animal Health Alert: Unexplained illness affecting multiple dogs in the Venice Canals area
Key Points:
The Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) is currently investigating reports of unexplained acute onset of severe illness in multiple dogs in the Venice Canals neighborhood.
Clinical signs appear to have acute onset and rapid progression. Clinical signs include vomiting, inappetence, sudden lethargy and weakness or paresis, seizures or tremors, and sudden collapse.
Pet owners are advised to keep dogs leashed on walks and prevent them from ingesting anything while on walks. Dogs should be kept out of the water at or around the Venice Canals.
Veterinary staff should collect thorough histories from suspected cases, including walking routes, travel history, diet (especially new foods or treats), dietary indiscretions, and possible exposure to pesticides or rodenticides.
REPORT suspected cases to VPH at [email protected], or call 213-288-7060 (Mon—Fri, 8 AM—5 PM). Additional testing or necropsy may be available.
Dear Veterinary Colleagues,
On July 28, 2025, the Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC-DPH) was notified by local residents of multiple dogs in the Venice Canals neighborhood experiencing acute onset of severe illness with some cases resulting in death.
Affected dogs were of varying ages and breeds, and reportedly healthy prior to illness. The onset of clinical signs is typically acute with rapid deterioration in some dogs requiring emergency care within hours of illness onset. Commonly observed clinical signs include vomiting, inappetence, sudden lethargy and weakness or paresis, seizures or tremors, and acute collapse. The cause of illness remains unknown at this time and an active investigation is underway. VPH will share updates as more information becomes available.
VPH extends our heartfelt condolences to the families and pet owners of the dogs that were affected or that have passed. We sincerely appreciate the time, effort and valuable information shared by pet owners and members of the Venice Canals community.
Guidance for Veterinary Practices
For Pet Owners:
The following recommendations should be communicated to pet owners
Closely supervise pets when outdoors
Keep dogs leashed on walks
Prevent pets from sniffing or eating anything off the ground, especially on walks or in public spaces
Keep pets out of the canals, and prevent them from drinking standing water
Do not allow dogs to share water bowls
Pet owners who suspect their pet is ill should seek immediate veterinary care
Post this informational flyer at your facility and/or email to pet owners
For Veterinary Professionals
Collect a detailed history when seeing suspect cases, including:
Recent travel history and location of walking routes and public areas visited
Any dietary indiscretion, especially on walks or in public access spaces
Potential exposure to pesticides, rodenticides or snail/slug bait
Exposures to canals, ingestion of standing water or from communal water bowls
REPORT all suspected cases to VPH
Using the Animal Disease Reporting Form which can be submitted via email to [email protected] or call 213-288-7060 (Monday—Friday, 8 AM—5 PM).
Suspect cases include patients with history of visiting the Venice Canals area within the last two months, and presenting acutely with the clinical signs listed above that cannot be attributed to another known cause.
Veterinarians and animal health workers are also encouraged to contact us with any questions or for case consult via phone: 213-288-7060 (Monday—Friday, 8 AM—5 PM) or email: [email protected].
Sincerely,
Veterinary Public Health
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
(213) 288-7060
[email protected]
