7 Dogs Dead in Los Angeles, at Least 15 More Sick From Mystery Illness

Update, Aug. 1:

A seventh dog has died after walking along the Venice Canals in Los Angeles. This pup was a seven-year-old Terrier from Arizona who was visiting the L.A. area and took a walk along the canals, Westside Current confirmed.

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One resident also told the publication that a dead duck was seen in a small boat docked in the canals. Residents are also complaining of the smell coming from the water: “The stench along the eastern side of the canals is horrific. You have to hold your breath to avoid getting sick from the smell,” resident Elaine Scot said. “It has never smelled this bad.”

The cause of the smell remains unknown, though KTLA says theories include “toxic algae, rodent poison, or an unidentified virus.”

”Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions, the Venice Canals Association  posted on Instagram, in part. “These dogs were not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community.”

Original story begins below.

Los Angeles dog parents should be aware of a recent development in the Venice Canals neighborhood. Per the LAist, LA animal service officials have confirmed that since June 6, at least 15 dogs in the area have gotten sick, and six have died this month. Eleven of the 15 total cases took place between July 18 and July 27, Los Angeles Magazine reports.

The magazine details a story about Mackie, a six-year-old rescue who lives on the Venice Canals. Last Tuesday, Mackie’s mom, Jamie Simms, came home, and everything seemed normal with both her dogs. Then, Mackie suddenly collapsed.

Simms took Mackie to the emergency room, where she died of heart failure that even the veterinary staff couldn’t explain: “No one seems to know what happened to her,” Simms told LA Magazine, which reported that most of the dogs had walked along the canals within 48 hours of their symptoms. The magazine also reports that one dog remains hospitalized in intensive care.

Longtime Venice resident Barbara Malsch’s dog, Shadow, died on July 21. She told Westside Current the following story:

“She had a habit—she would lick her paws when we got home from walks,” Malsch said. “She stopped eating. She was throwing up even though she hadn’t eaten anything. The vet said it was her kidneys—she had at least six more months. But she died at home with me just days later.”

The sick dogs’ parents reported the following symptoms:

• rapid neurological collapse

• seizures and tremors

• cardiac arrest in the fatal cases

The dogs who survived still experienced:

• lethargy

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

Per the LAist, the county public health department released the following statement about these incidents:

“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.”

City and county animal officials recommend that residents near the Venice Canals and in nearby Marina del Rey:

• closely supervise their pets when outdoors

• leash their dogs on walks

• prevent them from eating or sniffing anything off the ground

• do not let their dogs drink standing water or from shared water bowls

Officials from the county’s Veterinary Public Health program (VPH) said that “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.”

If you live in or have visited either of these areas with your dog recently, monitor your pet for any signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or anything out of the ordinary). If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately.