Overview

• A total of seven dogs have died and eleven more have been hospitalized in the Venice Canals area since early June, prompting county health and veterinary officials to launch a formal investigation on July 29.
• The most recent fatality was a 15-year-old dog that developed tremors and a new heart murmur shortly after a walk along the canals and was euthanized to ease suffering.
• Owners reported that all affected pets were healthy before suddenly exhibiting vomiting, seizures, lethargy, cardiac arrest and collapse within 48 hours of canal exposure.
• Investigators are analyzing water and soil samples for rodenticides, algal toxins and other potential contaminants as laboratory results remain pending.
• Residents have distributed QR-coded flyers urging dog owners to keep pets leashed, prevent them from drinking canal or puddle water and report any new symptoms immediately.