Chicago authorities are investigating reports of dogs becoming ill after visiting a park in the city.
The Department of Animal Care and Control said it received reports that some dog owners in the Streeterville neighborhood say their pets have become ill after going to Olive Park, located just off the James W. Jardine Water Purification Plant near Ohio Street Beach.
“The City of Chicago takes these reports seriously, and with coordination from Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Department of Water Management and the Department of Public Health is investigating these concerns,” a statement from CACC read Wednesday.
CACC said it has been contacting area vets in an effort to “obtain more information.”
Meisha Gordon said her dog Zuri became ill after visiting the Park Monday. Zuri began projectile vomiting and was lethargic.
"We went out for her normal walk, and she got tired very quickly," she said.
Gordon said she immediately took Zuri to thet vet and the dog is now OK, but she is concerned about what happened and avoiding the park with her dog for now.
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"Until they find out what it is, or what's causing it, it doesn't make sense to risk it again," she said.
Dr. Amanda Schnitker, a Chicago veterinarian, said she has heard of at least five similar cases, and that she wants dog owners to be aware of potential signs of an allergic reaction.
"The dog will have an acute collapse, and they may even completely fall over, suddenly lay down, flop over, and be very limp," she said.
Dr. Schnitker said those symptoms are often a result of anaphylactic shock, and can be caused by spider bites, bee stings, or even certain plants.
Several city agencies are investigating the incidents, and the CACC is urging pet owners who “have concerns about their pets’ illness related to Olive Park” to report the incidents to 311.
