Late Summer Pet Safety: Wasps, Algae, and Other Sneaky Dangers

As the long days of summer slowly give way to cooler nights and the first hints of autumn, many pet owners begin to relax. After all, the peak heat has passed, holidays are winding down, and outdoor adventures may seem a little less intense. But don’t let your guard down just yet—late summer actually brings with it a set of sneaky seasonal hazards that can pose real risks to your pets.

At Direct4Pet, we believe every season deserves thoughtful pet care. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most overlooked dangers that appear in late summer, from aggressive wasps to toxic algae, and explained how you can keep your furry friend safe and comfortable right through the seasonal transition.

Wasp Season: Late Summer Means Increased Stings

You might not realise it, but late summer is prime time for wasp and bee activity—especially for wasps. Their colonies are at their peak population, and food sources are starting to become scarce. As a result, wasps become more aggressive in their search for sugar and protein, often hovering around picnic tables, trash bins, and pet food bowls left outdoors.

For pets, particularly curious dogs, this presents a real hazard. Many dogs are stung on their noses, faces, or paws after attempting to chase or bite flying insects. While a single sting may only cause minor irritation, some pets can suffer from multiple stings or even allergic reactions, which can lead to swelling, hives, vomiting, or—rarely but dangerously—anaphylaxis.

To minimise risk, supervise your pet closely when they’re outdoors, especially in areas near trash, compost bins, or fruit trees, which attract wasps. Check your garden and under eaves or decks for nests and consider removing them professionally if necessary. If your pet is stung, monitor them closely. Mild swelling or discomfort can be treated with a cool compress, but if they start having trouble breathing or develop widespread swelling, it’s time for an emergency vet visit.

Hidden Danger in the Water: Toxic Algae Blooms

Lakes, ponds, and even stagnant puddles can become deceptively dangerous in late summer due to toxic algae blooms, particularly from blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). These blooms tend to thrive in still, warm water and are often invisible to the naked eye, despite their harmful effects. Unfortunately, even a few laps of contaminated water can be fatal for dogs.

Blue-green algae toxicity can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and even death—sometimes within hours. It’s a terrifying condition because symptoms develop rapidly, and there is no antidote once a pet has ingested the toxins.

If you enjoy walking your dog near water, avoid allowing them to swim in or drink from any source that looks scummy, has a strange colour, or smells bad. When in doubt, assume the water is unsafe and provide your own clean water using a portable travel bowl. If your dog does jump in or drink from a suspicious source, call your vet immediately—the faster you act, the better the outcome.

Henry Wag Water Bottle with Leaf Bowl Grey 500ml £14.99 and Doggyrade Collapsible Silicone Travel Bowl For Dogs £5.65

Foxtails and Dry Grass: Small Seeds, Big Problems

As grasses dry out at the end of summer, they drop their seeds—and some of those seeds, like foxtails, are more dangerous than they look. These barbed seed pods are designed to burrow into the ground, but they can just as easily burrow into your pet’s skin, ears, eyes, or nose.

Dogs that love to explore tall, dry grass are especially at risk. Once a foxtail penetrates the skin or lodges in a sensitive area, it can cause infection, abscesses, or even migrate further into the body. Symptoms vary depending on where the foxtail is, but common signs include excessive paw licking, head shaking, sneezing, or a sudden limp. Because foxtails don’t break down in the body, surgical removal is often required.

To reduce the risk, try to avoid overgrown trails or weedy areas, especially if you have a long-haired or curly-coated dog. After every outdoor adventure, give your pet a thorough check-over—inspect paws, underarms, tails, and between the toes. Regular brushing and trimming fur around vulnerable areas can also help prevent these tiny seeds from taking hold.

Ancol Ergo Double Sided Brush £9.69 and Rosewood Soft Protection Salon Grooming Undercoat Rake £7.49

Parasites Don’t Quit: Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Still Active

Many pet parents assume that flea and tick season ends when summer does—but in most areas, August and September are still prime months for these parasites. Warm, humid conditions allow fleas and ticks to remain active well into early fall, and mosquitoes, which spread heartworm, aren’t done yet either.

Late summer is a time when many people skip doses of their pet’s preventative medications, assuming the worst is over. Unfortunately, that leaves pets vulnerable to new infestations. Fleas, in particular, are quick to breed and hard to eliminate once they’ve taken over your home. Ticks, too, are still lurking in grasses and wooded areas—and they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

The solution? Stay on schedule with your pet’s monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Whether you use spot-ons, collars, or oral medications, now is not the time to skip a dose. You should also continue doing tick checks after outdoor excursions and keep your yard trimmed and free of standing water.

Sudden Heat Spikes: Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Just because it's August doesn’t mean the heat is gone. Late summer heat waves can still strike, and with them comes the risk of heatstroke—especially for dogs who are elderly, overweight, or flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus.

You might have shifted into early morning and evening walks already, but one cooler week doesn’t mean it’s safe to resume midday play sessions. Heat exhaustion can develop quickly in pets who are overexerted or left in hot environments without shade and water.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water, especially outdoors. Avoid intense activity when temperatures spike, and invest in cooling gear such as gel mats, vests, or elevated mesh beds that allow airflow. And remember: never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in seconds.

Henry Wag Pet Cool Mat £6.99 and Ancol Cooling Dog Coat £12.39

Sunburns and Skin Irritation

Finally, don’t forget that pets can get sunburned, too—especially those with light-coloured or thin coats. Areas like the nose, ears, and belly are most vulnerable. Cats that lounge in sunny windows and dogs that sunbathe outdoors can develop red, irritated skin that may peel or become sore.

Using a pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas can help protect sensitive skin. You should also monitor any seasonal hotspots or skin changes. Excessive licking, scratching, or chewing can indicate irritation, sunburn, or even allergies. If symptoms persist, it may be time to talk to your vet about a medicated shampoo or allergy management plan.

The Bottom Line: Stay Aware, Stay Safe

Late summer may feel more relaxed, but it still comes with its own set of risks for pets. From insect stings and hidden toxins to seed-related injuries and parasite threats, it’s important to stay aware and continue your summer safety practices into September.

At Direct4Pet, we’re here to help you keep your pets safe and happy every step of the way. We carry a full range of seasonal health products, from flea preventatives and tick removers to cooling mats and natural insect repellents.