Celebrating World Bee Day

Happy World Bee Day from all of us at Ollie and Florrie Vets!

Bees are brilliant. Not only do they help pollinate the flowers, fruits and vegetables we all love, they also play a vital role in keeping ecosystems healthy. Today is World Bee Day and it’s a great reminder that we can all do a little more to help these hardworking insects thrive, without compromising our pets' safety.

Here’s how you can create a garden or outdoor space that supports bees and keeps your dogs and cats happy too:

Plant bee-friendly flowers that are safe for pets

Bees love open, colourful flowers rich in nectar and pollen. Some safe options for both bees and pets include:

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Sunflowers

• Marigolds

• Snapdragons

  
  

Avoid toxic plants

There are many flowering plants that can be toxic to cats and dogs, the most common include:

• Daffodils: The bulbs are especially dangerous, but the entire plant is toxic. 

• Tulips: Bulbs contain allergenic lactones that can cause digestive upset. 

• Lilies: All parts of the lily plant, including the pollen, are toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing kidney failure. 

• Hydrangeas: Popular garden shrubs, but contain cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in the flowers and leaves,. 

• Rhododendrons/Azaleas: All parts are toxic to pets, with rhododendrons being more toxic. 

• Ivy: Harmful if eaten in quantity. 

• Bluebells: Contain a toxin that affects the heart, causing stomach upset and other symptoms. 

• Autumn Crocus: Toxic in all parts, especially the bulb, blooms, and seeds. 

• Foxgloves: Contain cardiac glycoside toxins that affect the heart. 

• Yew: All parts of the plant are toxic.

The PDSA website has a helpful list of plants that are poisonous for pets (organised by seasons). Visit their poisonous plants page to check all the plants to avoid.

Avoid harmful chemicals

Many pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers are harmful to bees and can also be dangerous to pets if they lick or walk on treated surfaces. Opt for natural garden care methods and pet-safe products whenever possible.

Provide water

Bees need hydration too! A shallow dish of water with a few stones for landing makes a perfect bee drinking station. Just be sure it’s placed where pets won’t knock it over or drink from it.

Keep it safe for cats and dogs

• Supervise dogs and cats who love to dig or chew on plants

• Make sure pets can retreat to shaded, quiet spots away from any buzzing activity

• Always check your garden for hazards after introducing new plants or changes

Small steps make a big difference

Whether you have a garden, balcony, or windowsill, planting bee-friendly flowers and avoiding chemicals can help support local pollinators. It’s a small change that benefits everyone–including your pets.

Want help choosing pet-safe plants or advice on protecting your garden-loving pets? Just ask! We’re here to help. Get in touch today!