Bee Smart: Keeping Pets Safe Around Pollinators

As Pollinator Week wraps up, it’s the perfect time to chat about safety in the garden.

Bees and butterflies keep our backyards blooming, but curious noses and paws don’t always mix well with stingers.

The good news?

With a few simple steps, you can keep your pets safe while still giving the bees the space they deserve.

This guide is especially for Brisbane pet parents who love their gardens just as much as their dogs and cats.

When Curiosity Stings Back

If your dog or cat gets stung, try not to panic.

Most bee and wasp stings are mild, but quick, calm action makes a big difference.

Look closely at the area that’s been stung – common spots are paws, noses, lips, and curious tongues.

Gently scrape the stinger out with a bank card or your fingernail.
Avoid squeezing the stinger, that can push more venom into the skin and make things worse.

Once the stinger is out, focus on comfort.

Apply a cool compress or wrapped ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
For bee stings, a little bicarbonate paste (bicarb + water) can help soothe the area.

If your pet seems very distressed, is in obvious pain, or you’re just not sure, call your vet for advice.

Keep a close eye on your pet over the next few hours. Call your vet or head straight in if you notice:

If your pet is stung inside the mouth or throat, treat it as an emergency.

Swelling there can block airways quickly. Keep them calm, avoid offering food or toys, and go to the vet immediately.

You can absolutely love your garden and protect your pets, it just takes a few small tweaks, especially in our bee‑friendly Brisbane climate.

Keep water bowls, splash tubs, and paddling pools away from flowering plants (bees love a drink too).
Avoid using citronella candles, essential oils, or strong sprays near pets, they can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs.
Mow lawns regularly to reduce clover patches where bees like to forage.
If you’ve added bee hotels or pollinator‑friendly flower beds, keep your dog’s main play zone a few metres away.
Before letting dogs splash in outdoor water bowls or pools, do a quick bee check – especially on warm, sunny days.

These tiny changes can mean fewer stings, less stress, and a much happier playtime in the backyard.

Bees aren’t the enemy, they’re the reason we have fruit trees, flowers, and those gorgeous, buzzing Brisbane gardens.

We just need to give them space to do their work safely while keeping our pets comfortable and protected.

As Pollinator Week comes to a close, it’s a great time to:

A safe pet and a thriving garden can absolutely coexist, and that’s something worth buzzing about.