Easter and pets: chocolate, hot cross buns and spring flowers (UK)

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats. PDSA explains that cocoa solids contain theobromine, and that cocoa powder and good dark chocolate, which have the most cocoa, are the biggest risk.

Keep eggs and gifts where your pet can't reach them, and remember that an egg hunt in the garden is a treat hunt for a dog too: count the eggs out, and count them back in.

Raisins, currants and sultanas are in hot cross buns and simnel cake at Easter, and PDSA warns that they're dangerous to pets. Blue Cross adds that even a small amount can cause severe kidney failure in a dog. Keep them off low tables and out of reach of the bin.

• Lilies are highly toxic to cats. Cats Protection says every part of the plant is, and a cat can take in the pollen just by brushing past and licking its fur. Keep lilies out of any home with a cat.
• Daffodils are poisonous to dogs if they eat the flowers or bulbs, or drink the water from a vase of them, says Blue Cross. The bulbs are the most poisonous part.
• Daffodil bulbs are extremely toxic to cats too, says Cats Protection, so keep bulbs out of reach when you're planting.

Ring your vet straight away, even if your pet seems fine: PDSA says treatment for chocolate works best when it starts before any signs appear. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much and when, and keep the wrapper if you can.

Visitors, egg hunts and days out mean doors and gates left open. Check your pet's collar and tag before the long weekend, and that their microchip details are up to date. A QR code tag lets whoever finds them reach you straight away.