With Easter just weeks away, families are preparing to enjoy egg hunts and hot cross buns - but one vet says pet owners must take steps to protect their furry friends.

Lizzie Kwint, veterinary surgeon and partner at Medivet Canvey Island, has shared five ways to keep pets "safe and happy" over Easter:

1. Easter eggs

Lizzie said: "Easter eggs can be delicious for us but easily make our dogs and cats poorly. Both dogs and cats have a bit of a sweet tooth so chocolate can be very tempting if left in reach."

  • If eaten, this can cause signs such as nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, liver failure and even death in some cases. The wrapping can be very tempting, too.
  • It is best to keep them locked away safely in the fridge or a cupboard.
  • If your dog or cat does eat chocolate, treatment is readily available but early treatment is the key. Contact your vet straight away.

2. Spring flowers

"Some of the beautiful flowers we have at home over Easter can also make our pets poorly", Lizzie explains. 

  • Lilies can cause kidney failure if they are eaten or if cats and dogs get pollen on their coats, so please remind family members to avoid these flowers. Most florists will do pet friendly lily free bunches. 
  • Daffodils and tulips can also be toxic if eaten. Signs of poisoning can vary greatly from upset tummies to difficulties breathing, seizures and death. Vet treatment is available but early intervention is needed for the best outcome.

3. Easter lunch bones

Lizzie said: "Some other things we need to be careful with at home are the bones from our Easter lunch. Things like lamb and chicken bones can cause blockages and torn intestines as well as constipation should they chew on them.

"So, make sure you put them well out of the way once you have removed the meat."

Echo: Pawed pals - special care must be taken to ensure pets can enjoy a safe and happy Easter with their families.Pawed pals - special care must be taken to ensure pets can enjoy a safe and happy Easter with their families. (Image: Fizzbox)

4. Hot cross buns

Hot cross buns are a firm favourite in many homes, but it is important to keep them well out of pets' reach as they contain raisins.

Lizzie said: “Raisins can cause kidney failure in our dogs, cats and rabbits. 

“It is very important that your pet sees a vet as soon as possible if you think it has eaten anything containing raisins.

“To avoid problems, we always store tasty treats well out of reach from pets, which in our household means they must stay in the fridge as our naughty cats know how to open the bread bin and cupboard doors.”

5. Dog and cat-friendly cookies

There is one special treat which can be offered to cats and dogs in lieu of a chocolate egg: Easter cookies.

Lizzie said: "Simply take one banana, 225 grams of plain or gluten free flour, three tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter and one egg. Mix them together and shape as desired, like cute bunny shapes. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes at gas mark four or 180 degrees Celsius.

"For pets which don't like peanut butter, you can make cookies with a little blended tuna instead of peanut butter, but the tuna must be in spring water - not brine or oil."