Easter in Bermuda is a wonderful time of year. Families gather outdoors, children enjoy kite flying and Easter egg hunts, and homes fill with seasonal treats and flowers. While the holiday is full of fun for people, it can also bring unexpected dangers for our pets.

Every Easter-time my practice, CedarTree vets sees an increase in cases of accidental poisoning, most commonly involving chocolate, raisins, and Easter lilies. Help us to keep your precious pets safe this Easter by being aware of the hazards.

Chocolate is probably the most well-known Easter hazard for dogs. Easter baskets, chocolate eggs, and candy are everywhere this time of year, and curious pets can easily get into them if they are left unattended.

Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot process the way humans can.

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous because they contain higher levels of these compounds.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can develop within a few hours and may include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, panting, increased thirst, and a rapid heart rate.

In more severe cases, dogs may develop tremors or seizures. Prevention is key. Keep all chocolate well out of reach of pets, especially during Easter egg hunts and family gatherings.

Remind children not to share sweets with dogs, and make sure any hidden eggs are collected once the hunt is over.

Many traditional Easter baked goods, such as hot cross buns and fruit breads, contain raisins. While these foods are popular during the holiday, they can be extremely dangerous for dogs.

Even small amounts of raisins or grapes can lead to kidney failure in some dogs.

The exact cause of the toxicity is still not fully understood, and reactions can vary widely between animals. Because of this unpredictability, no amount should be considered safe.

Early symptoms often include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. As the condition progresses, dogs may develop more serious signs related to kidney damage.

In Bermuda households where hot cross buns are a Good Friday tradition, it is especially important to keep these foods well out of reach of pets and clean up any dropped pieces immediately.

Easter lilies are beautiful and commonly used as holiday decorations, but they pose a serious risk to cats.

Even small exposures ― such as chewing a leaf, licking pollen from their fur, or drinking water from a vase ― can cause severe kidney failure.

Early signs in cats may include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Without rapid veterinary treatment, the condition can quickly become life-threatening.

For cat owners, the safest option is to avoid bringing lilies into the home altogether and choose pet-safe flowers instead.

If you believe your pet has eaten chocolate, raisins, grapes, or part of a lily plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Easter is a special time in Bermuda, and with a little awareness and prevention, we can make sure the holiday is safe and enjoyable for every member of the family, including our four-legged friends.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda