PET owners are being urged to be extra vigilant over Easter to avoid a trip to animal hospital.

Prince Bishop Vets, whose main hospital is in Leadgate, Consett, expects to be inundated with case of pets that have eaten something they shouldn’t .

Easter eggs, sweets and hot cross buns may be tempting treats but they are potentially fatal if eaten by pets.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to animals, and Easter is the second busiest time of year after Christmas for cases of chocolate poisoning.

Raisins in hot cross buns can be deadly to pets, while the traditional Easter Sunday dinner can cause problems with gastroenteritis or choking on bones.

Lilies are poisonous to cats and daffodil, crocus and tulip bulbs are toxic to dogs.

Dr Christina Stubbins said: “Even the most well behaved pets can be tempted to steal food so make sure they can’t get access to the tops of cookers or kitchen worktops.”