As Easter celebrations bring chocolate into many homes this weekend, Veterinary Ireland has issued a reminder for pet owners to keep treats "to yourself".

The regular human chocolate sweets and bars enjoyed during this period contain a substance called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and cats, and if eaten by your pet can result in "very serious illness or even death", according to Veterinary Ireland.

Veterinary Ireland’s president, Dr. Jane Pigott, said: “The darker the chocolate, the more likely it is to affect your pet, and this can result in your pet being physically sick or even being poisoned.”

Sugary sweets can also cause human-like problems in pets, including obesity, diabetes, and dental decay, while goodies containing Xylitol sweetener, even in small quantities, can be deadly, causing liver failure.

Other treats, such as hot cross buns, can contain hidden ingredients which may also be dangerous to your pet dog or cat.

The sultanas in these buns are a form of grape, which, along with raisins and currants, can be especially dangerous to cats and dogs and can actually poison your pet, causing stomach problems, and in the most serious cases, kidney failure.

Yeast dough can also be dangerous if people bake themselves. This is especially dangerous for large dogs, causing stomach bloating or a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which can be life-threatening.

If a dog is expected of eating chocolate, a vet should be contacted immediately for "emergency advice", without waiting for signs of ill health to appear as it may be too late.

Dr. Pigott said: "As always, should your pet develop any signs of ill health over the Easter season, whether due to snacking on sweet treats or not, it is best to contact your veterinary practitioner for assistance,

"Veterinary practices are open all-year round and will be on call for all emergencies, even throughout the Easter Holidays," she added.