VETS are reminding pet owners to not feed their animals chocolate this Easter.

A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) found that on average vets saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning over Easter 2014.

Although awareness about chocolate poisoning is increasing among pet owners, the BVA figures show that the majority of vets still see urgent cases because chocolate treats have not been secured out of reach.

Chocolate is toxic because it contains theobromine — a naturally occurring chemical found in cocoa beans which dogs and other animals excrete much less effectively than humans. The level of toxicity is dependent on the type of chocolate — dark chocolate and cocoa powder is most toxic — and the size of the dog, with smaller dogs and puppies being most at risk.

The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can last up to three days. First signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.