LOS ANGELES -- Spring lilies, bright yellow chicks, fluffy bunnies and chocolate fill the aisles of stores everywhere right before Easter. Although the treats are tempting, make sure your festive gifts aren't posing harm to your pets.

Chocolate can be lethal to pets because it contains theobromine and caffeine which cause increased heart rates, central nervous system stimulation and constriction of arteries. Clinical symptoms range from vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and excitability to cardiac failure, seizures and death. This can occur as quickly as four to six hours after ingestion.

Baking chocolate contains the highest amount of theobromine with white chocolate containing the least. A potential lethal dose is only one pound of chocolate in a 16-pound dog. If your pet has gotten into chocolate, you should contact your vet immediately.

EASTER Special Section: Story Of Easter Video: Jonas Brothers Perform Video: Egg Hunt For Blind, Deaf Survey: Favorite Easter Candy? Article: Easter Around The World Article: Easter Bunny Article: Why Eggs? Tips: Standout Eggs Survey: Favorite Candy?

Easter "grass" makes the baskets look inviting -- especially to cats and puppies. If ingested, the "grass" can cause a serious intestinal blockage that may require surgery. Keep baskets out of your pet's reach, including after the child gets it.

Hard candy is very inviting to cats that could potentially swallow or choke on these colorful treats. Again, just be sure to keep all candy and baskets out of your pet's reach.

OK, so no candy for the pets ... but what's so harmful in giving your pet a little ham this Easter?

Ham is very dangerous to give to your pets. In addition to being high in fat, it is also very salty and can cause serious stomach upset or pancreatitis if eaten by your cats or dogs. Pets will climb counters and get into the trash to get a taste of this rich holiday meal. Be sure to freeze the carcass, including the bones, and avoid leaving ham sitting on counters where your pets may be able to reach.

Furthermore, ham and other meats may come packaged with string wrapped around them. When you remove the string, tie it up in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside in the trash can immediately. Pets may swallow the tasty packaging, and the string can wind around vital organs.

Increased activity and visitors at home during Easter can alter your pet's routine. Try to keep them on their regular schedule for feeding and exercise. And don't forget to give your pets plenty of love and attention so they don't feel left out.

If you are having guests over, put your pets in a spare room with some toys and a soft place to lie. Soft music playing will help them to relax. Pets that have their own room will feel safer, less stressed and won't be able to accidentally escape out the front door or get table scraps from visitors.

Furthermore, make sure all pets have current identification tags on at all times. This is important throughout the entire year, but especially during the holiday because there is a greater risk of your pet escaping because of increased visitors.

Never give your pets leftover bones from meals you are making. Bones can splinter and be fatal to pets.

Do not give your pets alcoholic beverages or table scraps of any kind. Instead, give them their regular treats and lots of love.

Above all, do not run out and get a live rabbit for your child this Easter! This decision should be made after you and your kids have researched what it takes to own one of these soft furry, lovable creatures. Granted, they are cute, but you also have to take into account that it is an added responsibility because you must clean their cage daily and they need lots of attention.

If you decide after careful consideration you are ready to care for a rabbit for its entire life, then adopt from a rescue, don't buy one.