Business

Pet Safety at Easter

Read our tips below to make sure your pet stays safe this Easter…

As you finalise your preparations for the 4-day weekend, have a look at our top tips for a pet-friendly Easter.


Easter eggs are poisonous to dogs and cats

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats so make sure your Easter eggs stay well out of their reach! Store them in a safe place that your pet can’t get to and keep your pet at a safe distance when you’re tucking in.


Other poisonous foods

The following foods are also poisonous for pets so should be stored safely away with your Easter eggs:

  • Xylitol (found in sugar-free treats like chewing gum, peanut butter, even some baked goods)
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Alcohol
  • Salt
  • Caffeine
  • Mouldy food (that your dog may have stolen from the bin)

If you’re unsure whether or not something is poisonous for your pet, we always recommend erring on the side of caution. If something isn’t designed for dogs/cats/bunnies to eat, don’t feed them it! There are plenty of healthy, vet-approved treats to give your furry friend during the Easter break.


Toxic garden plants

If the weather is nice enough for some garden fun, make sure your pet doesn’t ingest any of these flowers:

  • Lilies
  • Daffodils
  • Rhododendrons (including Azaleas)
  • Dumb cane (dieffenbachia – a common houseplant)
  • Ivy
  • Foxgloves
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettia
  • Chrysanthemums

If they do, come and see us straight away. We recommend calling ahead so we can prepare for your arrival.


Mow the lawn

There are many advantages to keeping your lawn in good condition. First off, you’re more likely to spot hazards such as large or jagged stones… if you spot these things and remove them, you’ll lower your dog’s chances of having an accident when they’re out playing.

Regular mowing of the lawn will also help to keep stinging insects and/or parasites at bay.

Avoid feeding lawnmower clippings to your bunnies or guinea pigs, just in case a foreign body has mixed up with them.


Preventative health care

Make sure your dog is ready for the great outdoors. Now that they’ll be encountering other animals more often – both pets and wildlife – it’s especially important to make sure that they’re up to date with their vaccinations. Likewise, fleas and ticks love the springtime too, so make sure your pet is protected.

Microchipping your cat/dog means you’re more likely to be reunited with them if they wonder off a little too far. Ask in practice for more info!


Take care when cleaning

Nothing says spring like a good ol’ clean! As you pull out your rubber gloves this Easter, make sure that harmful cleaning chemicals are kept well out of your pet’s way. During a major clean, it’s worth keeping them in a different room altogether.

We wish you and your pets a Happy Easter! As always, don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions about your pet’s health or welfare!

Ellen Whale

Ellen Whale

Patient Care Assistant/ Receptionist
PCA

Ellen joined us in 2026 after previously working in another vet practice and an animal sanctuary.

She loves horses and has two of her own called Molly and Abbie.  she also has four dogs who she enjoys walking in the Norfolk countryside. 

Adri Rossouw

Adri Rossouw

Locum Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc CertAVP (FelMed) MRCVS

Adri qualified as a Vet Surgeon in South Africa in May 1992 before moving to the UK in 1998.  She was partner in a small animal vet practice in Norfolk before retiring in May 2023.  She missed working with animals so now works as a locum part time.  She brings a wealth of experience to the team.  She achieved a CertAVP Small Animal Medicine (feline medicine) certificate in 2023.  She also enjoys orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. 

Outside work Adri enjoys gardening, cycling and walking as well as being involved in the Gateway Church in Kings Lynn.  Adri has a tuxedo cat called Karolus and the village peacock Bob has claimed her garden.

Helen Manson

Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S CertVOphthal MRCVS

Helen moved to Norfolk after graduating from Edinburgh Vet School in 2003. After working in practices around King’s Lynn, she joined the practice in 2023.


Helen enjoys small animal medicine and has a special interest in Ophthalmology. Helen gained her post graduate RCVS certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2012 and offers internal and external referrals for eye cases at the practice.


Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with her three children, Daisy the Labrador and Maggie the cat. She is married to Liam.

Ben Mcdonnell

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc, BSc, Cert AVP (GSAS)MRCVS

Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 2008 Ben returned to his roots in Cumbria, where he spent a short period working in mixed practice, before making the decision to work solely as a small animal veterinarian. He moved to Norfolk in 2022, when he joined our team at Swaffham, becoming a clinical director in 2025. Ben enjoys all aspects of first opinion small practice work, but especially enjoys the surgical side of the job and achieved the Royal College Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) in 2021.


Outside work Ben is often found exploring the Norfolk countryside and coastline with his son Joey. His other interests include mountain biking, walking, running and more recently paddle boarding.

Emily Neep

Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed BSc(hons) MRCVS

Emily joined Swaffham Veterinary Centre in 2023, having worked as a vet in Wales. Originally from Norfolk, she was very excited to move back home! She has a keen interest in exotic animal care and also is trained in acupuncture.


In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring her creative side with various craft projects, from crochet to jewellery making and can often be heard singing along to her favourite musical (much to the nurse’s dismay!). She has always had pets at home, ranging from various cats and dogs to a pet toad!

Liam Manson

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S GPCert (SAS) MRCVS

Liam founded Swaffham veterinary Centre in 2014, having worked in mid-Norfolk since graduating from Edinburgh University in 2003.  He completed a surgical certificate in 2007 and continues to have a keen interest in surgery but does enjoy the variety that a busy first opinion small animal practice gives each day.

Out of work Liam enjoys spending time with his wife and children, who all enjoy travelling in the UK and abroad.  he also enjoys exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside with his Labrador Daisy.  When given the opportunity Liam is a keen gardener.