Festive cheer turned to horror as a golden retriever was rushed to the vets.

18:18, Tue, Dec 23, 2025 Updated: 18:24, Tue, Dec 23, 2025

Split picture of Milo the lab

Milo had a lucky escape after he swallowed a teddy bear decoration (Image: Mike Adams/SWNS)

A warning has been issued to pet owners after a dog had to undergo emergency surgery.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a quintessential part of the festive season. Wrapping fairy lights around it and placing the angel on top can give any room that unmistakable enchanting sparkle.

But this festive cheer quickly turned to horror as a one-year-old golden retriever called Milo was rushed to the vets, Birmingham Mail reported.

Owners Mike and Rachael Adams were shocked to discover that their dog Milo had eaten half of a bauble. The pieces sat in his stomach for three weeks before they understood what had happened.

Dog has lucky escape after swallowing Christmas decoration from tree

Remnants of the bauble eaten by Milo the dog (Image: Blaise Veterinary Referral Hospi / SWNS)

The day's biggest headlines in UK and World news Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Milo underwent a two-hour endoscopical procedure at the Blaise Veterinary Referral Hospital in Birmingham to retrieve the pieces of the bauble from his stomach safely.

Vet Camilla Piazza said although the dog had no visible injuries to his mouth, there was no way to know what internal damage had been done.

“The pieces were very sharp so we were really worried that the shards he had swallowed could have caused severe damage to Milo's insides.

"This could easily have been a fatal accident, but luckily Milo is a big dog and unbelievably the pieces managed to pass through his oesophagus and into his stomach without puncturing anything.”

A recent study has found that dogs are 75% more likely to require veterinary attention at Christmas time as a result of eating something they shouldn't.

Dog has lucky escape after swallowing Christmas decoration from tree

The shards of the bauble from Milo's stomach (Image: Mike Adams / SWNS)

Dog trainer Amanda, who runs Dog Training With Amanda on Instagram, recently issued a warning.

She said: "Your Christmas tree is magical, but your dog doesn't know it's not a playground. Christmas trees are gorgeous, but they come with a few hidden dog hazards that most owners don't think about until something goes wrong.

"Puppies especially look at a decorated tree like it's a brand-new enrichment activity delivered straight from the North Pole. A few simple tweaks make a huge difference.

Amanda added: "Keep breakable ornaments higher up, block access for the first couple of days so the novelty wears off, avoid chocolate decorations completely and supervise closely until the tree becomes 'boring'.”