HAM the pug cross’ owners were tying themselves in knots trying to work out what was wrong with her – until they found she had eaten dozens of hairbands.

The canine hairdressing fan was taken to Newton Clarke Vets, in Sherborne, over Christmas when she appeared to be feeling a little under the weather.

“Initial investigations by our team revealed that she had something rather ‘strange’ looking in her stomach and she was swiftly taken to surgery for further investigations,” a Newton Clarke spokesperson said.

“To our surprise, Ham had a stomach full of hairbands – over 200g of them to be exact.”

X-rays showed an unusual shape in Ham’s tummy. Picture: Newton Clarke

Having undergone surgery, brave Ham is now back to her old self.

“We’re pleased to say that since their removal, she has been feeling much better, and is now fully recovered from her surgery,” the spokesperson added.

“She is back to causing mischief at home – and hopefully, no longer on the hunt for hairbands.”

The hairbands removed from Ham’s stomach. Picture: Newton Clarke