A fire service has issued a warning about leaving electric appliances switched on around dogs (Picture: Essex Fire Service)

A woman came home on Christmas Eve to find her home on fire and a very sheepish-looking dog.

It’s believed the pet caused the blaze by jumping onto the bed and unwittingly turning a hairdryer on.

The bedding it was placed on caught alight and the bedroom was quickly up in flames.

Essex Fire Service said crews were called to Hockley on Saturday evening following reports of a smoke-filled house.

Firefighters prevented it from getting out of hand and quickly figured out who the culprit might have been.

The dog was waiting by the front door when the homeowner returned, and both were treated for smoke inhalation.

The service has urged people to unplug electrical appliances when they are not being used.

This was the state of the bedroom after the fire was extinguished (Picture: Essex Fire Service)

Watch manager Gary Shinn said: ‘The homeowner was out and came back to find her house full of smoke.

‘We believe the fire started because a hairdryer was left plugged in and on a bed.

‘We think the dog may have then jumped on the bed a turned the hairdryer on, eventually causing it to catch alight to the bedding and mattress.

‘Once you’ve finished with any electrical appliances such as hairdryers and straighteners please take a moment to unplug them.

‘The homeowner wouldn’t have thought for one moment her dog would turn on the hairdryer, but unplugging something just gives you that peace of mind.’

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A woman came home to find a smoke-filled house and a very guilty looking pet.