Dog Rescued After Eating Suspected Cannabis on Ben Nevis
A black Labrador made a full recovery after being rescued from UK’s highest mountain and treated for suspected cannabis toxicity. Photo by Einar Jónsson on Unsplash
A five-year-old black Labrador named Tokyo was rescued from Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, after becoming critically ill during a hike earlier this July. Veterinarians later concluded that the dog had most likely ingested cannabis that had been discarded along the trail, highlighting the potential dangers that improperly disposed of cannabis products can pose to pets.
Tokyo was hiking with her owner, professional dog trainer Christina Bluhme, when she suddenly began to lose strength in her hind legs approximately an hour below the summit of the 4,413-foot (1,345-meter) mountain in Scotland. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she became unable to walk, drifting in and out of consciousness.
Fortunately, volunteers from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team had just completed another rescue on the mountain and were nearby. The team carried the 25-kilogram Labrador down the mountain on a stretcher before she was transported to a veterinary clinic in Fort William.
At first, veterinarians considered whether Tokyo had suffered a spinal injury. After further assessment and consultation with an animal poison control service, they concluded that cannabis toxicity was the most likely cause.
“She had all the symptoms of consuming cannabis and had her blood tested too,” Bluhme told CNN. “What really gave it away was when she had her temperature taken she let out some gas and it smelled completely like cannabis. It was almost like standing beside someone smoking weed.”
According to Bluhme, vets believe the dog either consumed a discarded cannabis edible or came into contact with human waste containing cannabis residues during the hike. Tokyo received supportive treatment, including activated charcoal, and made a full recovery by the following day.
After the incident, Bluhme thanked both the mountain rescue volunteers and veterinary staff for saving her dog’s life. She also encouraged fellow dog owners to remain vigilant while walking in public outdoor spaces, noting that hazardous substances can sometimes be found even in remote natural areas.
Why Dogs Are More Sensitive to Cannabis
Veterinary experts note that dogs are significantly more sensitive to cannabis than humans because they have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Symptoms of cannabis toxicity in dogs may include loss of coordination, lethargy, dilated pupils, urinary incontinence, vomiting, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma. Anyone who suspects a pet has ingested cannabis should contact a veterinarian immediately.
The case serves as a reminder that responsible disposal of cannabis products is important not only for keeping public spaces clean but also for protecting pets and wildlife that may unknowingly consume discarded material.
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Stephen Andrews
