UK: Pet Dog Rescued on Ben Nevis After Suspected Cannabis Ingestion During Hike

A five-year-old black Labrador retriever named Tokyo was rescued from the slopes of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, after she reportedly ingested cannabis during a hike and became unable to walk. The incident occurred on July 5 when Tokyo suddenly began staggering before collapsing near the summit, prompting an emergency rescue by the volunteer Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. The dog later made a full recovery after receiving veterinary treatment.

The incident has also drawn attention to the growing number of cannabis toxicity cases involving pets. Veterinary experts say accidental marijuana ingestion among animals has been increasing, particularly in countries where cannabis is more widely available, highlighting the need for pet owners to remain vigilant during outdoor activities. Dog Lick Turns Deadly: UK Woman Loses All 4 Limbs After Severe Sepsis, All You Need To Know About Life-Threatening Condition.

Pet Dog Collapses Near Ben Nevis Summit

Christina Bluhme was hiking Ben Nevis with her son, Magnus, and two dogs when Tokyo began showing signs of distress. "She had a very bad trip," said Bluhme, who was mystified at the time about what nearly doomed her dog during the July 5 hike. "It was a very terrifying experience."

Bluhme, who has worked as a canine trainer for 25 years, said she never suspected Tokyo might have been affected by cannabis.

With the group more than three hours into their climb and close to the 4,413-foot (1,345-metre) summit, the weather deteriorated as rain began and temperatures dropped to about 5 degrees Celsius. Realising Tokyo could no longer continue, Bluhme decided to abandon the climb. "I said, listen, we've got to turn around and get her down," Bluhme said. "There's something completely wrong here."

Volunteer Rescue Team Steps In

After Magnus called for help, police indicated they were unsure whether a rescue team could be dispatched. However, members of the all-volunteer Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were already descending from the summit after assisting with the helicopter evacuation of an injured hiker.

The rescuers placed the 25-kilogram Labrador in a stretcher and carried her down the steep, slippery trail, reaching the trailhead in about an hour. "They were almost running," Bluhme said. "I was clinging on to the stretcher. They were so agile and so fast. It was incredible."

Vets Confirm Suspected Cannabis Intoxication

Police alerted Crown Vets in nearby Fort William, where veterinary staff were waiting for Tokyo's arrival.

Veterinarians initially suspected a spinal condition. However, after observing the dog drifting in and out of consciousness, a senior veterinarian concluded she had likely been exposed to a neurotoxin.

Following consultation with a poison control centre, veterinarians determined that Tokyo's symptoms matched cannabis intoxication.

The Labrador was treated with activated charcoal and made a full recovery overnight.

Rising Cases of Cannabis Toxicity in Pets

The incident comes as veterinary organisations report a rise in cannabis poisoning cases involving pets.

In the United Kingdom, veterinarians have observed increasing reports of cannabis toxicity among animals.

The issue is even more pronounced in the United States, where marijuana has been legalised in many states for recreational or medical use. Marijuana and other drugs entered the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' top 10 list of pet toxins for the first time in 2023. The organisation's poison control centre said calls related to potential marijuana ingestion increased by 10% compared with the previous year and have nearly tripled over the past five years.

Dogs are particularly vulnerable to cannabis exposure because of their heightened sensitivity to THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Symptoms can include loss of coordination, lethargy, vomiting, disorientation and, in severe cases, seizures or coma. Veterinarians advise pet owners to seek immediate medical attention if accidental ingestion is suspected.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 08:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).