A dog has been dramatically rescued from Ben Nevis after becoming critically unwell, suspected to have ingested cannabis discarded on the popular mountain trail. Christina Bluhme was halfway up the UK's highest peak last weekend with her black labrador, Tokyo, when the animal suddenly lost the use of her legs and began to drift in and out of consciousness.
Fearing for Tokyo's life, Ms Bluhme faced the daunting challenge of getting her 25kg dog down the 1,345-metre mountain. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called to assist, stretchering the unconscious Tokyo down to a local veterinary practice in Fort William. Ms Bluhme described the experience as "one of the most frightening days I've ever experienced," adding that she "genuinely thought I was going to lose her" without the rescue team's intervention.
Tokyo made a full recovery the following day, with vets concluding that the dog had likely ingested cannabis left on the trail. This incident underscores a concerning risk for pet owners, as dogs' brains possess more cannabinoid receptors than humans', making them more susceptible to the effects of the substance. Symptoms can manifest within 30 to 90 minutes and include loss of balance, stumbling, inability to stand, dribbling urine, and dilated pupils.
Ms Bluhme, a dog trainer from Esher, Surrey, expressed immense gratitude to both the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the vet team for their "compassion and dedication." She also issued a stark warning to other dog owners, urging them to be vigilant about discarded drugs and other toxic substances, even in seemingly pristine natural environments. "It was something I never imagined we would encounter," she stated.
The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team confirmed Tokyo's full recovery and extended thanks to Crown Vets for their support. This incident echoes a similar case in Somerset in 2024, where two dogs became unwell after consuming human waste containing cannabis in the Winscombe nature reserve, highlighting a broader issue of irresponsible disposal of harmful substances in public areas.