Key Takeaways
- A five‑year‑old black Labrador named Tokyo fell seriously ill near the summit of Ben Nevis after ingesting cannabis, showing weakness, loss of consciousness, and a cannabis‑smelling flatulence.
- Her owner, professional dog trainer Christina Bluhme, initially suspected a spinal injury but realized the cause was neurotoxicity after the dog’s temperature test released a cannabis odor.
- With heavy rain hampering a manual carry, a fellow hiker advised calling emergency services; the nearby Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team assisted in getting Tokyo off the mountain.
- Veterinary treatment (IV fluids and activated charcoal) led to a full recovery within 24 hours, highlighting the effectiveness of rapid decontamination for cannabis ingestion in dogs.
- The incident underscores the risk dogs face from scavenging edibles or human waste containing cannabis on popular hiking trails, prompting owners to monitor what their pets sniff and eat more closely.
On a rainy Sunday last week, Christina Bluhme set out with her 17‑year‑old son Magnus and two labradors—five‑year‑old Tokyo and two‑year‑old Blaze—for a hike up Scotland’s Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak at 4,413 feet (1,345 meters). Tokyo, described as a normally active and happy dog, had been enjoying treats and water throughout the ascent. About an hour from the summit, Bluhme noticed Tokyo’s hind quarters weakening. Initially attributing the symptom to a possible spinal issue from the climb, she soon observed the dog drifting in and out of consciousness, a development that filled her with dread as she feared losing her pet on the remote mountainside.
Despite her efforts, carrying the 24‑kilogram (53‑pound) Labrador proved impossible under the relentless rain. A fellow hiker suggested contacting emergency services, prompting Bluhme to call for help. Fortunately, the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was already in the vicinity, having just finished another rescue at the summit. Volunteers placed Tokyo on a stretcher; Bluhme grabbed one side, and together they guided the dog down the steep, wet terrain. Once off the mountain, Bluhme drove Tokyo to a nearby veterinary clinic in Fort William.
At Crown Vets, the veterinary staff quickly identified the cause of Tokyo’s distress as neurotoxicity rather than pain. The dog exhibited classic signs of cannabis ingestion: lethargy, impaired coordination, episodes of unconsciousness, and, most tellingly, a flatulence that smelled unmistakably of cannabis when her temperature was taken. Bluhme, who had never before considered that her dog could consume cannabis, recalled the vet’s explanation that Tokyo likely ate an edible discarded on the trail or encountered human waste containing traces of the drug. After receiving an intravenous infusion and activated charcoal—a treatment that absorbs toxins in the gastrointestinal tract—Tokyo’s condition improved markedly. By the following day, she was wagging her tail, eager to leave the clinic, and showed no residual effects of the episode.
Bluhme shared the experience on social media, where it resonated with many pet owners who reported similar incidents of their dogs scavenging cannabis‑containing substances during outdoor activities. Reflecting on the event, she emphasized a newfound vigilance: while dogs naturally love to sniff and forage, owners must be more attentive to what their pets pick up, especially in areas frequented by hikers where discarded edibles or waste may be present. The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team’s Facebook post confirmed that Tokyo had made a full recovery and noted the case as a reminder of the dangers posed by unintentional toxin ingestion on the trails.
Overall, the rescue highlights how quickly a seemingly routine hike can turn dangerous when pets encounter harmful substances, the importance of prompt veterinary intervention, and the value of community awareness in preventing future accidents. Bluhme’s advice to fellow dog owners—keep a close eye on what dogs put their noses into—serves as a practical takeaway for anyone venturing into the wilderness with their canine companions.