Christina Bluhme was halfway up Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain at 4,413 feet (1,345 metres), last weekend when her black labrador, Tokyo, suddenly lost the use of her legs and began drifting in and out of consciousness.
The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, a volunteer group, stretchered the unconscious dog down the peak to a local vet in Fort William. Bluhme, a dog trainer from Esher, Surrey, described the incident as "one of the most frightening days I've ever experienced", adding: "I genuinely thought I was going to lose her."
Vets believe Tokyo ingested cannabis that had been discarded on the trail, according to the BBC. The dog made a full recovery the following day.
Rescue Impossible Without Volunteers
Bluhme praised the rescue team, stating: "Without the incredible Lochaber mountain rescue team, there is simply no way I could have got her safely off the mountain. Carrying a 25kg labrador down Ben Nevis was impossible on my own."
She said she felt "incredibly lucky" that Tokyo survived and thanked the rescue crew and vet team for their "compassion and dedication". "You were there when we needed you most," she added.
Warning to Dog Owners
Bluhme issued a reminder to fellow dog owners: "Please be aware that discarded drugs and other toxic substances can sometimes be found even in the most beautiful outdoor places. It was something I never imagined we would encounter."
The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team expressed pleasure that Tokyo had fully recovered and praised the local vet team, Crown Vets in Fort William. A spokesperson said: "It's now suspected that Tokyo, a usually very fit and active working dog, had ingested something that made her critically unwell. Many thanks to Crown Vets for their support, and to Tokyo's owner for the update and photos."
Cannabis Toxicity in Dogs
According to Vets Now, dogs' brains have more cannabinoid receptors than humans', meaning marijuana typically affects a dog more severely. Symptoms of cannabis ingestion in dogs can appear within 30 to 90 minutes and include loss of balance, stumbling, inability to stand, dribbling urine, dilated pupils, and glassy eyes.
A similar case occurred in Somerset in 2024, where two dogs, Margot and Willow, became unwell and unable to stand after consuming human waste containing cannabis while walking in the Winscombe nature reserve.
