A family hiking on the United Kingdom’s highest mountain experienced a frightening ordeal after their pet Labrador Retriever suddenly became seriously ill, prompting an emergency mountain rescue. Veterinarians later concluded the dog had likely suffered cannabis intoxication after apparently ingesting the substance along the trail.
The incident has also renewed awareness about the growing number of accidental cannabis poisoning cases involving pets.
Labrador Collapses During Ben Nevis Hike
Christina Bluhme was hiking Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands on July 5 with her son and two dogs when her five-year-old black Labrador, Tokyo, began behaving unusually.
According to Bluhme, the dog first appeared unsteady, stumbling as if disoriented before losing the ability to walk altogether.
Initially unaware of the cause, Bluhme decided to abandon the climb and attempt to return down the mountain as Tokyo’s condition rapidly worsened.
Mountain Rescue Team Steps In
The family was more than three hours into the hike and close to the summit when they requested emergency assistance.
Fortunately, volunteers from the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were already descending the mountain after assisting another rescue operation.
Rescuers placed the 25-kilogram (55-pound) Labrador into a stretcher and quickly carried her down the steep and rain-soaked trail to safety.
Bluhme praised the rescue team for their speed and professionalism, describing their efforts as extraordinary during the challenging descent.
Emergency Veterinary Treatment
Upon reaching the trailhead, Tokyo was transported to a veterinary clinic in Fort William, where medical staff initially suspected a spinal injury.
Further examination suggested neurological poisoning rather than physical trauma. After consulting a veterinary poison control service, doctors determined the symptoms closely matched cannabis toxicity.
The dog received activated charcoal treatment and remained under observation overnight.
By the following day, Tokyo had made a full recovery and was discharged without lasting complications.
Growing Concern Over Cannabis Poisoning in Pets
Veterinary experts have reported an increase in accidental cannabis exposure among household pets in recent years, particularly in countries where cannabis products have become more widely available.
Dogs are especially vulnerable because they may unknowingly consume discarded edible products, plant material, or other cannabis-containing items encountered during walks or inside homes.
Symptoms of cannabis poisoning in animals can include:
- Loss of coordination
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Changes in heart rate
- Difficulty standing or walking
Veterinarians advise pet owners to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their animal has ingested cannabis or any other toxic substance.
Owner Relieved After Full Recovery
Although the emergency treatment resulted in a veterinary bill of approximately £1,000 (around $1,335), Bluhme said the expense was insignificant compared to the relief of seeing Tokyo recover completely.
She said the Labrador returned to normal behavior the following day, while the emotional impact of the frightening experience remained with the family.
The incident serves as a reminder for hikers and pet owners to remain vigilant about potential hazards on outdoor trails and to keep animals away from unidentified food, plants, or discarded substances.