Living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is a daily battle. Some days I can manage, others I feel like I’m stuck in a body that simply won’t cooperate. Parenting with POTS, alongside being autistic, having ADHD and dyslexia — while raising a neurodivergent toddler — can feel like an extreme sport with no instruction manual.
But recently, I’ve found myself looking into something I never thought I’d seriously consider: getting a service dog.
Yes — even though I’m allergic to dogs.
What Could a Service Dog Help Me With?
Service dogs for POTS are specially trained to:
• Bring water or medication when I start to feel faint
• Alert others if I collapse
• Offer deep pressure therapy during moments of anxiety or dysregulation
• Assist with mobility and balance
• Interrupt dissociative or shutdown episodes
For someone like me, this support could be life-changing. It’s not just about the practical help, but also about the confidence and freedom to go about life without constant fear of fainting or freezing. It’s about showing Amelia what it looks like to adapt and advocate for your needs.
But… I’m Allergic to Dogs
This is the twist in the tale. I’m allergic to dogs, and I don’t just mean a little sneeze — I get skin irritation, congestion, and sometimes fatigue. It’s frustrating, because the very support I could benefit from might also make me unwell.
But I’ve been doing my research. Some breeds — like poodles, labradoodles, and Portuguese water dogs — are known to be more allergy-friendly. They’re not technically hypoallergenic (that’s a bit of a myth), but they shed less dander, which helps. I’d also likely need to take daily antihistamines, invest in an air purifier, and keep the dog well-groomed.
Is it ideal? No. But for the chance to regain some independence and feel safer when I’m on my own or out with Amelia — it might be worth it.
Ryan’s Support and Family Impact
Ryan has been brilliant. He’s seen the impact of POTS up close: helping me up when I’ve hit the floor, watching me struggle to stay upright long enough to cook dinner or chase after Amelia. A service dog could be another pair of paws in our little team, giving us both peace of mind.
Amelia loves animals, and the idea of growing up with a support dog could be a beautiful part of her childhood. It would also help her see that support isn’t a weakness — it’s something we choose to build a life that works for us.
Exploring Next Steps
I’m currently looking at UK charities and organisations that train assistance dogs for people with disabilities, and exploring whether a private trainer might work better — especially if we need a dog that suits my allergy needs.
This decision isn’t being taken lightly. It’s about investing in a better quality of life. It’s about saying: Yes, I live with a condition that affects my day-to-day — but I’m allowed to seek help. I’m allowed to make my life easier. I’m allowed to thrive.
If you’ve ever considered getting a service dog — or you already have one — I’d love to hear your thoughts. What worked for you? What challenges did you face? Let’s create a space where support and creativity go hand-in-paw.
If this blog resonated with you, please like and subscribe for more stories on parenting with POTS, neurodivergence, and finding hope and humour in the chaos.
References:
• STARS Charity – www.stars.org.uk
• Assistance Dogs UK – www.assistancedogs.org.uk
• POTS UK – www.potsuk.org
• Allergy UK – www.allergyuk.org
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