Considerations for Getting a (Support) Dog

By Ray Li

3 min read

I am planning on applying for an Emotional Support Dog to help me with my various anxieties and my PTSD. As I have never lived with a dog before, I have been doing a lot of thinking and planning before I even bother to apply for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).¹

Considering the lifestyle changes that come with having a dog

Of course, living with my multiple conditions — including restless legs syndrome (RLS) —, I am worried about the dramatic changes a dog will bring to my life. I suddenly will be a lot more active than I currently am, and with that comes worries about what that will do and the risk of potentially triggering flare-ups of my diseases. Sure, my husband will be able to help with some stuff, but he works a full-time job that isn’t a work-from-home job like mine.

I’m trying to think positively, so I want to focus on the potential benefits to my health of having an Emotional Support Dog. I imagine that going out for a walk twice a day will be beneficial for my RLS. It may be a bit rough at first, but my body and hopefully my RLS will get used to it. I also imagine that there will be an overall benefit of being active, losing weight brought on by medications, and being in shape.

My prior experience with caring for a dog

I do have a little bit of previous experience caring for a dog short-term. My mother-in-law had a highly intelligent English Setter when my husband and I first started dating 12 years ago. My husband was living with his mom to help her out, as she lived with multiple sclerosis (MS).

There were times when my hubby and I would go for a walk or a mini hike with his mom’s dog and many times I visited their house. Two years later, we were asked to watch the dog while my mom-in-law was out of town for 3 weeks, and at the last moment, my husband was asked to help my dad professionally fight forest fires. Suddenly, it was just me watching the doggie, and I was quite worried about how I would hold up.

To my amazement, it went very well, and I hardly had any issues at all. I was easily able to do 2 walks a day and sometimes 3. I had the energy to care for the dog and very much enjoyed the time we had together. My RLS didn’t give me any issues at all, and I wasn’t even being treated for my RLS at that point. I was able to manage just fine with medical marijuana (legal in Canada).

Will an increase in activity benefit my RLS?

I’ve also seen videos and heard personal testimony that having a dog helped the person become more active. That’s why I’m hoping that the same will be true for me, that caring for a dog will help me be more active.

I hope that I’ll be able to reach a level of activity that is beneficial to me, with improvements to my other conditions as well — especially RLS.

Do you have a doggie, and if so, do you find it has overall benefits for your RLS? Share with us in the comments below!

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star619 Member
Despite your misgivings, I just know that your pup is happy to just "be" with you. I do not know your situation, but time away from her should not make her anxious. You should be able to shop, go to a movie, go to doctor appointment, etc. Also, just as we share certain interests with a member of our family, and, also, you might share different interests with a different member. So it is with animals. They might enjoy going for a walk with you, and enjoy going with your husband when he goes fishing. Maybe you can just enjoy your time with your pup.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Good points, <inline-mention username="star619" user-id="4244352"/>. We leave our dogs alone for five or six hours at a time with no issues. When we had only one dog, we had a container full of toys we would only pull out when we had to leave her alone. It gave her something special to do while we were gone. Dogs really are such great companions. Thanks for chiming in. Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
KarenWi Member
Hello <inline-mention username="Ray Li" user-id="4110937"/> Li: I enjoyed reading your article about getting an emotional support dog. I write this as my sweet dog sits at my feet. We got the dog last April after my sister decided to move away and couldn't care for the dog anymore. I was really anxious about taking the pup, but my husband was over the moon, and to be honest we didn't really have a choice. It has been over a year now and it has been a significant adjustment. I LOVE this dog BUT, for some reason she makes me anxious. I have not been able to leave her alone in our condo because I feel terrible for doing so. My sister almost never left her alone. I also feel incredibly guilty when I work in my home office as she will just sit in there all day with me -- she won't sit with my husband when I'm home. I know it sounds silly and everyone says she's fine and that she's happy sitting with me, but it makes me sad for her. I truly love this dog but I'm not sure I wouldn't ever get another dog. You have to be sure you can handle the emotions and anxiety that comes with a dog. Just my two cents. Good luck.
1. Ray Li Member
 <inline-mention username="KarenWi" user-id="8292828"/> I am glad you enjoyed my article. I very much appreciate you sharing your two cents with me. I am sorry to hear that having your doggo causes you anxiety. Did your sister have a reason for rarely leaving the dog alone? Has your husband tried bonding with the dog solo? The dog may not be used to being around men so some good bonding time can help. I don't think it sounds silly to be concerned about your doggy the way you are. Just some food for thought, another pet may help you to not feel so anxious about the dog as they would have a friend to play with. You could always test out how you do with another dog or cat, by fostering. 🥄🦄 Ray (Team member)