Lots of service dogs this trip

[KyleAfterAWhile]

Um, not really.

Allergies and Asthma are really the same thing. I just read about this recently. Also, there's still a great deal doctor's don't know about allergies, partly they are difficult to study.

Reactions can occur in the stomach, the lungs, one's skin (hives), etc. Very often they overlap. People with severe food allergies often have trouble breathing while vomiting. What's scary is that reactions often change from exposure to exposure. It often depends on the level of exposure.

Allergies typically involve a protein; just about any protein.

However, each person has a different threshold. Person A might develop a reaction at the slightest hint of a substance, but person B only reacts when a larger amount of that substance is present. (Pollen allergies are a great example, because many folks only react when pollen counts are very HIGH.)

Another scary aspect of allergies is that the severity of increases dramatically when multiple allergens are present together. Say, smoke by itself triggers a mild reaction, but smoke + pollen together= anaphylactic shock.

They are not the same thing. Stay off of WebMD. LOL

I have studied this (I have a niece with severe pulmonary issues), so I am going to share some basic notes with you that are readily available to anybody who wants to research.


The primary difference between an allergy attack and an asthma attack is the location in the body of the reaction. Allergens – substances such as pollen, dust, and mold that are not harmful in themselves but result in a reaction in those allergic to them – often trigger this response in the upper respiratory system. The reaction happens because your body produces IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies, which in turn cause the body to produce chemicals like leukotrienes and histamines. These chemicals trigger the allergic reaction itself, which is commonly experienced as sneezing, congestion, itching, watery eyes, hives, headaches, or irritated skin.

Asthma is a more serious condition. It can be triggered by the same IgE antibodies, but the reaction is located in the lungs and upper bronchial passages. They may become inflamed and close down, causing coughing or wheezing. During an asthma attack the bands of muscle surrounding your airways experience bronchiospasm, which causes them to narrow. The membranes that line these airways become inflamed, or swollen, and produce more mucus, further limiting the flow of air. This may be experienced as coughing and wheezing, as mentioned above, but can also cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and being unable to breathe. Asthma affects more than 25 million people around the world, and is the most common chronic disease found among children. 5,000 people per year die of asthma.

 

[hultrain]

My daughter is seriously afraid of dogs, to the point that she is in therapy for it, as recommended by her physician because she would go into a panic state and nearly hyperventilate. We are not the type to press the issue (if we encountered a service dog at Disney we would probably just move away), but it raises an interesting question, especially for emotional support dogs-whose emotional support wins out?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My daughter is seriously afraid of dogs, to the point that she is in therapy for it, as recommended by her physician because she would go into a panic state and nearly hyperventilate. We are not the type to press the issue (if we encountered a service dog at Disney we would probably just move away), but it raises an interesting question, especially for emotional support dogs-whose emotional support wins out?

With the exception of air travel and housing, emotional support dogs do not have protections so you could complain and ask that the dog be removed. It's up to the business who they wish to accommodate. However, if it is a service dog, then it is protected by the ADA and the dog is allowed to stay unless it is misbehaving. But true service dogs would not be misbehaving because they are so carefully selected and trained.

 

[JerseyJanice]

My daughter is seriously afraid of dogs, to the point that she is in therapy for it, as recommended by her physician because she would go into a panic state and nearly hyperventilate. We are not the type to press the issue (if we encountered a service dog at Disney we would probably just move away), but it raises an interesting question, especially for emotional support dogs-whose emotional support wins out?

I said it earlier: everybody's health is equally important.

However, the proliferation of service animals in recent years makes me feel like the rights of phobics and allergy sufferers should be considered first. Why? Because up until a few years ago, people got by without service animals and with regular pets (as opposed to Emotional Support animals) in their homes.

However folks dealt with their challenges before they got a service beast is what they should do on vacation IMO.

 

[lanejudy]

it raises an interesting question, especially for emotional support dogs-whose emotional support wins out?

Emotional support animals have very little protection under national law. Some states may be more lenient, but you really shouldn't worry about running into an ESA. Do people drag there ESAs out under the guise of service animals? Yes. But that doesn't afford it any more rights, particularly if misbehaving. If the handler declares it as an ESA, you could ask management to have it removed.

With a service dog In that situation, the facility would need to try their best to keep both your party and the party of the service dog separated. Is it always possible? Probably not, and you would need to decide whether you/DD can handle the "best" solution available or if you would leave. They cannot ask the service dog to leave.

 

[lanejudy]

Because up until a few years ago, people got by without service animals

I disagree with that line of thinking. Many people who have a true service animal may not have been able to go places and do things previously. They may have been housebound or very limited life outside the home and other supports. The service animal allows them to access places and events that they otherwise would never be able to go/do.

I agree there is no perfect solution when conflicting needs clash...

 

[ChimCher-ee]

I'm new to this whole idea but a.very close friend now has a service dog--born with the ability and then trained to hone his abilities--to detect blood sugar levels, etc. I try not to judge, but it seems there should be a way to 1) verify the need (current law prohibits asking for proof) and 2) balance the individual's known needs with others' potential for harm (allergies, being bitten).

My question is (and I've read much of this thread but not all, so forgive me if I'm repeating), do the animals go on the rides? I mean, I understand that they go where their people go, but the poor things--having to ride ToT or Splash, or ... you get the idea. And they don't get a say in it. Their training probably didn't include how to maintain during corkscrews!

 

[BrianL]

I'm new to this whole idea but a.very close friend now has a service dog--born with the ability and then trained to hone his abilities--to detect blood sugar levels, etc. I try not to judge, but it seems there should be a way to 1) verify the need (current law prohibits asking for proof) and 2) balance the individual's known needs with others' potential for harm (allergies, being bitten).

My question is (and I've read much of this thread but not all, so forgive me if I'm repeating), do the animals go on the rides? I mean, I understand that they go where their people go, but the poor things--having to ride ToT or Splash, or ... you get the idea. And they don't get a say in it. Their training probably didn't include how to maintain during corkscrews!

They do not go on any thrill rides, but as I discovered up-thread somewhere they can go on certain things and are admitted to all shows. The only rides they would go on are gently moving things, no roller coasters or anything like that. See bleow:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/service-animals/

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I'm new to this whole idea but a.very close friend now has a service dog--born with the ability and then trained to hone his abilities--to detect blood sugar levels, etc. I try not to judge, but it seems there should be a way to 1) verify the need (current law prohibits asking for proof) and 2) balance the individual's known needs with others' potential for harm (allergies, being bitten).

My question is (and I've read much of this thread but not all, so forgive me if I'm repeating), do the animals go on the rides? I mean, I understand that they go where their people go, but the poor things--having to ride ToT or Splash, or ... you get the idea. And they don't get a say in it. Their training probably didn't include how to maintain during corkscrews!

The only rides they can go on and a cm can correct me is the one with out height restrictions

 

[wilkeliza]

I'm new to this whole idea but a.very close friend now has a service dog--born with the ability and then trained to hone his abilities--to detect blood sugar levels, etc. I try not to judge, but it seems there should be a way to 1) verify the need (current law prohibits asking for proof) and 2) balance the individual's known needs with others' potential for harm (allergies, being bitten).

My question is (and I've read much of this thread but not all, so forgive me if I'm repeating), do the animals go on the rides? I mean, I understand that they go where their people go, but the poor things--having to ride ToT or Splash, or ... you get the idea. And they don't get a say in it. Their training probably didn't include how to maintain during corkscrews!

The general ride rules are if there is no height requirement then the dogs can ride if they fit. They can not ride a lot of things so for those they can either be put in a Disney provided kennel or a geouo can use rider swap.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I said it earlier: everybody's health is equally important.

However, the proliferation of service animals in recent years makes me feel like the rights of phobics and allergy sufferers should be considered first. Why? Because up until a few years ago, people got by without service animals and with regular pets (as opposed to Emotional Support animals) in their homes.

However folks dealt with their challenges before they got a service beast is what they should do on vacation IMO.

To the bolded--normally I'm not into using this word here on the DIS but really that's pretty insensitive to even say.

I mean that's like saying people got by without the aid of pain medication...could you survive without pain medication--even something as simple as ibuprofen?..sure but taking pain medication alleviates pain and helps one be able to go on with day to day things.

Can I live without taking my allergy medication when spring hits or when fall hits? Of course....but I feel like crap and having the medication eases me.

So yeah...get by..is probably not the best descriptor.

Not to mention as time goes on we understand things better. We understand more of how our brains work, etc.

 

[keishashadow]

Um, not really.

Allergies and Asthma are really the same thing. I just read about this recently. Also, there's still a great deal doctor's don't know about allergies, partly they are difficult to study.

Reactions can occur in the stomach, the lungs, one's skin (hives), etc. Very often they overlap. People with severe food allergies often have trouble breathing while vomiting. What's scary is that reactions often change from exposure to exposure. It often depends on the level of exposure.

Allergies typically involve a protein; just about any protein.

However, each person has a different threshold. Person A might develop a reaction at the slightest hint of a substance, but person B only reacts when a larger amount of that substance is present. (Pollen allergies are a great example, because many folks only react when pollen counts are very HIGH.)

Another scary aspect of allergies is that the severity of increases dramatically when multiple allergens are present together. Say, smoke by itself triggers a mild reaction, but smoke + pollen together= anaphylactic shock.

Re allergies, after the first incident (which can happen at any stage of your life with no prior issues BTW), it is very common for subsequent issues to be more severe.

They are not the same thing. Stay off of WebMD. LOL

I have studied this (I have a niece with severe pulmonary issues), so I am going to share some basic notes with you that are readily available to anybody who wants to research.


The primary difference between an allergy attack and an asthma attack is the location in the body of the reaction. Allergens – substances such as pollen, dust, and mold that are not harmful in themselves but result in a reaction in those allergic to them – often trigger this response in the upper respiratory system. The reaction happens because your body produces IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies, which in turn cause the body to produce chemicals like leukotrienes and histamines. These chemicals trigger the allergic reaction itself, which is commonly experienced as sneezing, congestion, itching, watery eyes, hives, headaches, or irritated skin.

Asthma is a more serious condition. It can be triggered by the same IgE antibodies, but the reaction is located in the lungs and upper bronchial passages. They may become inflamed and close down, causing coughing or wheezing. During an asthma attack the bands of muscle surrounding your airways experience bronchiospasm, which causes them to narrow. The membranes that line these airways become inflamed, or swollen, and produce more mucus, further limiting the flow of air. This may be experienced as coughing and wheezing, as mentioned above, but can also cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and being unable to breathe. Asthma affects more than 25 million people around the world, and is the most common chronic disease found among children. 5,000 people per year die of asthma.

Both conditions can vary in their symptoms from day to day for those who deal with them. People with both try their best to avoid triggers. It's the hidden stuff that can catch you unawares (peanuts in food, someone's furry pet in enclosed areas such as a plane or laying down to sleep and waking up with your eyes swollen shut because of a prior pet in the room that wasn't deep cleaned). At least we don't have to deal with smokers in the room previously in most accommodations.

Typically, I'm not one for those discussions as to 'which is worse' type of medical condition. However, Asthma is NOT unequivocally the more serious condition IMO. Likely many more people with different degrees of asthma out there, my kids all had exercise induced but no issues in adulthood. It was scary to watch them when they played competitive sports, but I was ready with their meds & doctor released them.

Unfortunately, many allergic reactions are sudden and life threatening in that they often develop unexpectedly (new issue or being exposed to known allergen without one's knowledge or consent). Sudden, fatal reactions are not uncommon.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Re allergies, after the first incident (which can happen at any stage of your life with no prior issues BTW), it is very common for subsequent issues to be more severe.



Both conditions can vary in their symptoms from day to day for those who deal with them. People with both try their best to avoid triggers. It's the hidden stuff that can catch you unawares (peanuts in food, someone's furry pet in enclosed areas such as a plane or laying down to sleep and waking up with your eyes swollen shut because of a prior pet in the room that wasn't deep cleaned). At least we don't have to deal with smokers in the room previously in most accommodations.

Typically, I'm not one for those discussions as to 'which is worse' type of medical condition. However, Asthma is NOT unequivocally the more serious condition IMO. Likely many more people with different degrees of asthma out there, my kids all had exercise induced but no issues in adulthood. It was scary to watch them when they played competitive sports, but I was ready with their meds & doctor released them.

Unfortunately, many allergic reactions are sudden and life threatening in that they often develop unexpectedly (new issue or being exposed to known allergen without one's knowledge or consent). Sudden, fatal reactions are not uncommon.

Peanut allergies are no joke, and very often fatal. Asthma also is no joke, and can be fatal. We have a family member who has been to the emergency room several time due to asthma, including once during a trip to Disney. Asthma killed almost 400,000 people in 2015, so folks shouldn't downplay its severity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma. By comparison, food allergies resulted in 150 deaths (though this may be US only). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut_allergy#Epidemiology. But I'm struggling to understand what this has to do with service animals at Disney.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

I said it earlier: everybody's health is equally important.

However, the proliferation of service animals in recent years makes me feel like the rights of phobics and allergy sufferers should be considered first. Why? Because up until a few years ago, people got by without service animals and with regular pets (as opposed to Emotional Support animals) in their homes.

However folks dealt with their challenges before they got a service beast is what they should do on vacation IMO.

Interested to know who qualifies as a "phobic"? Is that someone who suffers PTSD due the the violence and trauma of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Those folks probably didn't need a service dog before they deployed.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

If you are looking for a quality charity, this is a good one. http://warriorcanineconnection.org/

 

[JerseyJanice]

Interested to know who qualifies as a "phobic"? Is that someone who suffers PTSD due the the violence and trauma of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? Those folks probably didn't need a service dog before they deployed.

Somebody who was attacked by a dog and is now phobic of them has PTSD as well.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Somebody who was attacked by a dog and is now phobic of them has PTSD as well.

That wasn't my question, but I agree that someone attacked by a dog certainly could have PTSD, and I'm not downplaying it. At the same time, I don't think someone who suffers from PTSD (for whatever reason) and has a service dog should be banned from going to Disney because they need the service dog.

Raises another question I meant to ask. We've been to Disney World/Disneyland about 8 times combined in the last 20 years, and I've literally never seen a service dog at any park. How many dogs did the OP actually encounter?

 

[vanillagirl]

Somebody who was attacked by a dog and is now phobic of them has PTSD as well.

Perfect candidate for a service miniature horse

This thread has gotten kind of silly...I'll play.. What about the peeps with phobias of wheelchairs?? And ECVs?? They can hurt when they go over a foot...

Disabled people have the right to be in a public place with their true service dog or their wheelchair/ecv etc. A service dog is an aid for a disabled person. Same as a wheelchair or ECV. If you are scared of a service dog (or allergic) walk the other way. If you are phobic of wheelchairs walk the other way. Peeps abusing the system with their ESAs, keep your pet at home. Get therapy or meds and live a happy life.

I'm stunned at the "get by" comment...my daughter will be the first to tell anyone how her guide dog has enhanced her life and allows her to function independently. She has no choice to go out and about without her dog...in a pinch she can use her white cane but she's not about to stifle her life because some people may have an irrational fear of or are allergic to her service dog.

 

[johnsgrl]

Not at PTSD dogs fall outside the ADA rules for service dogs. IF someone has a PTSD dog (or psychological disability service dog) they can be a legally allowed service dog as long as they are trained for a task. As I've pointed out probably 5 times on this thread a PTSD service dog can be trained to lead a person away from a trigger, trained to settle someone having an episode, trained to alert to anxiety levels (they smell the hormone or sense the heart rate going up), trained to remind an owner to take their medicine at a specific time, trained to guide an individual to the ground and provide pressure, trained to guide the person away from a dangerous situation if they are in a flashback trance. The list goes on with what PTSD dogs can be trained to do they just need that training and that is key for all service dogs be it Seeing Eye, seizure, diabetes, PTSD, balance issues, autism, etc

By definition, if a dog is trained to assist a person with a task or tasks, it is a service dog, regardless of the task or reason for the need for the service animal. It is not a PTSD dog at that point, it is a service dog. Just as a k9 that is trained to detect low blood sugar is not a diabetes dog, or one trained to detect an impending seizure is not an epilepsy dog, they are all service animals. Any ESA that supports the emotional state of someone who may suffer from PTSD or a physiological issue is not a service animal. The lines have been blurred to the point where anyone can claim their Emotional Support Animal is a service dog as in their minds the animal does provide a service to them. However, under ADA that animal is NOT a service dog.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

By definition, if a dog is trained to assist a person with a task or tasks, it is a service dog, regardless of the task or reason for the need for the service animal. It is not a PTSD dog at that point, it is a service dog. Just as a k9 that is trained to detect low blood sugar is not a diabetes dog, or one trained to detect an impending seizure is not an epilepsy dog, they are all service animals. Any ESA that supports the emotional state of someone who may suffer from PTSD or a physiological issue is not a service animal. The lines have been blurred to the point where anyone can claim their Emotional Support Animal is a service dog as in their minds the animal does provide a service to them. However, under ADA that animal is NOT a service dog.

I'm not sure I understand your point.