The Dog Trainers Diary
Sep 22, 2025 09:42AM ● By Makayla Smith, Dog Trainer
Service Dogs and Invisible Disabilities
We all have an idea of what a disability looks like. Maybe it’s someone in a wheelchair, with crutches or maybe an amputee with a prosthetic. But what about the people with disabilities that you can’t see? Heart conditions, seizure disorders, diabetes, PTSD, etc. Just because you can’t see their disability doesn’t mean that it isn’t there or that they aren’t struggling on a daily basis. It doesn’t mean that the public or businesses can decide whether they are disabled or not just because they can’t see evidence of it. Someone who appears healthy may have a seizure 5 minutes later, or pass out because their heart rate spiked or their blood sugar dropped.
While there are many Service Dogs that are trained to assist people with disabilities that can be seen, there are even more that are trained to assist people with invisible disabilities. These Service Dogs can make the difference for someone being able to work outside their home or live independently. These incredible dogs can catch dangerous episodes before symptoms even appear. They can let their handler know when they need to sit down, take medication or call for help.
It is not up to the public or businesses to discriminate against these individuals because they don’t “look” like they need a Service Dog. Sometimes, these individuals are the ones that need their Service Dogs most. Distracting one of these dogs can mean serious injury or worse for their handler. Be respectful to handlers and their dogs. You never know what someone else is dealing with.
September is National Service Dog Month. Let’s appreciate all the incredibly special dogs that make such a difference in their handler’s lives! If you or someone you know is looking for more information about service dogs or training, you are welcome to reach out through my website, google profile or social media. Sits ‘N’ Wiggles Dog Training.
For more information on service dogs or training you can visit my website at sitsnwigglesdogtraining.com
