Therapy dogs may ease Kids' fear of needles and dentists
NCT ID NCT06468111
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether having a therapy dog present can reduce emotional stress in children aged 3 to 12 during blood draws or dental procedures. Half of the 120 children will have a dog with them, while the other half will receive standard care. Researchers will measure stress using behavioral observations and anxiety questionnaires.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dog-assisted therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could give doctors a simple, drug-free way to help children feel calmer during medical procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study. The effect may be small or not work for all children. Some kids may be afraid of dogs, which could increase stress.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Centre d'Atenció Primària Primer de Maig
RECRUITINGLleida, 25000, Spain
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