Washing therapy dogs may keep hospital germs away from kids
NCT ID NCT04171817
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether cleaning therapy dogs with a special disinfectant (chlorhexidine) before hospital visits could reduce the spread of harmful germs to children. The trial involved 45 children aged 3 to 17 who interacted with therapy dogs. Researchers checked if the cleaning routine lowered the chance of kids picking up bacteria like MRSA from the dogs.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
chlorhexidine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help keep therapy dog visits safe for children in hospitals by reducing the spread of germs.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to all hospitals or patients. The cleaning routine might not fully prevent germ spread.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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Johns Hopkins
Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
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Washington University in St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States