Paws for thought: dogs may boost social skills in kids with ADHD

NCT ID NCT05102344

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding a therapy dog to standard social skills training could help children with ADHD. Thirty-nine children took part, some receiving dog-assisted sessions and others only social skills training. Researchers measured ADHD symptoms, self-esteem, and stress hormone levels to see if the dogs made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Animal Assisted Intervention with dogs
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to help children with ADHD improve social skills and reduce symptoms.
What could go wrong: This was a small pilot study with only 39 children, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefits of adding a dog may be small or temporary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California, 92697, United States

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