Hospital dogs may ease Kids' fear, study says
NCT ID NCT07221006
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether spending time with a trained facility dog can help children ages 8 to 17 feel less afraid and anxious while staying in the hospital. Participants will either visit with a dog and a child life specialist, do a mindfulness activity, or color. Their heart rate and self-reported fear and anxiety will be measured to see if the dog makes 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
facility dog intervention
What this could lead to
If it works, this could show that interacting with a trained dog helps children feel less scared and anxious during hospital stays.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with only 126 participants. The results may not apply to all children or hospitals, and the effect might be small.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Children's Hospital Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••