Paws for healing: therapy dogs may ease pain and anxiety in trauma patients

NCT ID NCT06812247

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether 2-3 ten-minute visits from a trained therapy dog can reduce pain, anxiety, depression, and anger in adults hospitalized after a traumatic injury. Researchers will compare patients who get dog visits to those who only get a visit from a dog handler. The goal is to see if animal-assisted therapy can improve emotional and physical recovery during a hospital stay.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

therapy dog visits

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help trauma patients feel better emotionally and physically during their hospital stay.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Some patients are excluded due to allergies or immune concerns.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Accidental Injuries anxiety anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder injury Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Boston Medical Center, Trauma Inpatient Service

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••