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

NCT ID NCT06812247

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Boston Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

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.

ANGER ANXIETY DEPRESSION PAIN TRAUMA INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Medical Center, Trauma Inpatient Service
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States

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