Therapy Dogs in Pediatric Care: Outcomes of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Acutely Distressed, Hospitalized, Female Pediatric Patients
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Hospitalization can be a distressing experience for patients, particularly in the pediatric population.It often results in increased anxiety, emotional withdrawal, and reduced cooperation with medical care.Traditional pharmacologic interventions may not adequately address the emotional and psychosocial needs of these children.Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), particularly involving certified therapy dogs, has proven to be a promising complementary approach to promote emotional well-being in clinical settings.This case report describes the outcomes of therapy dog interventions in three cases of acutely distressed, hospitalized children aged 6 to 10 years.All patients were admitted to the pediatric inpatient unit for nonsurgical, acute illnesses and were noted to exhibit signs of heightened anxiety, emotional lability, and poor adaptation to the hospital environment.Each child participated in a single therapy dog session during their hospital stay.The sessions were facilitated by a certified therapy dog-handler team in coordination with a representative from the child wellbeing staff.Each session was a guided interaction consisting of gentle petting, storytelling, and calm companionship tailored to the child's comfort level.Across all three cases, therapy dog interactions were associated with notable reductions in observable distress, improved willingness to engage with medical staff, and positive verbal expressions of emotion.Nursing staff and caregivers reported improved mood and cooperation, and reduced need for behavioral interventions.This report supports existing literature suggesting that AAT with therapy dogs can offer immediate, noninvasive emotional benefits for hospitalized children.Although limited by the small sample size and subjective outcomes, these cases highlight the feasibility and therapeutic potential of integrating therapy dogs into inpatient pediatric acute care.Further research with standardized tools and larger populations is warranted to establish efficacy and best practices.
Source: Cureus
Authors: Mackenzie Landers, Eva H Dolub, Heidi Duarte
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225561842