Using therapy dogs to help children during blood and dental procedures
Official title: Efficacy Study of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Children During Blood or Dental Extraction: Extra-can Project
Run by Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina · NCT06468111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if spending time with therapy dogs can help reduce stress for kids aged 3 to 12 during blood draws or dental work.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fundacio d'Investigacio en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol i Gurina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lleida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06468111 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 12 who require a blood or dental extraction and are willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with allergies or fears of dogs, or those with aggression disorders towards dogs, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in reducing emotional stress in children aged 3 to 12 during blood extraction or dental procedures. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants are assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group that interacts with a therapy dog for 10 minutes before the procedure. The study aims to assess not only the children's stress levels but also the emotional impact on accompanying family members. The goal is to improve the overall experience for both children and healthcare professionals during these potentially distressing procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the experience of children undergoing blood or dental extractions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with animal-assisted interventions in reducing anxiety in pediatric patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 3 and 12 years old. * Need a blood or dental extraction. * Willing to participate in the study on a voluntary basis. * Delivery of the information sheet and signature the informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * If in the initial interview they declared having allergy or fear of dogs. * Have aggression disorder towards dogs. * Not want to participate in the study.
Where it's running
-
Centre d'Atenció Primària Primer de Maig
Lleida, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esther Rodrigo Claverol, MD
- Email: erodrigo.lleida.ics@gencat.cat
- Phone: 0034973272446
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.