The impact of dogs on human health in healthcare contexts: a review.

BACKGROUND

Evidence highlights the potential of human-dog relationships to support the health and wellbeing of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This review examines the application and impact of dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) in healthcare contexts.

SOURCES OF DATA: A narrative review of research from 2009 to 2025 was conducted utilizing multidisciplinary databases, including, PubMed, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, ProQuest One Business, and Scopus.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT: DAIs have been shown to reduce loneliness, depression, low mood, and anxiety in hospitalized patients; lessen pain perception and improve perceptions of healthcare in children; and reduce burnout, stress, and anxiety among healthcare professionals.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: The increasing use of DAIs in healthcare points to potential benefits, but more high-quality research is required. Research has generally overlooked differing attitudes toward dogs in clinical settings and given little consideration to the animals' own health, welfare, and ethical treatment.

GROWING POINTS: DAIs may be beneficial, even when brief, with potential to reduce anxiety and strain and enhance job satisfaction, restoration, and reflective practice among healthcare professionals.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: Future research should establish causal relationships, recruit balanced samples, incorporate biometric, psychological, and social measures and critically evaluate existing dog visitation programs.