Exploring the Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Complex Trauma in Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The manifestation of complex trauma results from exposure to severe and repetitive stressors occurring within the caregiver system. Frequently associated with child maltreatment, complex trauma can lead to impairments in multiple domains, including attachment, affect and behavioural regulation, and cognition. Treatments, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, have been shown to be efficacious, but high attrition rates point to the need for complementary methods that boost client retention and treatment efficacy. This systematic review examines whether dog-assisted therapy has beneficial impacts on the treatment of complex trauma and whether it can decrease treatment attrition among children presenting with complex trauma exposure.

Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines to locate relevant research reports. Seven published research reports matched the inclusion criteria.

Results: Dog-assisted therapy may increase the efficacy of standard interventions for complex trauma, although only one study formally assessed treatment retention. Across most studies, there is an overall lack of detailed information on the nature of therapeutic activities involving the dog and how these activities may complement or enhance therapy as usual. Studies were of varying methodological quality, impacting the reliability of findings.

Conclusions: Future studies should aim to better describe and justify dog-assisted therapy techniques and evaluate these in comparison with standard evidence-based approaches to the treatment of childhood complex trauma.

Keywords: animal-assisted therapy; child mental health; human–animal relationships; post-traumatic stress disorder.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of study selection process.