A randomised controlled study of dog assisted therapy: comparing a short and a long version for patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) presents with complex neurodevelopmental challenges, including emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. Dog-Assisted Therapy (DAT) has shown potential benefits, but optimal duration for maximal efficacy remains unclear. Objective: The present randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the therapeutic impact of a short version (8 weekly sessions) versus a long version (16 sessions) of a manualised DAT protocol on clinical, functional, and family outcomes in children and adolescents with FASD. Methods: Sixty-four participants were randomised to the short or long DAT version, with 55 completing treatment. Primary outcomes included social skills, internalizing and externalizing symptom profiles, quality of life, clinical severity, and parental anxiety and depression. Results: = 0.212). Both versions improved anxiety metrics comparably. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06763614.