Canine therapy, or dog-assisted therapy (DAT) , is a type of intervention carried out by health professionals that incorporates these animals into their sessions to benefit precisely from their presence and the bond that is created with them, and that this acts as a reinforcer, accompanies and helps to maintain people with high levels of motivation and involvement , which improves their adherence to treatment and directly promotes their mental health.

When we talk about teenagers with eating disorders, their moods are highly variable and their emotions are always raw. Interacting with dogs in this way allows them to express their affection freely and spontaneously, without prejudice, shame, or social pressure. They know that dogs don't judge them and accept everyone unconditionally, which allows them to forget, even if only for a moment, their reality and their psychological distress.

The change in mood among participants in canine-assisted therapy programs is one of the most important aspects to highlight in this type of intervention. People who have difficulty expressing themselves, little initiative to participate, difficulty relating to others, and who appear insecure, hostile, and even distrustful, find in the sessions a safe and comfortable space where acceptance and a sense of belonging prevail—aspects that foster a positive mood and, therefore, recovery. The dogs become a point of common interest and a bond not only among the patients but also with the healthcare staff who work there.