Should You be Sleeping With Your Dog?
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Jul 08, 2022
The adorable puppy eyes never make you want to say no to them! But, should dogs sleep in your bed? This is a heated topic where the pet-loving community gives you an affirmative yes while the others bring up substantial points that point towards a no.
According to SpotOn Virtual Fence, at least 50% of dog owners share the bed with their furry friends. Now, while snuggling in with your pooch feels super cozy, is it a safe practice that you must continue? We bring you all the details right here. Read ahead!
Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed?
Let’s take a step back. If you are sleeping with your dog, you must ensure they are potty-trained. This is because they can relieve themselves on the bed or the floor, which is not hygienic for you or your pet. Therefore, you must first train them before they hop in to cuddle with you. Let’s dig a little deeper.
When you shouldn’t let your dog sleep in your bed
These are some reasons you must not let your dog sleep in your bed. They include;
- If you have allergies or suffer from asthma, pet dander can aggravate the condition
- If your dog is sick
- If your dog is carrying parasites
- If your dog is not trained
- If your dog is aggressive
- If your dog is too old or too young
- If you are a light sleeper
- If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or any other health condition
When it is OK to let your dog sleep in your bed
Dog sleeping with you all cuddled makes you feel good, doesn’t it? Below-mentioned circumstances are when your dog can sleep with you.
- Your mattress is big enough for both of you
- Your dog is clean and well maintained
- Your dog is potty trained
- Your dog is not sick
- Your dog is not aggressive
- Your dog is not suffering from any infections
Benefits of Letting Your Dog Sleep With You
Now it’s time to take a look at all the benefits of sleeping with your dog. Read on.
Reduces Depression
According to a recent study, it was seen that interacting with dogs positively impacted depressive symptoms in humans. So, when you sleep with your dog, it can help you relax and also enhances the flow of oxytocin. It is the love chemical that makes you feel good. So, to sum it up, your four-pawed friend is your walking barking antidepressant.
Takes Care Of Insomnia
Not able to fall asleep? Cuddle your dog! Studies show that sleeping with your dog can help you with insomnia by navigating through anxiety and helping you relax. When you sleep with your dog, it puts you in a better mood and controls hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which can help put you to sleep.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Petting or touching your dog can lower your blood pressure and help you combat stress. So, sleeping with your dog can be very beneficial for you.
A Healthy Heart
Did you know? Cardiovascular disease is one of the deadly conditions in the US. But, American Heart Association has found a connection between pets and a healthy heart. Your dogs reduce systemic hypertension and keep you more active. But, mainly it’s the calming effect that it produced. So, sleeping with your dog can be beneficial for you.
Keeps You Allergy Free Later
Now we know that dogs can induce allergies in some people. But, according to a study, it was seen that infants who slept with dogs regularly were less likely to develop allergies in their adulthood.
Downsides of Letting Your Dog Sleep With You
Here are a few downsides of sleeping with your dog. Take a look.
Allergies Can Be An Issue
One of the reasons why you must avoid sleeping with your dog is because they can trigger allergies. Sometimes, even when you are allergic, you may not know you are allergic until you are near them. And, even if you are not allergic to dog dander, there are chances they accumulate allergens in their coat, which can lead to severe allergies.
Not The Greatest Sleeping Partners
Did you know? A small study showed that women who sleep with their dogs showed an elevation in human movement when asleep. Basically, there are chances that your pups may make you restless when you sleep with them, which can lead to poor quality sleep.
It Can Lead To Injuries
When some dogs are disturbed or startled while asleep, they may snap at you. And the snapping can lead to bouts of injuries, which is not very healthy for you. So, being cautious when asleep is not a possible task, and falling asleep with the fear of a bite may cause disturbed sleep.
You May Fall Sick
While it's very rare, dogs can be carriers of diseases. There are a plethora of diseases that can spread from dogs to humans. Therefore, if you are someone with a weak immune system or prone to sickness, it is necessary that you avoid co-sleeping with your dog. This is especially a must if your dog is showing signs of illness. We understand, as a pet parent, it might seem very harsh. However, you can always invest in a good pet bed to ensure your little one sleeps cozily and comfortably.
They May Be Parasite Carriers
You may not notice anything different about your dog. But, there are chances that your dog may be a carrier of parasites. While it's very unfortunate that your furry friends are prone to it, even a well-cared dog can pick them up. These parasites include ticks, fleas, and also mites. Mostly these parasites hamper your dog’s health but they may also affect yours. In fact, dogs can also be a cause of intestinal parasites, such as ringworms. So, if all of a sudden you find yourself infected, think again, your innocent-looking pet might be the reason. So, a dog sleeping in bed with you may not be the best thing.
These were some of the reasons why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you. But, don’t be disheartened. Let’s take a look at all the reasons when it is okay to let your dog sleep in your bed.
Things to Consider Before Sharing the Bed With Your Dog
Dog’s Age
Before you let your dog sleep on the bed, it is essential to ensure that your dog can safely get in and out of bed without injuring you or himself. For example, pups shouldn’t be allowed on the bed as there are chances that they will fall off. And senior dogs may find getting in and out of bed difficult.
Also, when you sleep with your dog, you and the furry cuddle bug need space to ensure you sleep comfortably without injuring each other. Maybe your dog is a humble creature who won’t hurt a fly, but you may hurt your dog by putting your hands or legs over him while asleep. But, when there is ample space, you can avoid these things. So to sleep with your dog, make sure you have the right size of mattress.
Dog’s Behavior
Make sure your dog is calm and cool so you can enjoy a deep slumber. If your dog is aggressive, sudden movements can startle your dog, and he may also bite you in sleep. If that’s the case, a dog bed may be an ideal choice.
Dog’s Breed
A smaller breed may find climbing the bed difficult and fall while trying to get down. Or, if you have a larger breed, he may take up most of the space.
Dog’s Cleanliness
Cleanliness is always crucial. The cleaner your dog is, the safer it is to sleep with him. Now, we understand that, unlike you, your dog cannot bathe every day. But, there are ways to keep the dog clean to ensure it isn’t a carrier of any dirt or diseases. Some of the things you can do include;
- If you notice ticks or fleas, take your dog to the vet immediately and ensure he is treated for the same. And then continue using a medicated shampoo to ensure it doesn’t come back.
- It is essential to bathe your dog every four to six weeks. However, it depends. The timeline can change if your dog no longer feels huggable or has become dirty. But make sure you don’t overdo it as it strips natural oils from their skin in that case.
- Maintain good oral hygiene every day.
- Always wipe your dog's paws at the door after every walk or use shoes.
- Brush your dog's coat every day.
Dog’s Routine
Before you welcome your dog to the bed, make sure your dog is fully potty trained so there are no accidents when you are asleep. While dog urine on its own is unhygienic and can make it a difficult chore for you to clean it. But dog urine can also sometimes contain leptospira, a bacteria in the urine when your pet is infected. This can be transmitted to humans too.
Tips for Safely Sleeping with Your Dog
If you want to sleep with your dog, here are a few safety tips you can follow.
- Set Boundaries: When you sleep with your partner, you each sleep on your own side to avoid disturbing the other. In the same way, you must establish an area for your dog where he can comfortably sleep.
- Control The Aggression: If your pet is aggressive, you must make sure you don’t allow this behavior in bed. Training your dog is necessary here.
- Near The Feet: Teach your dog to sleep above the covers and near the feet as it doesn’t allow any dirt or debris to reach you. Also, most dogs love sleeping near the legs so it is easy to train your dog to do so.
- Keep Your Dog Clean: Keeping your dog clean and maintaining his hygiene will minimize dirt and allergies.
- Mattress Protector: To ensure you protect your mattress from accidents, always use a mattress protector while sleeping with your dog.
Dogs are great. They aid your health and always put you in a great mood. If you are a dog owner and want to sleep with your pet, use the tips mentioned above to ensure you remain healthy and enjoy a deep slumber.
