Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Bed with You?
Many pet owners consider their dogs part of the family and allow them to sleep in their beds at night. While this arrangement provides comfort and closeness, it also stirs debate. Views differ on whether having a dog in your bed is safe and hygienic or problematic for health and sleep quality.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal choice and your individual circumstances. Heres a detailed look at the pros and cons of letting dogs sleep in your bed to help inform your decision.
Benefits of Dogs in Beds
For those who allow it, sharing sleeping space with a furry companion has its advantages.
Increased Bonding
Having your dog sleep by your side nightly strengthens attachment and provides a sense of security. Physical closeness releases oxytocin, the love hormone that fuels bonding.
Reduced Anxiety
The presence of a trusted canine companion dampens stress and anxiety, lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Your dogs body warmth and steady breathing have a calming effect.
Better Sleep
Some studies reveal co-sleeping with a dog improves sleep quality, with less nighttime waking. Stroking soft fur is soothing and aids falling asleep.
Added Security
Dogs can provide a sense of protection while you slumber. Their sharp hearing detects potential threats or intruders and alert barking deters crime.
Convenience
Having your dog already in bed saves time and effort. No need to leash walk for pre-bedtime potty or deal with whining outside closed doors.
Regulates Temperature
A dog's warm body nestled against your feet or back can keep you cozy on cold nights. In summer their heat may feel uncomfortable.
Drawbacks of Dogs in Beds
Of course, the practice also has some notable downsides.
Disrupted Sleep
While some dogs settle in quietly, others fidget, reposition constantly or sleep sprawled across your space. Waking to let dogs under covers or down off the bed also interrupts sleep.
Allergy Issues
For people allergic to dander, having a dog in bed aggravates symptoms. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and asthma flares make sleep difficult.
Uncleanliness
Dirt, hair and odors transfer easily onto sheets and blankets, even if your dog sleeps at the foot of the bed.
Pet Hair in Bed
Dog hair clinging to bed linens and pajamas causes frustration. Some playful pups enjoy burrowing under blankets, coating them with fur.
Possible Accidents
Puppies, older or ill dogs may unintentionally soil the bed during the night, creating a challenging mess.
Overheating Risks
Dogs in bed pose a safety concern for babies, small children and elderly adults who can overheat from a dog's body warmth.
Bed Hogging
Large or selfishly sprawling dogs often commandeer more than their fair share of sleeping space.
Excess Wear and Tear
Dog nails, chewing and jumping on and off the bed damages mattresses and bed frames, shortening their lifespan.
Difficulty Intimacy
The presence of a dog in bed understandably creates logistical issues for intimate moments with your significant other.
Increased Spread of Parasites
Fleas, ticks and mites can jump from dogs onto co-sleeping humans, although medicines help prevent infestations.
Unknown Health Risks
While research remains limited, some doctors cite concern over potential disease transmission from very close dog-human contact.
Tips for Safely Co-Sleeping with Dogs
If you choose to share sleeping quarters with your furry friend, certain precautions help maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Set Limits
Only allow access when youre in bed to sleep. Dont let your dog nap there all day unsupervised where accidents may happen.
Choose Wisely
Puppies, sick or anxious dogs often disturb rest. Consider their age, temperament and needs first.
Buy a Dog Bed
Place their bed right next to yours to keep your pup content while limiting direct contact.
Protect Your Bed
Use washable sheets and waterproof mattress covers to manage shed hair and withstand nail damage.
Groom Regularly
Daily brushing removes excess fur and keeps dog odors at bay for clean, allergy-friendly cuddles.
Restrict Access
If your dog proves disruptive, banish them back to the floor to ensure adequate rest.
Exercise Before Bed
A brisk evening walk calms your dog for settling in rather than staying hyper.
Visit the Vet
Annual exams and preventive medicine ensure your co-sleeping companion stays happy, healthy and parasite-free.
Special Considerations for Children
Kids love snuggling with furry friends in bed. But dogs pose certain risks to young children that call for caution.
Infants under 1 Year
Never allow a dog in bed with an unsupervised baby or infant. A dog could accidentally suffocate or crush a tiny child.
Kids 1-5 Years Old
Small children can easily get injured if knocked or stepped on by a dog jumping on the bed in the night.
Risk of Falling
Energetic dogs may unintentionally bump, shove or jostle kids in bed, causing falls and injury.
Allergies
Childrens developing immune systems make them more prone to allergic reactions from dog dander in bed.
Asthma Triggers
Dog hair and dander aggravate asthma in children who sleep alongside pets in bed.
Supervise Carefully
When allowing kids and dogs to share a sleeping space, actively supervise at all times for safety.
Alternatives to Full Bed Access
If welcoming a dog into your bed full-time seems undesirable, the following options allow closeness while setting some boundaries.
Dog Beds on the Floor
Your pup can snooze nearby without occupying your mattress.
Dog Beds or Crates in the Bedroom
Your dog stays in the same room but not on the bed itself.
Nighttime Crating
Dogs sleep contentedly in their crate and stay out of trouble at night.
Child Barriers
Gentle barriers like pillows down the bed's center keep kids and dogs safely separated.
Scheduled Visits
Only allow your dog in bed on weekends or certain nights rather than full time.
The Verdict on Dogs in Beds
At the end of the day, whether to welcome dogs into your bed involves personal preferences and lifestyle factors. While some owners report sleeping better with canine companions, others find the practice disruptive.
Take into account your dog's age, training, temperament and activity level. Also consider your mattress size, sleep habits, health issues and comfort with close dog contact. With proper precautions, dogs can safely share sleeping quarters in many households.
Trying out the arrangement for trial periods helps determine if the pros outweigh the cons in your particular situation. Pay close attention to how co-sleeping impacts your sleep quality, health, relationship and daily functioning.
Experiment to find the ideal solution that meets both your needs and your dog's for restful nights. Get creative in figuring out boundaries and ground rules that allow special snuggle time while prioritizing safety.
The privileges of sharing a sleeping space with pampered pooches comes with certain considerations. But careful decisions ensure healthy, happy outcomes for owners and dogs alike.
FAQs
Is it OK for dogs to sleep in bed with you?
There are pros and cons. Benefits include bonding, security, better sleep for some. Drawbacks are disrupted rest, allergies, uncleanliness. It's a personal choice based on your situation.
Where should dogs sleep at night?
Dogs can sleep in bed with you, in a dog bed on the floor, in a crate or gated area in your bedroom, or in another room entirely. Choose what works best for your home.
Is it safe for kids and dogs to share a bed?
Take precautions with young kids who could be injured if knocked or rolled on. Never leave infants unsupervised with dogs in bed due to suffocation risks.
How do you keep dogs off the bed?
Use baby gates, closed doors, crates or a "off" command to keep dogs off beds. Remove rewards for jumping up. Reward desired sleeping locations instead.
How can I manage dog hair in bed?
Brush your dog regularly, bathe frequently, use hair-trapping sheets and covers, wash bedding often in hot water, and lint roll surfaces to remove hair.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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