Should You Allow Your Pet Dog To Sleep In The Same Bed As You?
Our pet dogs are more than just animals that live in our homes; they are bonafide members of the family. Many of us do not want to be separated from our dogs even for a moment, but where do we draw the line? One big decision that dog owners have to make is whether to allow their four-legged friends to sleep with them in the same bed.
While it can be lovely and cozy to snuggle up with our dog, is it safe and healthy for you and your pet?
To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of allowing your dog to sleep in your bed.
The Pros:
1. Sleeping With Your Dog is Cozy
The first and most obvious reason to sleep with your dog is that they are so cozy and warm! There are few better feelings than cuddling up with your dog and knowing that it loves and trusts you unconditionally. If you have a big dog, however, you are going to need a big bed, otherwise, you won’t both be comfortable. There are many large bed frames available that are perfect for sharing with a big dog, and if you are looking for large mattresses you can discover more options here which you may want to consider. For anything bigger than a border collie, you will really need at least a queen-sized bed and mattress.
2. Puppies and Young Dogs Won’t be Scared
When you first get a puppy or a young dog, they can become very scared when left alone. This can be a particular issue at night as being alone in a dark, unfamiliar place can be very frightening. Sleeping with your new puppy will reassure it that it is safe and enable it to get used to both you and its new home. Once it is more comfortable in its surroundings and feels safe, it may continue sleeping in bed with you or may prefer to sleep somewhere else.
3. You can Check How Your Dog Sleeps
Whatever type of pet you have, it is important to keep a close eye on their health and on any signs that there may be a problem. One telltale sign that your dog may be sick or have some kind of health issue is often sleeping problems. If your dog is showing signs of insomnia, it could be that a painful injury or arthritis is keeping it awake. Pain is often the cause of sleeplessness in dogs and other potential conditions may be fleas or kidney problems. By sleeping in the same bed as your dog, you will be able to spot these signs or other changes in its usual sleep routine.
4. You Can Bond With Your Dog
Sleeping with your dog is an excellent way to bond and build a close relationship. This can be particularly important when you just got a new dog because it shows the dog that it can trust you. Many of us don’t get to spend as much time as we would like with our dogs because we are busy at work or school. Sleeping with your dog means you will be able to spend many hours together snuggled up. It will also mean that your dog looks forward to bedtime because it gets to be with you so it is more likely to go to bed without a fuss.
The Cons:
1. You May Get Sick
Dogs are amazing animals, but they are also potential carriers of disease which could affect your health and make you sick. Dogs can carry fleas, ticks, and various germs and bacteria. The biggest risk is parasites which dogs carry on their fur. While many owners treat their dog’s fur or give them medicine to prevent the parasites from making their dogs ill, they can still carry it on their fur and pass it on to you. Children are at particular risk so you should be careful about allowing your dogs to sleep in the same bed as your kids.
2. Dogs Can Cause Allergic Reactions
As well as the potential medical problems described above, sleeping with your dog can also cause a reaction if you have an allergy to pet dander. This can be very unpleasant and cause various respiratory problems. Even if you are not allergic to dander, your dog may have other allergens stuck in its furs like dust mites and pollen.
3. It Can Make House Training Hard
When you first get a new puppy, it can be so difficult to resist when they look at you pleadingly with their big eyes. Unfortunately, giving in to their every whim can make it very difficult to train them. If your puppy isn’t trained, it is very likely to have an accident on your bed. There is no point getting angry at the puppy which won’t understand what has happened. It is always best to make sure your dog is house trained and to ban it from your bed if it has a problem with incontinence.
4. Your Sleep Quality Can Be Affected
While they may be soft and cuddly, the vast majority of dogs are terrible bedfellows. They steal the covers, fart, snore, and generally make getting a good night’s sleep virtually impossible. Sleep is so important for physical, mental, and emotional health, and chronic tiredness can affect your work, mood, and could ultimately contribute to various diseases. If your dog is affecting your sleep, the best thing may be to ban it from your bed.
While sleeping with your dog can be lovely and cozy, it isn’t always the best idea because you could potentially get sick. If your dog is clean and you check their health regularly, however, it can be the perfect way to bond with your pet and show it your love and affection. Consider all the pros and cons in this article and then make the best choice for you. Remember that your dog can still sleep in your room, even if you decide not to let it sleep in your bed. Set up its own little pooch bed and your dog will soon be dreaming of chasing squirrels.