For as long as I can remember, there has been an ongoing debate on whether or not dog owners should let their furry friends sleep in bed with them.
Some dogs snore, they move around, and their paws can often be a little too cold for your liking. However, there are many dog owners that swear by letting their dogs sleep in the bed with them as it brings a sense of comfort and security.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep in bed with you so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for you and your furry friend.
Pro: Sleep Quality
For some, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up with their furry friend after a long day. Not only does it bring a sense of closeness, but research has shown that sleeping with your pup can actually improve the quality of your sleep.
Dogs have a naturally calming presence, and their rhythmic breathing can act as a soothing white noise that lulls you into a peaceful slumber. Plus, their body heat can keep you nice and toasty on chilly nights.
Pro: Less Anxiety
Studies show that having a dog in bed with you can make you feel more secure and peaceful, which can lead to a deeper and more restful sleep. Plus, the presence of your cuddly companion can reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
Of course, it’s important to make sure your dog is trained and well-behaved in bed to prevent any disruptions to your sleep. But if you and your furry friend can get into a comfortable routine, it might just be the secret to a more rejuvenating night’s sleep.
Pro: Bonding Time
Recent studies have shown that allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you may actually strengthen your bond with them. Sharing sleeping spaces can promote feelings of trust and security, as well as increase oxytocin levels in both humans and canines.
While it may not be the right choice for every dog owner, letting your pup snuggle up next to you at night could lead to a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
Con: Allergies
As much as we adore our furry friends, sleeping with them might lead to trouble for those dealing with allergies. Many people presume that pet dander is solely to blame for allergies.
However, it is not just pet dander that triggers allergies but also the saliva, urine, and feces that are the main culprits. Hence, when pets follow their owners to bed, they bring all the allergens with them, exposing their owners to higher risk of allergens during sleep.
Con: Space
If your dog happens to be a fitful sleeper, letting them sleep in bed can quickly turn from cozy to disruptive. With the constant tossing and turning, restless dogs can jolt you awake and make it impossible to get a good night’s sleep.
Not only is this frustrating for you, but it can also cause your pup to feel similarly fatigued the next day, leading to a whole host of other issues. Similarly, larger dogs may take up too much space even if they aren’t fitful sleepers.
Con: Fleas and Ticks
Allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you can create a breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pesky parasites can easily hitch a ride on your dog’s fur and find their way into your bed, setting up shop and potentially causing health problems for both you and your pet.
The warm, humid environment of a bed provides a perfect habitat for fleas and ticks to reproduce quickly, making it much harder to get rid of them once they’ve taken hold. If this is a potential issue, it’s best to keep your dog off the bed and instead provide them with their own cozy sleeping spot.
Con: Behavioral Issues
Allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you can lead to behavioral issues such as separation anxiety. If you’re away from home, your dog may become anxious and stressed without you there to snuggle with.
It’s important for a dog to have an established routine, even at bedtime. So if you have odd sleeping hours or travel a lot, it might be best for your dog to have their own haven for sleep with a consistent sleeping experience for them.
Con: Washing Sheets More
Even if your pup is regularly bathed, there’s no doubt that your sheets will start smelling like dog sooner rather than later. If you are sensitive to dog smell or like a clean and tidy bed, then allowing your dog to sleep there will increase the number of washes your sheets will require.
In conclusion, there are both pros and cons to letting your dog sleep in bed with you. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and your lifestyle. If you suffer from allergies or require a lot of space in bed, it may be best to keep your furry friend out of bed.
Read More: Pros and Cons of Buying a Mixed-Breed Dog
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, if you enjoy the comfort and companionship, there’s no harm in letting your dog sleep in bed with you. As long as they’re clean and well-behaved. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that is best for you and your furry friend.
Read More: Why You Should Consider an Elevated Dog Bed
