Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed

Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed

Written by Mehran Uzair

Last Updated on Aug 04, 2022

In this article:

    Imagine yourself sleeping with your puppy in your bed and enjoying the warmth of its cuddle. You wake up every morning to two tiny quick-witted eyes laughing at you, wagging their tail gleefully. Your love keeps growing each day as your furry pet grows in size.

    One crazy night you wake up startled at 2 AM as something hits hard on your face. "Ouch!" You scream! It is nothing but your pooch paw hitting you hard accidentally. You cannot even yell at that innocent not-so-little puppy anymore. 

    Eventually, you stumble upon the question, "should dogs sleep in your bed?" 

    Having a furry friend as the best companion in the world is like heaven. Although, when it comes to your dog sleeping on the bed beside you, numerous factors need to be considered. Let's start with the first concern of every pet lover "should you let your dog sleep with you?".

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    Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed?

    Sleeping with your dog indeed has many benefits. Anxiety and depression are eased. A safe and secure feeling is enhanced. The playful dog acts like a child during the day and becomes an angel guardian at night. He is alert even at a slight sound to ensure safety. 

    While some owners allow dogs to sleep in bed, others are more comfortable keeping them in their rooms. Moreover, if you are an asthma patient or have children at home, you should avoid dogs sleeping in bed. 

    In case your pet sheds fur that has skin dirt particles and clings to the surface of furniture, blankets, carpets, etc., then you should altogether avoid them in your room. 

    When You Shouldn't Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?

    • If your dog is not crate and potty trained.
    • Has the habit of chewing bed linen, digging things, biting wood, or is quirky.
    • Is growling, snapping, snarling.
    • Is aggressive often.
    • Has health issues such as orthopedic pain, neck pain, etc. 
    • If you are prone to allergies or have health issues that can indirectly affect your pet.

    Regarding your health issues, some human diseases such as human influenza viruses, bacterial infections, Tuberculosis, Ringworm, etc. can also get transmitted to dogs in rare cases. Hence, you should follow a routine health check-up for yourself and your doggie.

    When Is It Ok To Let Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed?

    • If your dog is potty trained.
    • If it is healthy and fit as a fiddle.
    • If it doesn't wake up frequently at night.
    • If it doesn't bark, snore, or make any noise at night.
    • If it acknowledges its sleeping spot on the bed.
    • If it is clean and well-groomed regularly.
    • If you are well-acquainted with your dog's sleeping pattern.
    • If your dog is obedient. 
    • If your dog is free from allergies.
    • If you have enough space for your co-sleep buddy on your bed.

    Benefits Of Letting Your Dog Sleep With You

    These are some amazing health benefits of letting your dog sleep with you. We can call our pet dogs our best psychological friends.

    Depression And Anxiety Are Lowered

    Pets provide the social support that may be missing in life. This helps in lowering depression and boosts self-esteem. Pets add meaning and purpose to the lives of their owners. According to the study, oxytocin levels increase in adults when dogs provide sufficient love and security. 

    Heart Health Is Improved

    Dog owners are capable of handling stress effectively due to the calming and soothing effect of dogs. This helps in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels which enhances heart health. Adoring and fondling cute and huggable pets can be therapeutic for many people. 

    You Feel Safe And Secured

    Dogs are natural security providers. Being sensitive, they instantly sniff the critical situation and alert you in a jiff. According to the survey, nearly 42% of pet owners felt more secure when sharing their beds with their furry friends. 

    Allergies Are Reduced Later In Life

    A study has shown that if an infant spends his first year with a pet, he gets protected from later allergies. They have fewer asthma issues in the future when compared to other children who are never exposed to pets. 

    A Strengthened Bond With Your Pet

    Humans and dogs have a traditional history of sleeping together for warmth and love. Sleeping with your furry friend can ensure they are a part of the family. That helps in strengthening the bond.

    Downsides Of Letting Your Dog Sleep With You

    We saw above the amazing benefits of dogs sleeping with you. Now, let us also consider what can be the downsides of allowing them to sleep with you. As you know, every coin has two sides. So, let's dive into "why your dog shouldn't sleep with you?"

    A Dog Sleeping In Bed Can Disturb Your Sleep

    Dogs cannot always be good co-sleep partners. They tend to rotate on the bed giving you kicks and sniffing you with their wet nose. This can certainly disturb your sleep quality.

    Sleeping With Your Dog May Aggravate Allergies/Asthma

    You might be allergic to the proteins in the dog's dander, saliva, or urine. Study shows that touching or inhaling the particles from a dog's body can amplify or trigger asthma problems.

    Dog Sleep Reactivity Could Lead To Injury

    Dogs often get disturbed at night. In this case, they can snap forcibly and may harm you. You should be cautious and try to make them sleep in their own bed. 

    Sleeping With Your Dog Can Make You Sick

    Dog skin can transfer various diseases to humans. In case you have low immunity, you can be prone to diseases. It is better to be sure of the dog's health by consulting a vet practitioner and preventing any sickness in the future. 

    Dogs Can Carry Parasites

    There are 2 types of parasites. Internal parasites such as hookworms and roundworms can affect the organs. At the same time, external parasites such as fleas and mites can carry disease to the owners. Thus, your dog needs to get treated in this case.

    Things To Consider Before Sharing The Bed With Your Dog

    Before allowing your dog to share your bed, you must consider some important points. Let's see what those points are.

    Dog's Age

    The dog's age should be considered before sharing a bed. In case you have sleep issues, you may accidentally roll over the puppy. Whereas, if your dog is a grown-up, he may dislike getting cuddled while sleeping. Therefore, you need to understand your dog's wishes and respect them.

    Dog's Behavior

    If your dog is well-bred, then there is no need to worry. Nonetheless, if it is grumpy and becomes aggressive about his territory, behavior training should be provided on time. 

    Dog's Breed

    Some dog breeds are known to be the best co-sleep buddies. Cavalier needs small space. The Labrador Retriever loves the human touch. Pit Bulls rarely wake up at night. Brachycephalic breeds are known for snoring. Which dog breed will be your best friend indeed, will depend upon your preferences.

    Dog's Cleanliness

    Sniffing around in the dirt and rubbing their body against the wall is a favorite hobby of dogs. But, unfortunately, they get clung to dirt and germs and transfer them wherever they go. Hence, regular bathing will keep them groomed.

    Dog's Routine

    Dogs easily get attached to routine life. A slight change can make grumpy dogs more aggressive. However, if they are exposed to different places to sleep, they easily accept the change.

    Tips For Safely Sleeping With Your Dog

    For a peaceful sleeping experience, you must set some strict rules for your paw friend.

    • Create Boundaries: You can decide on a sleeping spot for your dog at the foot of your bed. Make them sleep on that spot daily.

    • Stop Their Aggressive Behavior: If your pet shows aggression while sharing the bed with you or towards others, try to calm them down gently and slow down the aggressiveness. 

    • Provide Them Covers To Sleep: Dogs carry dirt and allergens that can accompany them to bed. Provide them with covers to sleep on and enjoy the benefits of co-sleeping with your pet.

    • Give Them Proper Potty Training: Train your dogs to acknowledge bowel movements before sleeping and after waking up in the morning. This will help to prevent them from messing up your bed.

    • Cleanliness: Get them into a regular bathing habit to keep dirt and allergies at bay for a healthy lifestyle.

    • Invest in Dirt And Allergy-Resistance Mattresses: These mattresses will reduce your workload and help your bed be clean and dirt free.  

    Though there are many benefits to allowing dogs in your bed, there are other downsides too that can be the pet peeves of other dog lovers. You need to weigh the pros and cons of dog sleeping in your bed. Health and hygiene should never be compromised. These creeps, fluffy, heart-warming lovable buddies deserve the best in the world. Hence, nothing should be left to chance.

    Someone has rightly said, "Dogs Leave Pawprints On Our Hearts"!

    This is incredibly true! Do you agree?

    Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
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