In the community of pet owners, there is a contentious discussion about whether or not your furry friends should sleep in your bed. A nationwide survey by SpotOn Virtual Fence found that at least 50% of dog owners allow their pets to sleep in their beds. Even a “human dog bed” is now available for owners to cuddle with their dogs. Although the idea of snuggling with your dog in bed may make you feel warm and fuzzy, there are some instances where allowing your dog to sleep in your bed may be more detrimental than helpful.
Dog Sleep Reactivity Could Lead to Injury
You’ve heard the idiom “Let sleeping dogs lie. There’s a reason this metaphor exists: Some dogs snap in response to being startled or disturbed.
Giving your beloved dog a bed of her own is essential if she has ever growled or snapped when startled awake. When you don’t have to worry that a misplaced hand or foot might result in a bite, you’ll be able to sleep better. Additionally, if your dog isn’t agitated by your nocturnal movements, she will sleep better.
The benefits of sleeping with a dog in bed
Numerous mental health advantages are provided by dog companionship, particularly in stressful situations.
Dogs sleeping in bed can also provide a temporary sense of comfort when our normal human sleeping partners are away, Ryan Llera tells Inverse. Llera is a veterinarian at Kingston Veterinary Clinic in Ontario, Canada. He and his wife share a bed with his two dogs.
Pet owners Inverse messaged with on Reddit agree.
“Sleeping with a dog in front and behind you is the best feeling in the world.” Such an insane sense of security and comfort,” comments user westcoastgirl55 to Inverse.
Another Redditor who has mental health issues agrees, explaining how her dog helps her relax in bed: “My dogs make all the difference for me because I have some mental health issues, so sleep and relaxing, in general, can be hard for me.” ”.
Contrary to what one might expect, a Reddit user named CryptographerLost407 claims that having their dog wake up first if there are any nighttime noises helped them sleep better: “I’m a very light sleeper, so this helped me quite a bit — not stirring at every noise.” ”.
Reddit user GellieBean tells Inverse: “I get terrible sleep paralysis. I don’t have an episode because I’m hugging [the dog]. ”.
Trained service dogs can actually help treat humans with specific sleeping disorders, including narcolepsy and sleep apnea, according to US Service Animals.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Waking Up Next to Your Dog
Yes, you’re doing better than most people I know if you responded in the affirmative to this question. That is including myself.
No: Your sleep may have been interrupted during the night. There may have also been a possibility you weren’t comfortable. It can be challenging to fully relax with a dog that prefers to sleep close to you at times. Most of the time, we are tossing and turning all night long without even realizing it.
Yes: You may just be like me. Getting old. However, if your dog is a bed hog, you might have unknowingly received a few kicks. It’s true, though. Dogs are definitely known for being quite the bed hog.
No: You are a superhero. Well, maybe not. Maybe you’re just awesome.
In conclusion, your cherished best friend might be to blame if you awaken feeling a mess. Lack of sleep can negatively impact you as well. You may wake up feeling cranky. You might feel like a bus hit you in the mornings. When you are not feeling well, it is challenging to function.
Your dog might bring one unwelcome friend to bed with you two. That little friend is thing we like to call allergens. Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re not allergic to your dog. Additionally, you take enough medication to counteract that if you are. That is also covered by the zillion filters you have installed in your home.
However, you don’t have to have an allergy to your dog. Think of it like this. Especially if your dog enjoys spending time outside, what other things does your dog encounter throughout the day? Your dog is bringing those allergies to bed with you unless you bathe him or her every night.
Anyone who suffers from allergies is aware of how miserable they can be. From the stuffy nose to the cough. Sometimes allergies can flare up really bad. You may experience allergies that make you feel like an elephant slept on your chest all night. You obviously aren’t allergic to your adorable dog, so However, you might have an allergy to something they’re bringing into the bed with them.
FAQ
Is it OK for your dog to sleep with you?
As long as you and your dog are both healthy, you can certainly sleep together. In fact, recent research found that having your dog in the bedroom with you—as long as he isn’t tucked under the covers—might actually improve your sleep.
Why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog?
Dogs are wonderful, but they can also be signs of upcoming illnesses. Letting a dog sleep in your bed with you can be harmful to your health because of fleas and the plague. Particularly vulnerable to parasite transmission from dog fur to owners is
Can I let my dog sleep with me once?
The answer is that it is acceptable, but there are some factors to take into account before inviting your dog to share the bed. Additionally, there is a proper way to train your dog to make a good sleeping companion.
Is it bad to let your puppy sleep with you?
Increases the Risk of Separation Anxiety One of the most important aspects of teaching your puppy to sleep alone is to boost their self-assurance and sense of independence. If you sleep with your dog, you might unintentionally prolong their separation anxiety and prevent them from developing resilience.