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Choosing to share your bed with your furry companion is a decision many pet owners face. There are pros and cons to think about, and ultimately, figuring out if it’s the right move for you is a personal choice. But understanding those benefits and drawbacks will help make the choice a whole lot easier. This guide will walk you through what science has to say about letting your dog share your sleeping space. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to decide whether you should sleep with your dog or not.
Benefits of Sharing Your Bed with Your Dog
Snuggling with your furry friend feels good for a reason. Science shows there are many potential benefits to letting your dog sleep in bed with you. It can create a comforting bond and decrease stress and anxiety. But there’s actually more to it.
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Think about how comforting it is to curl up with your dog after a rough day. That comforting feeling doesn’t go away when you both drift off to sleep. Many dog owners say their pup in bed provides a sense of security and comfort that makes it easier to relax and drift off to dreamland.
In fact, researchers found women who slept with their dog in their beds reported feeling a boost in security and comfort. And who doesn’t want a more relaxed, secure slumber? Plus, your dog’s instinct is to protect, which may also help ease your worries as you drift off to sleep.
Easing Depression and Anxiety
You probably already know petting a dog is soothing, but science also points to a deeper benefit. Studies have shown spending time with dogs actually eases symptoms of depression. This is because interacting with dogs encourages our brains to release oxytocin, a hormone that creates feelings of well-being and affection.
Since simply petting your dog can make you feel more content and relaxed, imagine what sleeping next to them can do. As we just learned, being around your dog releases calming chemicals. These also have a positive impact on your sleep.
Experts have suggested that this increase in oxytocin may help trigger deeper sleep, which allows your brain to get some much-needed rest. Plus, an impressive 74 percent of pet owners reported improved mental health thanks to sharing their lives with furry friends. That mental boost can also impact how well you rest.
Strengthened Human-Animal Bond
Want to strengthen the connection you share with your dog? Curling up together at night can do exactly that. This practice likely helped create a powerful bond between humans and dogs centuries ago. Alaskan native-Americans are thought to have routinely snuggled with their dogs to keep warm.
These “slumber parties” undoubtedly solidified a powerful companionship. Some vets today think allowing your dog to sleep close to you helps with training. Letting your pup share your bed sends a strong signal they are a cherished part of your “pack”.
This closeness fosters feelings of connection and belonging. Many owners even claim their dogs are easier to train if they sleep near them, creating a tighter relationship.
Drawbacks to Consider
So you’re ready to let your dog sleep in your bed? But there are other factors to consider as you decide whether or not you should sleep with your dog. Let’s take a look.
Potential Sleep Disruptions
While cuddling can ease your mind and reduce stress, you may find your pup’s sleeping style clashes with yours. Studies show that people who share their beds with pets actually experience more sleep disruptions compared to people who keep their furry friends out of the bed.
That difference likely comes down to sleeping patterns. Dogs are what is known as “polyphasic sleepers”. This means they tend to wake up and go back to sleep several times throughout the night. The average dog will go through 3 sleep/wake cycles each hour.
We humans, on the other hand, only have one major sleep cycle per 24 hours. Our need for continuous, deep sleep can definitely be interrupted by a playful or restless dog.
Worsening Allergies
Anyone with dog allergies should be aware that inviting a furry pal into their sleeping space may intensify allergic reactions. Sharing your bed means closer contact with pet dander, which is what triggers allergic reactions.
While one study showed children who sleep near their pets as babies develop fewer pet allergies as adults, adults with allergies may need to keep furry companions out of the bedroom to avoid disrupting sleep. If you think your dog may be affecting your allergies, talk to your doctor to explore treatment options or tests.
Risk of Disease
While this is less of a concern for healthy humans and pets, certain people should take extra caution before inviting a dog into bed with them. Those with weakened immune systems, a recent injury, or chronic health issues may be more susceptible to any bacteria a pet carries.
A routine check-up from your vet can ensure your dog is healthy and less likely to spread any illnesses. For everyone else, following a good cleaning routine, such as regularly washing sheets and bedding and keeping pets groomed and clean, can help keep these worries to a minimum.
The odds of a healthy, clean dog passing along an illness to a healthy human are actually pretty low. Still, it’s best to stay mindful.
Behavioral Issues
If you allow your dog to sleep with you, it’s best to lay down some rules and establish healthy boundaries. That way, your furry friend understands what they are and aren’t allowed to do and your sleep won’t be interrupted. This could mean training them to stay in a particular spot on the bed or even creating a schedule for bedtime snuggles and time apart.
Tips for Sleeping with Your Dog
Should you decide sharing your bed with your pup is right for you, keep these tips in mind. Following a consistent bedtime routine will help create a happy sleeping arrangement for both of you. Here is a table outlining them:
Tip | Explanation |
Set Clear Boundaries | Designate a specific spot for your dog in the bed and train them to sleep there. |
Address Aggressive Behaviors | If your pup shows signs of aggression in the bed or at any other time, it’s important to discourage this right away. Their spot on the bed is a privilege, not a right. Aggression should not be tolerated and needs to be addressed immediately with appropriate training. |
Regularly Clean Sheets and Bedding | Since pets can bring allergens into the bed, it’s crucial to regularly clean your bedding. Washing your sheets more often can make co-sleeping more enjoyable. |
Take Potty Breaks Before Bed | A quick trip outside before lights out will prevent nighttime accidents. |
Keep Your Dog Groomed and Bathed | A well-groomed pup sheds less, spreading less dander in your bed. This also keeps both you and your dog clean and smelling fresh. |
Use a Mattress Protector | Mattress protectors create a barrier that keeps your mattress clean and free from spills, accidents, and fur. |
Situations Where Sharing Your Bed Is a No-Go
Despite all the perks, sleeping with your dog simply won’t be the right move for everyone. There are specific situations where choosing to share your sleep space may cause more issues than it’s worth. You know your situation best, so use your judgment. Here are a few key instances when sleeping apart is best for you or your pup.
Puppies Who Are Still Being Potty Trained
Young dogs who still have frequent accidents are generally better suited for crate training than your comfy bed. Until they are fully house-trained, allowing them into bed is asking for frequent messes, which can interrupt your sleep and harm your mattress.
Owners Who Struggle With Allergies
You know the bond you share is special, but a severe allergic reaction can wreck your night. If you have serious dog allergies, the closer contact caused by co-sleeping may mean you’re better off with your pup snoozing in a dog bed close to yours. This compromise keeps your bond intact and minimizes allergic reactions, giving both of you a peaceful sleep.
Those With a Sensitive Sleep Schedule
Are you a super light sleeper? A restless dog could mean constant interruptions. Many pups move and even act out their dreams as they sleep. They might snore too, adding more nighttime disruption. A dedicated dog bed may be best in this instance.
This way your slumber won’t be interrupted, and your furry friend can still enjoy being close by.
New Dogs
Bringing a new pup home is exciting, but sharing your bed may be too much too soon. First, help your newly adopted pup settle in and get comfortable. Create a feeling of trust and safety before deciding whether you should sleep with your dog.
Start with their dog bed near yours. Once they are more acclimated, they may earn their spot by your side.
Health Challenges
Should you sleep with your dog if someone in the house isn’t feeling well? If you or your dog is dealing with a temporary illness, an injury, or any health concern, giving each other space may be best to prevent the spread and aid in recovery.
You can always cuddle up together when both of you are healthy. In the meantime, close contact is better saved for when everyone is well.
FAQs About Should You Sleep With Your Dog
There are potential perks for you and your dog, such as decreased anxiety and a stronger bond. However, weigh the drawbacks like interrupted sleep and a worsening of allergies.
While all dogs are unique, research has shown that almost 50% of puppies will pick snuggling with their owners over sleeping alone when they have a choice.
According to recent research, slightly less than half of dog owners allow their furry friends to share their beds.
While this ultimately comes down to what you and your pet prefer, it may be best to establish some boundaries. Perhaps co-sleeping is saved for the weekends or when everyone is feeling extra snuggly. This balance may help preserve the advantages of shared sleeping without overwhelming you or your pup.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are both benefits and downsides to weigh as you decide whether you should sleep with your dog. Over 40 percent of pet owners report that their pup is no trouble in the bed. In fact, some people actually see their sleep improve when they allow their furry friends to snuggle close by. The closeness, affection, and even potential health boosts can improve both of your lives.
On the other hand, some folks find the tossing, turning, and midnight potty breaks from their canine bed partner a bit too much. If you struggle with allergies or find it tough to relax with another body in your bed, giving your dog their own sleeping spot might be the right solution. It really boils down to finding a sleeping arrangement that supports everyone’s sleep.
