Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed At Night?

Should your dog sleep in your bed at night?  Is it safe to have your dog in your bed?  Well, it depends on who you ask.  

The yea-sayers thoughts are due to companionship and safety. Owners who love their dogs in bed rave about how cozy it feels, whether they’re single or a couple.   Stating their pets keep them warm on cold nights. Their dogs also relaxes them, reducing stress and anxiety.  And, the pet parents are off to sleep before they know it, reducing bouts of insomnia. 

This arrangement is also a plus for your pet dogs health.  Dogs that bond with owners live longer. Due to the close proximity of their furry friends the owners are instantly made aware of any possible dangers during the night. If you decide to allow your pets in bed with you change your sheets more often, bathe them more than once or twice a week and make sure they have been treated for fleas and ticks.

The naysayers’ are quick to say that’s what dog beds are for.  Their reasons for objecting are allergies, bed wetting, sprawlers and bugs.  People who suffer from animal allergies usually do not have pets.  But, for those who may suffer from seasonal allergies your dogs are bringing in outside allergens in their coats such as pollen, grass, and ragweed.  A big ‘no-no’ for naysayers is the possible doggie accident in bed.  Needless to say the constant changing of bed sheets will start wearing on you. Another complaint is dogs that stretch out in their sleep assuming the majority of bed space. They also mention the pooches that have nightmares, growl and bite in their sleep, snore and steal the covers.  The absolute ‘No’ are the bugs that dogs may have hiding in their coats after going outside.  Those same bugs will migrate in the sheets and mattress causing many problems and health issues for humans.  

The experts say your dog should not sleep in your bed although the American Pet Products Association found almost half of dogs sleep with their owners.  Along with the naysayers the experts are very concerned about bugs for the same reasons.  Experts also believe pets in bed disturb your sleep one way or another.  If you’re having trouble sleeping consider keeping your dog out of the bedroom.   The yea-sayers, the naysayers and the experts all agree that special bonding with your pets help them to thrive and live longer.  So, who do you agree with?