Should dogs sleep in your bed?

Rise and shine folks, we’re about to tackle the question “Should dogs sleep in your bed?”. Dogs and humans have been sleeping side by side for centuries, and research shows that a whopping 56% of pet owners allow their furry friends to sleep in their bedrooms, but is this a good idea? Snuggle in for some bedtime reading as we take a look at the pros and cons of dogs sleeping in bed, plus the factors to consider when making that all-important decision. So fluff up your pillows and let’s get started! 

Why dogs should sleep in your bed: the pros

It could strengthen your bond

If your canine companion’s a certified cuddle bug, allowing them to snooze by your side could help strengthen your emotional connection with one another. Sharing your sleeping space with a pooch that likes being close to you might make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but remember that not everyone’s into cuddling and you should never force your pup to snuggle if they don’t want to - there are lots of other ways to show your love! 

It’s a health boost 

Owning a dog has numerous health benefits, and simply petting one for ten minutes has been proven to lower blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety significantly. The more time you can spend with your dog, the greater the impact will be on your mental health, so why not clock some of those hours while you’re both in the land of nod?! Spending time with loved ones is also important for your pup’s well-being, so it’s a win-win!

Comfort and a sense of safety

Having a furry sidekick beside you when you hear things going bump in the night can be a great source of comfort and security. Some pet parents report that the rhythmic breathing of their dogs helps calm them down, and our four-legged friends are usually up in a flash if they hear anything out of the ordinary (which can be a blessing and a curse!). Snuggling up next to your pooch pal can be heartwarming both figuratively and literally, as you’ll be grateful for each other’s warmth on a cold winter’s night. 

Why dogs should not sleep in your bed: the cons

Welcome to your wake-up call

When it comes to sleep, furry friends and humans are about as synchronized as ships passing in the night. In fact, 20% of pet owners that allow their pets to sleep in the bedroom described them as disruptive. Pooch pals get up to all sorts while we’re trying to get some kip, and dog owners and pet sitters know firsthand that pups have a tendency to clean themselves, pace around the room, or chew loudly on their toys while we’re trying to catch some Z’s.

Even if your furry friend’s out like a log, you might find yourself sharing your bed with a snorer, a wriggler, or a pup that needs constant fussing. Those dreams that have them chasing after rabbits in their sleep might seem cute in your waking hours, but a paw to the face at 4 am might make you think a little differently. Sleeping with a dog in bed can turn your peaceful slumber into a nightmare within a few restless nights if you’re not prepared for a symphony of snoring, midnight wriggles, and surprise wake-up calls! 

Health concerns

Sharing your bed with your dog also means sharing with whatever might be living in their fur or tummy. Although it’s rare for our four-pawed pals to transmit their diseases to us, parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and even ringworm aren’t always fussy about who they target. So should your dog sleep in your bed if one of you is ill? It’s a resounding no!

Allergies can rain on your sleep parade, and if your pup already gives you the sniffles, sleeping next to them might not be the wisest choice. Furry friends can also carry pollen and dust into your bed, so before you snuggle in for a slumber party with your pup, consider whether it’s going to result in a sneeze-filled snooze fest! 

Accidents and injury

Accidents happen, but young pups and OAPs (old-age pooches) can have problems in the potty department, and let’s just say a dog bed is much easier to pop in the wash than a mattress! But what about more serious accidents? Sharing a bed with your four-pawed pal can increase the chance of injury for both of you - whether you roll over and squash Fido or end up getting pushed out of the bed yourself, neither’s a nice way to wake up. 

Are they too big for their boots?

Although little evidence supports the idea that sharing your bed with your best bud could give them an inflated ego, inviting an aggressive or territorial pup into your sleep sanctuary could be bad news. If your furry friend has a tendency to snap when they’re awoken from a deep slumber, it’s best to give them their own place to rest their head at night. 

Should dogs sleep in your bed? Factors to consider

There are lots of pros and cons to the question “Should a dog sleep in your bed?” and there is no right or wrong answer. Everyone’s situation is different, so take into consideration your pooch pal’s age, size, breed, and temperament, as well as the health of you and your pup, personal preferences, lifestyle, and family dynamics. 

Bear in mind that you will set a precedence for whether your dog sleeps in your bed from the moment you take them home, so don’t hit snooze on setting clear expectations for sleeping arrangements. Remember, sleeping next to your 12-week-old Great Dane might seem like an excellent idea until they’re fully grown! 

Is it bad to let your dog sleep with you? Probably not. So should your dog sleep in your bed? There’s also no definitive answer. At the end of the day, it is your decision whether you want your dog sleeping in your bed or not. Take all the varying factors into account and remember that it won’t be easy to break the habit of co-sleeping if you do have a change of heart. Wherever you decide your furry friend will rest their sleepy head, make sure it’s a cozy haven of comfort where all their needs are met. A well-rested pup is a happy pup, after all!