Pros and cons of sleeping next to your dog in bed
Dogs have been considered man's best friend for centuries, and there's a reason for that. They provide us with companionship, love, and loyalty. It's no wonder that many people consider their dogs to be part of the family. There are both pros and cons of sleeping next to your dog in bed, so let's take a look at each side.
Is it ok for your dog to sleep with you?
Some people believe that it’s okay for their dog to sleep in bed with them. They feel that it creates a stronger bond between them and their pet. Others believe that it is unsanitary and risky, both for the dog and the person.
There are pros and cons to sleeping with your dog in bed. One pro is that it can create a stronger bond between you and your pet. If you have a close relationship with your dog, sleeping in the same bed can make that bond even stronger. Additionally, some people find comfort in sleeping with their dog. The dog’s presence can provide a sense of security and safety.
However, there are also some risks associated with sleeping with your dog in bed. One risk is that it can be unsanitary. Dogs can carry bacteria and other germs on their fur and skin, which can then be transferred to humans. This is especially true if the dog sleeps on the bed sheets or blankets. Another risk is that the dog could accidentally injure the person while they are sleeping. This could happen if the dog moves around a lot during the night or if the dog is not used to sleeping in close quarters with a person.
Ultimately, whether or not you sleep with your dog in bed is a personal decision. You should weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that is best for you and your pet.
Benefits of your dog sleeping in bed with you
There are many benefits to letting your dog sleep in bed with you. Here are some of the key ones:
Improved mental health
There was a study that looked at how animal-assisted activities impacted depressive symptoms in humans. They found that people who performed activities or therapy with dogs reported fewer depressive symptoms.
If simply interacting with a dog can treat depression, imagine what sleeping next to one can do! Their presence helps us relax, and potentially even reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality for both you and your dog.
Comfort for you and your dog
Studies have found that support animals can help reduce nightmares and even PTSD. Animals that provide comfort, like dogs, make people feel at ease and cosy.
Warmth
One reason to sleep with your dog is that they provide extra heat. Dogs are perfect for keeping you warm on cold winter nights!
Reduced stress for your dog
Dogs can feel the same happiness when they’re around their human. This is because they secrete oxytocin, which makes them happy. So, when you’re happy, your dog is happy too!
Reduced loneliness
Sleeping alone can make you feel depressed and uncomfortable. This is especially true for people who live by themselves. A better way to fight loneliness is by having a living bed-warmer. This is someone or something that can keep you company while you sleep.
Studies show that many individuals, especially those who are single, find that sleeping with their dog can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.
Why you should not sleep with your dog
There are also some potential drawbacks to letting your dog sleep in bed with you, such as:
Pets do not transmit arthropod-borne diseases to humans, but they can bring disease vectors like fleas into close proximity to people when sleeping with their owner.
It be disruptive to sleep if your dog is restless or noisy
It can be dangerous if your dog is too big or aggressive
It can be messy if your dog sheds or drools in bed
It can be difficult to find a comfortable position for both you and your dog
It can be distracting if your dog is trying to play or cuddle while you're trying to sleep
It can be costly if you need to buy a larger bed to accommodate your dog
It can be dangerous if you have a small dog that could become trapped under the covers
The bottom line
There are pros and cons to sleeping with your dog in bed. Ultimately, you should make the decision that’s best for you and your pet. Consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. If you do decide to sleep with your dog, make sure to take precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both of you.
IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.