5 Reasons You Shouldn't Sleep in the Same Bed as Your Pet
5 Reasons You Shouldn't Sleep in the Same Bed as Your Pet
There’s no denying that dogs and cats are warm and cuddly. Being close to your pet can even lift your mood.
But you might be surprised to know it may not be the best idea to share your bed with your pet.
New pet owners struggle with the dilemma of a dog sleeping in bed with them or making them sleep on the floor.
Many times they decide against sleeping with dogs, sure that they’ll stand firm in their resolution. Then, the pup whimpers or looks at them with puppy-dog eyes, and they give in and let the pet onto the bed anyway.
Why Does My Dog Want to Sleep With Me?
Sleeping with dogs may seem like a luxury to you. But to your dog, it’s a basic instinct.
Dogs are pack animals. They may not sleep in dens anymore, but it’s in their genes to want to be close to those they love. That’s you.
In addition to protecting you, dogs are providing warmth and comfort by slumbering together. However, it’s not necessarily a great idea to sleep with your dog.
5 Drawbacks to Sleeping In Bed With Dogs
If a dog sleeping in bed with you sounds okay, you might not realize the consequences. Here are 5 reasons why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you.
1. You Can Get Sick
Dogs are great, but they are also harbingers of potential diseases. From the plague to fleas, letting a dog sleep in bed with you can be hazardous to your health.
Parasites are especially at risk of being passed from the dog’s fur to their owners. Many people treat their dogs for parasites but rarely consider their own risk.
2. Pets Can Trigger Allergies
Another medical issue that can arise from sleeping with dogs is an outbreak of allergies. Even if you’re not allergic to dog dander, your dog can accumulate other allergens in their fur that trigger your allergies.
3. Co-Sleeping Makes House Training Difficult
If you have a new puppy, resisting their sad eyes when it’s bedtime can be an impossible task.
However, doing so runs the risk of them having a potty accident on the bed. Even older dogs who are house trained can develop incontinence.
4. Your Sleep Will Be Disrupted
More than half of dog owners admit that their dog wakes them up at least once during the night. Sometimes it’s with a well-placed foot in the face. Other times, the dog snores louder than a buzzsaw.
Dogs are noisy creatures and, yes, even a little smelly. If you cherish a full undisturbed eight hours of sleep every night, sleeping with your dog won’t do.
5. Dogs are Bed Hogs
In addition to kicking and releasing gas, dogs are notorious bed hogs. Even the smallest breed can lay claim to your pillow, forcing you to sleep literally on the wrong side of the bed.
Some dogs can also become aggressive if they claim the bed before anyone else retires for the night.
Is it Bad to Sleep With Your Dog?
There are pros and cons of letting your dog sleep in bed with you. It comes down to the personal preference of the pet owner.
But just because your dog isn’t allowed in bed doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t sleep in the same room. Dog beds and crates are options used by many dog owners so their dogs can be close but not too close.
Contributed by: Walkee Paws
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