You are slowly becoming habitual to sleeping with your furry friend at night. Despite the comfort, you are worried whether it is a good idea to sleep with your dog or not. If that is bothering you, you are at the right place. Let me tell you in advance that there are both benefits and potential drawbacks to consider when making this decision. We will explore in detail the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping with your dog and whether co-sleeping with your dog is right for you and your pet.
The Benefits of Sleeping with your Dog
Comfort and Companionship
What else can be more comforting than having your furry friend around you even during your sleeping time? For many pet owners, having their dog in bed provides comfort and a sense of emotional support. The presence of your dog can offer emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness, which is especially beneficial for people who live alone. Dogs are known to be great companions, and having them close at night can lead to a better night’s sleep for some individuals. The Benefits of Having Pets in BedÂ
Bonding Time
Sharing a bed is considered a good sign for a healthy relationship. This goes for you and your pet too. Sleeping with your dog can deepen the bond that you and your pet share. Dogs are social creatures that thrive on human interaction. Sharing your sleeping space helps reinforce the emotional connection and trust you’ve built with your furry friend. Building Stronger Bonds with Your PetÂ
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Studies show that sleeping with your dog or cat makes you closer to your pet and it can eventually reduce your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone). Hence co-sleeping with your pet can work as a therapy for individuals who suffer from stress or anxiety. Dogs naturally release calming pheromones, and their rhythmic breathing can help their owners relax. Your dog’s rhythmic breathing and relaxing sleep can be extremely soothing for you.Â
Good for depression
Depression has now become a common reality for many of us. A majority of the population is suffering from depression, though the level and type of depression varies largely. But what if I say, playing with your dog can reduce your depression? Yes, it is true. Now think of sharing the bed with your furry companion. Co-sleeping is clearly going to be a good idea.Â
Sense of security
It makes you feel secure when you have someone around, right? Even if it is a dog, you feel the same sense of security and reassurance. We all know that dogs can sense any kind of strangeness and unusual activities before humans. Having a dog around you, especially in your bed can give you reassurance that you are safe and protected.
Sound sleep for some people
Those who struggle to sleep alone or turn insomniacs due to loneliness often find a solution in sleeping with their pets. Such people find it easy to fall asleep when they have their pet in the bed. If you are also one of those, sleeping with your furry friend might give you good sleep.Â
The Potential Risks of Sleeping with Your Dog
Disrupted Sleep
While sleeping beside the dog might be comforting for many, it can be disturbing for others. This is because not all dogs sleep peacefully. Dogs often move around during the night, leading to interrupted rest. They might snore, get up, or adjust positions frequently, which can be distracting, especially if your dog is large or energetic. If you're a light sleeper, you might have trouble sleeping with dogs because of these movements.
Health Concerns
When you take your dog for a walk or when you are playing with your pet in the garden, they can carry parasites and pathogens such as fleas, mites, etc that can cause diseases in humans. Hence, sharing a bed with your dog can pose some health risks, especially if they are not regularly bathed or groomed. Additionally, dogs may introduce allergens like dust, pollen, etc. into your bed, leading to sneezing or other allergic reactions.Â
Space constraints
Your dog might cover a lot of space while sleeping leaving less space for you to sleep properly. Their tendency to move around, stretch, and change positions can leave their owners with limited space, disrupting their sleep. Especially large dogs can lead to the problem of space constraints.
Attachment and Separation Anxiety
If you allow your dog to sleep in your bed, it’s essential to establish clear boundaries. Some dogs may become possessive of the bed or develop separation anxiety if they are not allowed to sleep with you. It's important to monitor their behavior and ensure they are well-behaved to avoid any issues related to dominance or control.Â
Why do dogs want to sleep with you?
Enough of discussion on your needs and risks. What about your dogs? Ever wondered “Why do dogs want to sleep with you? They also have their own reasons and emotional advantages when they sleep with you. These includes:-
- Their pack instinct lets them sleep with their owners.
- Out of emotional comfort and companionship.
- For bonding and building trust.
- Your scent feels comforting and soothing to them.
- Their fear of sleeping alone. (Es[ecially in case of puppy)
What the Experts have to Say
Experts often recommend weighing the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your dog based on your lifestyle, health, and your pet’s behavior. Veterinarians generally suggest that dogs with good hygiene, healthy habits, and a calm demeanor are better suited to sharing a sleeping space with humans. However, dogs with certain health issues, such as incontinence or excessive shedding, might not be ideal sleeping companions.Â
Making the Right Decision for You and Your Dog
Every person has a different lifestyle, health concerns, and behavior, there is no ideal solution that can be considered right for everyone. The ultimate decision to sleep with your dog should be your personal considering all the pros and cons. If you find that your dog enhances your sleep and you enjoy the companionship, it may be a great choice. However, if it causes sleep disturbances or introduces health concerns, you may want to consider other sleeping arrangements for your pet.
Tips for Sleeping with your dog safely
If you have made up your mind to sleep with your dog then here are a few tips to make the experience more enjoyable and safe:
- Ensure your dog is clean and well-groomed.
- Provide your dog with their own space if needed, such as a comfortable dog bed nearby.
- Establish a bedtime routine for your dog to promote relaxation.
- Maintain boundaries while sleeping so that your pet does not experience separation anxiety when you are not around.
- Make sure to change the bedsheets and covers daily so that the fur is cleaned.
Conclusion
Each coin has two sides. Sleeping with your dog has both benefits and drawbacks and what works for one person may not work for another. If you find that sharing your bed with your dog improves your emotional well-being and provides comfort, it can be a wonderful bonding experience. However, if it causes disruptions to your sleep or introduces health risks, you may want to reconsider or explore alternative options.
Always consider your pet’s behavior, hygiene, and personal preferences before deciding if co-sleeping is right for both of you. For further details, Woofpanion is always by your side exploring different aspects of your relationship with your pet.Â
FAQs
1. Should you let your dog sleep with you?
A- Yes, it is absolutely normal to let your dog sleep with you as long as you are comfortable and happy. In fact, somewhere between 14 to 60 % of pet owners sleep with their pets.Â
2. Is it bad to sleep with your dog?
A- No, it is not a bad idea to sleep with your dog. Researches justify the benefits of sleeping with your dogs. Many pet owners feel safer, secure, and relaxed when co-sleeping with their pets. Your overall emotional well-being improves when you feel comfort and assurance while sleeping with your dog.
3. Should a dog sleep on your bed?
A- It depends on many factors. Reasons that favor cosleeping with your pet includes:-
- Companionship and comfort
- Strengthening bond
- Sense of securityÂ
- Good for depression
- Reduces stress and anxiety
    Reasons which do not support your idea of sleeping with your dog:-
- Allergens
- Diseases and health concern
- Improper sleep
- Separation anxiety
4. Why do dogs want to sleep with you
A- Just like you have your reasons to sleep with your dog, they have theirs too. Some of these include- bonding time, comfort, affection, habit, and routine.