Should You Share Your Bed with Your Dog?

Dogs are fantastic animals that bring a lot of love and joy into our lives. You will share many unforgettable memories, but how far can sharing go? It’s common for dog owners to share their beds with their faithful companions, but there is controversy that surrounds this subject, and many pet owners are on the fence about allowing their pooch to get under the covers. If you’re unsure about sharing your bed with your dog and would like to know whether it’s right for you, here are some pros and cons to consider.

It Can Reduce Stress.

Even though they are hard work and a lot of responsibility, it has been said and proven that owning a dog or spending time with one can reduce stress and anxiety. When you interact with and touch a canine, a hormone called oxytocin will be released, which makes people feel happy and loved. If you choose to share your bed with your dog, then it may help you to relax and feel calm as comforting hormones are released and your stress levels decrease.

It May Strengthen Bonds.

Sharing your bed with anyone, whether that is a person or animal, is a very trusting thing to do. When you are asleep, you are vulnerable and fully relaxed, and your dog will be the same. If your dog has had a sad and difficult past, allowing them to sleep alongside you may make them trust you more and build a stronger bond. This is because it will make them feel like they have been accepted and have become part of the pack, which can help them to feel more secure in your family.

Will Feel Safer.

When you sleep with your dog in your bed, it may make you feel safer, especially if you live alone or your partner/household is away. Dogs have significantly better hearing and sense of smell compared to humans. This means that they are more likely to detect unusual sounds and smells, which they can then alert you to. If you struggle to sleep at night because you are anxious and feel insecure at night, then sleeping with your dog may help, as you can trust them to look out for you.

It Can Be Cosy.

Snuggling with your furry friend can feel super cosy to humans and just like a teddy bear, it can be comforting too. Dogs are warmer than humans and will warm up the bed when you share it with them, which makes them a great nap buddy during the colder months or in cooler countries. The rhythmic breathing of your dog, warm body and soft fur, combined with the above, will all contribute to the soothing effect that you feel by letting your companion sleep in your bed.

It Can Aggravate Allergies.

Sleeping with your hairy pal will provoke allergies and asthma if you suffer from either and, in many cases, it can worsen these symptoms. If you experience allergies and you are worried about it affecting your sleep now that you have a dog, then you should look into getting the best mattress for allergies using the best mattress guide from themattressguide.co.uk. Here, you can browse the best mattress UK made to ensure your comfort is put first and your allergies are contained. They list the pros and cons of each and break down the specifications by mattress filling type, price, comfort level and more.

May Worsen Behaviour.

If your pet suffers from behavioural issues, such as territorial or dominance aggression, or separation anxiety, then you should not share your bed with them. If you do, then these issues will become worse. If they are aggressive, then sharing your bed with them will make them feel like ‘top dog’ and will give them another area to call their own and defend, which will escalate the problem. Separation anxiety will also become worse, as they will get used to being close to you at all times.

It Can Interrupt Sleep.

While some people sleep better with a dog because they feel safer and secure, others will experience interrupted sleep. It is common for dogs to move around and take up large proportions of your bed. They can also snore and produce foul smells, all of which can wake you up from your slumber. Sharing your bed with a dog is something that you and your partner will need to agree on because it can disrupt your love life as well as your quality of sleep.

It is Unhygienic.

No matter how much you love your dog, there is no doubt that they aren’t the cleanest of animals, even if you wash and groom them regularly. If you sleep with your four-legged friend, then you will need to be prepared for the increased number of bacteria and amount of dirt entering your bed. They can bring in traces of anything they walk over, as well as drool, which will be full of bacteria, plus external parasites, like ticks and fleas, and intestinal parasite eggs.

There are many pros and cons to consider before choosing to share your bed with your dog. Your own personal preference, as well as their personality, will play a huge part in whether it is right for you.

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