If your dog has been sleeping in your bed, an expert has weighed in on whether you should be letting your furry friend cuddle up next to you. For many dog owners, allowing your pet to snuggle up in bed is part of the nightly routine.
But the question of whether it’s actually good for either party has been hotly debated for years. A study, however, has finally settled the issue. Sleeping with your dog can offer comfort, warmth, and a sense of security – benefits that many pet parents appreciate. It may also strengthen the emotional bond between dog and owner.
However, concerns about hygiene, allergies, and disrupted sleep patterns continue to raise red flags among some health professionals.
Ultimately, whether or not your dog should sleep in your bed may depend on several factors, including your dog’s health, behaviour, and your own sleep quality.
It’s perfectly safe to sleep with your dog, as long as you are both healthy, according to research.
Sharing your bedroom with your pet, as long as he or she isn’t under the covers, may actually improve your sleep, according to research published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Lois Krahn, M.D., co-author of the research and a sleep medicine specialist at the Center for Sleep Medicine, said: “Pet owners can find comfort knowing [having the dog in their bed] won’t negatively impact their sleep.”
Experts at PetMD also say another concern for pet owners is whether sleeping with a pet can lead to disease.
It would be “very rare” for something like that to occur if the pet and person are both in good health, experts agree.
While some dogs and owners thrive co-sleeping, others benefit from separate sleeping arrangements. Understanding the full picture can help owners make a more informed – and restful – choice.