Should you let your dog sleep in your bed?

  

Pet owners are divided almost evenly on whether they should allow their dogs to join them in bed at night. Some say yes; some say no. Our answer? It depends! 

Check out the arguments for and against co-sleeping with your furry friend.

Dog in the bed? No way!

• Dogs may disrupt their owners’ sleep with their nighttime shifting and snoring.
• Co-sleeping with a dog can worsen allergies thanks to the dander, pollen and dust that clings to the dog’s coat.
• Senior dogs may have a hard time getting in and out of the bed, may find too-soft beds uncomfortable and may even wet the bed if they are incontinent.
• Dogs can carry worms, fleas and ticks, which may cause illness in people, too. Sleeping with a dog increases the odds of exposure to these parasites and the diseases they carry.
• Dogs who are possessive may try to take ownership of the bed, and any dog can overreact and possibly nip when startled out of sleep.

Bedtime is the perfect snuggle time!

• Dogs spend a lot of time alone when owners are at work or at school; sleeping with family can provide much-needed connection.
• Many owners sleep better when snuggled next to their furry friends. Cuddling with a dog has been shown to release relaxing hormones, lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels.
• Dogs provide a sense of safety. Heavy sleepers may rest better knowing that their canine companion will warn them of a nighttime emergency, like a fire or intruder.
• Many of the health concerns raised against co-sleeping can be easily avoided with routine care or simple lifestyle modifications, such as:
• Regularly bathing your dog and washing your bed linens can reduce exposure to allergens.
• Senior dogs can either be lifted into bed or can have furniture rearranged to create steps into the bed. Incontinent dogs should be brought to the veterinarian to determine a treatment for their condition.
• Routine parasite preventives ensure that no parasites are sharing your bed as well.

In the end, there is no right answer. Choose what works best for you, your family and your dog. Sleep well!

Rest easy that no parasites are joining your dog in bed! 

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