Sleeping with pets may be a very common habit. It may seem harmless to your health, but it is a controversial behavior.
Some animal lovers will not hesitate to decide whether an animal should climb into bed to sleep. For many people, sleeping next to their dog is a treat.
Others prefer their dog to sleep nearby but in their own bed. Regardless of your preference, the real question is, is it okay to sleep with your dog? In this article, we will tell you everything!
Can you sleep in your bed with your dog?
A survey conducted by the AKC showed that 17% of respondents let their dogs sleep in the bed, 20% brought their dogs to the cage at night, and 45% welcomed their dogs in the bed.
However, the real answer is: it depends on. Whether you allow your dog to sleep on your bed depends on your health, because Science disagrees.
Some studies claim that sleeping with a dog can help us rest better, while others do the opposite.
One learn Research conducted in 2019 showed that keeping a dog increases a person’s sleep time, and a 2018 study found that people who own dogs sleep faster than those who don’t.
Journal human nature Recently published a study in which I pointed out that sleeping in the same bed or bedroom with our pets is not just a modern phenomenon. In fact, some traditional cultures believe that sleeping with animals is beneficial.
However, other experts have put forward the opposite opinion, believing that these people often suffer from sleep disorders.
Keeping a dog in bed can affect sleep. Other factors, such as the number of people and pets, the size of the dog, and the size of the bed also have an impact. Everything must be synchronized.
The researchers pointed out that it depends on whether the dog is in the room or lying in the bed; their data shows that when the dog is in the bed, personal sleep is not as good as when the dog is in the room.
Benefits of sleeping with a dog
They provide security. According to research conducted by the University of Queensland in Australia, sleeping with pets provides us with more security.
Lower blood pressure. “The Journal of Behavioral Medicine” published a very famous article in the late 1980s. They confirmed that there is a causal relationship between sleeping next to a pet and lowering blood pressure, which is a key factor for relaxation and falling asleep.
Reduce anxiety. It has been proven that dogs secrete serotonin (happiness hormone) when approaching or touching their owners.
It can reduce stress. Sleeping with your dog will significantly reduce the content of this substance, thereby providing better rest.
Improve our emotional bonds. Sleeping next to someone or in this case, our dog is a very intimate behavior that can multiply the emotional bond.
Comfortable. If you are one of the kids sleeping with a plush pet, sleeping with your pet is almost the same now. They bring you comfort, warmth and help you feel comfortable by synchronizing with your heart rate.
Disadvantages of sleeping with a dog
Possible disease transmissionTo avoid this, you just need to make sure your pet is in perfect condition.
Dogs can carry allergens. For example, dust and pollen enter your bed, aggravate severe allergies and asthma, and can spread bacteria, parasites and fungi through their fur or saliva.
Depends on the aggressiveness of the animal. It can also cause certain injuries through scratches and bites, and if we fall asleep, we can hardly avoid it.
Some scientific arguments supporting this idea explain that, in addition to the temperature difference between humans and animals, the biggest influence is the sleeping posture of the dog, and there are also pets that can snore or cause scratching.
Should dogs sleep in children’s beds?
Although children get along well with dogs, children are more susceptible to bacteria than adults, especially when dogs like to lick.
Even if the dog is well taken care of, the vaccine is controlled, the parasite process is complete, very clean, etc., the puppy can pick up some parasites and take it home when the puppy goes out, regardless of whether it is dewormed correctly or not, when the anti-parasite process takes effect to refuse When it does, the parasite will stay in its coat.
Aggressive dogs are especially dangerous for children, and it is more difficult for children to get high-quality sleep with pets in the bed.
Pets should not sleep with babies. If you are not sure whether your child is old enough to keep a dog in bed, please consult a professional.
How to sleep in bed with your dog
If you decide to share a bed with your dog, you need to follow some steps.
- Before going to bed, walk the dog.
- Train him to wait for your permission to go to bed.
- Strictly follow the rules and establish the rules of what he can and cannot do.
- Visit the veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.
- Use flea and tick preventive treatment.
- Sheets and bedding are changed regularly.
- Take your dog to see a dog groomer.
When shouldn’t sleep with your dog
- Is a new puppy and has not been tested or vaccinated
- No toilet training or diarrhea
- Have worms, mites, fleas or ticks
- Easy to bite or scratch
- Move a lot or bulky
- Snoring or drooling
Can you sleep in your bed with your dog?
As we mentioned, it depends. Generally speaking, science seems to be consistent with common sense. Sleeping with dogs can cause problems, but they are almost usually related to existing health and behavior problems.
On the other hand, if our pets are healthy, clean and well-educated, not only will they not have difficulties, but they will also have a good impact on you.
