Happiness is a warm puppy
Are you one of those people who share your bed with three dogs and two cats, all snuggled up together with no issues other than the lack of space? Or are you more of a “strictly no dogs on the bed” type person? According to experts and scientific research, both are right.
Dog owners seem to be divided into two distinct camps – those who allow their dogs onto furniture, including beds, and those who don’t. The former argue that their dogs are part of the family, and they wouldn’t dream of not letting them on the bed, while the latter insist that dogs do not belong on beds for various reasons. Here we look at the pros and cons of dogs on beds and let you decide for yourself.
CONS
Those opposed to dogs on beds generally give similar reasons for their viewpoint. They believe that dogs sleeping on their owner’s bed can result in problems. The first of these is that dogs carry germs and parasites that could pass onto humans.
Health issues
It is true that dogs pick up fleas and other parasites such as tapeworms, which they can bring into the bedroom and right onto – or into – your bed. Fungal infections of the skin (known as Ringworm) can also be passed on to humans from dogs. If you suffer from allergies, it’s probably not a good idea to let your dog sleep in your bed, as they track in pollen and grass. The other thing to consider is that those cute little paws can also have faecal matter on them, which could also find its way into your bed.
Quality of sleep
Sharing a bed – whether with a human or pet - can disrupt your sleep, especially if you’re a light sleeper. Movements such as scratching and licking, snoring and kicking out could wake you in the night or prolong how long it takes you to fall asleep. If you suffer from insomnia, having your dog on your bed could make it worse and you might want to consider changing the routine and getting your dog adjusted to a different sleeping arrangement.
Behavioural issues
Many believe that allowing your dog to sleep on your bed could send mixed messages and lower your status within “the pack”, which could in turn make your dog more likely to challenge your authority. As a general rule, If your dog has ever shown aggression towards you or tries to dominate you in any way, it’s not a good idea to allow him/her to sleep on the bed with you. You are giving the message that you are equals, which might make your dog want to prove that they are in fact the alpha dog in the house. Another possible issue with dogs with behavioural problems is that they could become possessive over the bed, or a particular spot on the bed. The last thing you want is for a possessive dog to snap at another dog, a child or your partner. Sometimes, even the best-natured dog can react negatively in the moment, if they get frightened or startled out of a deep sleep.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, sleeping in your bed may cause this problem to become worse as their physical bond with you deepens. If you are living in a multi-dog household, having them all on the bed may not be practical, as scuffles over space or being closest to their person can break out – not what you want to be dealing with in what should be your sanctuary.
Oopsies!
There are several reasons you shouldn’t let your new puppy sleep in your bed, no matter how cute and adorable they are. The first is that they are probably going to wake up several times in the night, seeking food and a place to relieve themselves, and every time they wake up, you are likely to wake up too. The new pup could have an accident on your bed - and nobody wants to deal with that first thing in the morning, let alone in the middle of the night. Puppies also like to chew on things, which could likely result in damage to your pillows and blankets.
PROS
Are there benefits to co-sleeping with a dog? Ask the millions of people who do! In 2018, a study was published in the Anthrozoos Journal, where the results suggested that women generally slept better and felt greater security and comfort sharing a bed with a dog than they did with their human partner. Despite the perceived risks of having a dog sleep in your bed, the research shows that so many owners do it because for them, the benefits totally outweigh the disadvantages.
Not only does letting your dog sleep in the bed increase the amount of quality time you spend together, it can actually help your dog feel calmer and less anxious if they suffer from separation anxiety and you’ve not been with them for most of the day. The same can be said for humans – sharing a bed with your dog can help ease anxiety and provide a feeling of safety, security and companionship. For some, it may be easier to sleep, knowing that their light-sleeping canine will also alert them to anything out of the ordinary. And let’s not forget that dogs are also perfect bed warmers, keeping you toasty on a cold night. And finally, there is no substitute for waking up to a tail-wagging dog, that sweet face that couldn’t be any happier to see you.
As long as you take care of their cleanliness, keep long-haired dogs well-groomed and take action if you spot any behavioural issues, why not share your bed with your beloved furbaby? And if you think dogs and their paws are too dirty to be in your pristine bed, who can blame you? At the end of the day, letting your dogs sleep in your bed is a personal preference and choice and everyone should do what works for them.
