dog sleeping bed

Sleeping with Dogs: 5 Surprising Reasons Why It’s Not a Good Idea

It’s bedtime, and your whole family is ready to head off for a cozy night of rest…including the four-legged family members. Before you let Fido hop onto your bed, is it really a good idea?

As many as 73% of dog owners say they let their pup sleep on their bed at least sometimes. That doesn’t mean it’s without its problems, though. Here’s why you might want to think twice about sleeping with dogs.

The Downsides to Sleeping with Dogs

If you’re debating whether it’s time to find a bed for your dog (like those from Chewy.com or Barky-Dog.com?) instead of sharing your own bed, here’s what you need to know.

#1. Losing an Allergen-Free Zone

As many as three in ten people have documented allergies to pet dander. That number doesn’t take into account the number of people who have mild allergy symptoms. These people either learn to live with their allergies or they don’t even realize their pet might be the problem.

In reality, it’s surprising how many people get some level of irritation from their pet’s dander. Between the dander and any dirt or debris your dog brings to bed with him, it’s no surprise that the pup can irritate your airway as you sleep.

If your body is struggling with allergies while you’re trying to sleep, your sleep won’t be as restful as it should be. Keeping pets out of the bed could eliminate or reduce that problem.

#2. Trouble Setting Behavioral Limitations

While letting your dog sleep on the bed isn’t guaranteed to cause behavioral problems, it can contribute in some circumstances. This is most often the case if your dog struggles to recognize your authority.

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Another potential issue arises for people who don’t allow their dogs on other pieces of furniture like couches. If the couch is off-limits but the bed isn’t, you can understand why that could confuse your pup.

#3. Possible Sleep Disruptions

The possible allergy issue is just one of the many ways sleeping with dogs can disrupt your sleep. Fido might be a more restless sleeper than you realize, disturbing your sleep throughout the night.

The same is true for your beloved pup as well. You’ll wake them up every time you toss and turn or get up to use the bathroom. Just like with humans, a dog’s mental and physical health can suffer if they don’t get enough sleep.

#4. Higher Risk for Spreading Illness

This used to be the top reason doctors advised against letting your pet sleep in your bed. Pets can carry plenty of illnesses that may spread to humans, like fleas, ticks, and ringworm, to name a few. Sleeping side by side will prolong your exposure and your risk of getting sick.

Keep in mind that this risk isn’t as big as doctors once thought it to be. However, it’s still a problem for people with weakened immune systems or those who are already sick.

#5. Comfy Sleep for All

It comes down to this question: is sleeping with dogs worth the risks? You love your pup and you want them to feel happy and loved at all times. They can get that same joy from their own personal bed too, though.

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To take other steps to keep your pet healthy and happy, check out some great pet product coupons.