Does Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed With You?

Dogs sleeping with their owners is a popular trend. Dogs have been sleeping in the bed with their owners in many cultures for centuries. Reports show that most dog owners share their bed with their dog. A Mayo Clinic study reveals that 56 percent of owners allow their dogs to sleep in their bed.

On the other hand, some people give reasons why their dog will never be permitted to sleep with them.

Advantages of Letting Your Dog Sleep with You

The Mayo Clinic reports that many owners believe it is beneficial for their dogs to sleep with them. Pet experts have come to the same conclusion about that sleep arrangement. The journal Human Nature published a study outlining the benefits that dogs and their owners have when they sleep in the same bed.

When people sleep with their dogs, they enjoy warmth and security. Dogs help humans de-stress and can be very soothing. Humans are much calmer when their dogs sleep with them. Also, they fall asleep much faster.

Owners feel safe and can rest easy throughout the night because dogs are light sleepers and can alert humans about dangers that might occur.

Humans bond with their dogs and establish deep connections when they sleep together. The dog's rhythmic heartbeat and breathing keep humans calm and the owner's heartbeat and breathing keep the animal calm.

The natural body warmth from the human and dog keeps both of them comfortable as they sleep.

Disadvantages of Letting Your Dog Sleep with You

People might think the bad things about dogs sleeping with them include hair in the bed, drool on the pillow, toys in the bed, and being pushed to the edge of the bed. Also, there are paws on their back, a wet nose in the face, and the scent of dog breath all night long.

Studies have shown that owners sharing a bed with their dog report greater sleep disturbances than people whose dogs do not sleep with them. The quality of sleep for the human and for the dog might be affected because their sleep cycles are different.

Dogs are polyphasic sleepers and average three sleep/wake cycles per hour, whereas humans are monophasic sleepers with one period of sleep over a 24-hour cycle. Dogs also stay alert for sounds, even when sleeping, which may make them lighter sleepers than humans.

Your dog might begin to think your bed is his permanent territory and you are sleeping with him instead of him sleeping with you. A dog that shares his owner’s bed might become spoiled and will never want to leave even if he is no longer allowed to sleep in the same bed with a human. It might be a challenge to wean the dog away from your bed.

Health concerns might be an issue when dogs sleep in the same bed with their owners. Allergies can be aggravated. There is the risk of transmission of disease from the animal to the human and from the human to the animal.

Bark Post cautions that a dog sleeping with a married couple could interfere with the type of intimacy that builds strong marriages and relationships. Some dogs may become jealous, according to the Whole Dog Journal.

Should You Allow Your Dog to Sleep with You?

Allowing your dog to sleep with you is a personal choice. Researchers explain that many owners do it because of the advantages for them that outweigh the disadvantages.

Even though there are benefits, some people still see the negative aspects of dogs occupying the same sleeping space as they do. Therefore, they do not allow a dog in their bed.

Poll: Do you allow your dog to sleep with you?