Having your dog sleep in bed with you is a personal choice that many dog owners debate. There are pros and cons to allowing your four-legged friend to sleep in your bed that need careful consideration. This article examines the key factors to help you decide if sleeping with your dog is right for you.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about dogs sleeping in beds with their owners:
Is it safe to sleep with your dog?
There are some risks, but sleeping with your dog can be safe if you take precautions like ensuring your dog is clean and parasite-free, doesn’t have any contagious conditions, and can’t fall out of bed.
Do dogs carry diseases that can transfer to humans?
Healthy dogs generally don’t transmit diseases to humans just by sleeping near them. But dogs can potentially spread some diseases through close contact, so it’s essential to keep your dog clean, groomed, and pest-free.
Do dogs really sleep better with owners?
Many dogs do prefer sleeping with their owners. Your presence and the warmth of your body can be soothing and make your dog feel protected. But some independent dogs sleep equally well alone.
Is dog hair and dander a problem?
Letting your dog sleep in your bed can increase hair and dander in the bed. Use washable bedding and bathe your dog regularly to minimize irritation from shedding if allergies are a concern.
Can my dog fall out of bed and get injured?
Dogs can potentially fall out of beds and injure themselves, especially young, small, or disabled dogs. Use caution and create barriers like walls or a dog bed if falling is a risk.
The Pros of Sleeping with Your Dog
For many dog owners, the pros of sleeping with their pups outweigh the cons. Some potential benefits of having your dog sleep in bed with you include:
Increased Bonding
Having your dog sleep in your bed can strengthen the emotional bond between you. This close nightly contact provides security and comfort for both of you.
Eased Anxiety
Your dog may have separation anxiety or feel frightened when alone at night. Letting them sleep with you can ease this anxiety and help them feel safe.
Added Warmth
Dogs provide extra warmth in your bed, much like a comforting hot water bottle! This cozy heat source can be welcomed on cold nights.
Better Quality Sleep
Many owners report that both they and their dogs sleep better when together. Your rhythmic breathing could lull your dog to sleep while their presence reassures you.
Close By for Aging Dogs
As dogs age and develop health issues like arthritis, sleeping together allows you to monitor them and help them more easily get in and out of bed.
Convenience
Having your dog readily accessible in your bed can be convenient. You don’t have to disturb them to take them out for late night bathroom breaks.
The Cons of Sleeping with Your Dog
While co-sleeping with your dog can be rewarding, there are also some potential downsides to consider, including:
Disrupted Sleep
Some dogs move, reposition, snore, and scratch a lot at night. This can disturb your sleep, especially if your dog likes to sleep right up against you.
Added Dirt and Odors
Dogs sweat through their paw pads and can track in dirt from outside. Letting them sleep in your sheets can make your bed smell doggy.
Increased Hair and Dander
Shedding and dander from your dog can collect significantly faster in your bedding and on your mattress with a canine bedmate.
Possible Dog Accidents
Some dogs, especially young ones, may urinate or defecate on the bed while sleeping. Senior dogs may also have occasional bathroom mishaps.
Difficulty Training Dogs to Sleep Alone
If your goal is to eventually have your dog sleep in their own bed, starting the habit of co-sleeping can make training them to sleep alone very challenging.
Restricted Intimate Time
Having your dog in your bed can make it difficult to be intimate with your partner. Dogs may watch, interrupt, or need to be removed from the bedroom entirely.
Increased Nighttime Barking/Whining
Some dogs see being allowed in your bed as an invitation to request your attention at night by barking or whining when they want something.
Difficulty Leaving Dogs Alone
Separation anxiety is common in dogs who sleep in their owner’s bed regularly. Travel and other times away can be extremely stressful.
Lack of Space
Dogs take up space in the bed. Large dogs, restless sleepers, and multi-dog households can quickly crowd you out of your own bed.
Excessive Dog Movement
Dogs reposition frequently during sleep, which can disrupt your rest, especially if your dog tries to cuddle up against you or sleeps perpendicular.
Key Considerations Before Inviting Your Dog to Sleep With You
If you’re on the fence about whether to allow your dog to sleep in bed with you, here are some important factors to consider:
Your Dog’s Sleep Habits and Preferences
Think about whether your dog truly seems to sleep better and feel more secure slept in bed with you. Observe their sleep behavior in different scenarios.
Your Dog’s Size
Giant and large breed dogs take up much more bed real estate. Small dogs and puppies don’t infringe on space nearly as much.
Your Bed Size
A king size bed offers ample room for you and your dog to coexist comfortably. But your dog will quickly overwhelm a twin or full size mattress.
How Much Your Dog Sheds
Heavier shedding dogs like Labs and German Shepherds can increase how often you need to clean your sheets. But regular bathing and brushing reduces shedding.
Your Dog’s Night Habits
Consider if your dog snores, scratches, moves frequently or has other disruptive night behaviors that could impede your sleep.
Your Dog’s Health
Dogs should be clean and pest-free before sleeping in your bed. Elderly or incontinent dogs are more prone to accidents.
Your Dog’s Training Level
Well-trained adult dogs are most likely to sleep in bed without major disruption. Puppies or untrained dogs often need more boundaries.
Your Sleep Habits and Personality
Light sleepers who awaken easily may find co-sleeping with a dog challenging. Deep sleepers may be less bothered by minor night disturbances.
Your Partner’s Preferences
If you share your bed with a significant other, you’ll both need to agree on inviting your dog up too.
Setting Up a Dog-Friendly Bedroom
If you decide to allow your furry friend to sleep in your bed, some adjustments can help set up both you and your dog for success:
Washable Bedding
Protect your mattress with a waterproof cover and use sheets, comforters and dog beds that can be easily washed to manage hair, dander and odors.
Dog Stairs/Ramp
Place dog stairs or a ramp by the bed to give your dog easy access on and off the bed without jumping to reduce injuries.
Designated Dog Sleeping Area
Use beds, mats or other defined dog sleeping areas to prevent your dog from taking over the whole bed.
Restricted Bed Access
If needed, use baby gates or doors to restrict your dog’s access to your bed to only nights, not nap time.
Doggy Bathroom Breaks
Take your dog outside right before bed and as soon as you rise to minimize nighttime accidents.
| Dog Size | Bed Size Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Small | Twin, Full or Larger |
| Medium | Full or Larger |
| Large | Queen or Larger |
| Extra Large | King |
Training Your Dog Where to Sleep
With patience and consistency, you can train most dogs where to sleep at night:
Set the Rules
Clarify which furniture and beds are off-limits and use verbal cues like “off” when they try to access prohibited areas.
Provide an Alternative
Provide an appealing dog bed, crate or other dog sleeping area in or near your bedroom as an alternative.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward with praise and treats when your dog uses their designated sleeping spot to reinforce the behavior.
Be Consistent
Stick to the rules and don’t give in by allowing your dog to sleep in your bed if that’s not the goal.
Practice Separation
Gradually increase the time your dog can be separated from you at night to accustom them to sleeping alone.
Remove Rewards
Don’t give treats, attention or affection if your dog attempts to access prohibited areas like your bed when training.
Try Anxiety-Reducing Products
Products like Thundershirts, pheromones and medications can reduce separation anxiety that may be disrupting sleep.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether to let your dog sleep in your bed is a personal decision based on your individual circumstances. There are compelling cases to be made both for and against co-sleeping with your canine companion. Consider your dog’s needs and preferences along with your own to decide what works best for your household.
Establishing some ground rules and adjusting your sleeping environment are key to ensuring a good night’s rest for both you and your pup if you choose to share your bed. And with time and training, even dogs accustomed to sleeping with their people can usually adapt to sleeping comfortably alone when necessary. So take the time to fully weigh the pros and cons before welcoming your dog into your bed or banishing them to other quarters.