Most dog owners consider their pet to be a member of their family. In fact, almost half of all dog owners are so close to their pooch that they even let them share their bed. Are you wondering if it’s healthy or safe to do? Here are the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep on your bed.
PROS OF LETTING YOUR DOG SHARE YOUR BED
Here are some reasons you may want to let your dog sleep in your bed: Promotes relaxation. Touching and interacting with dogs releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps people feel calm and relaxed. As such, sleeping with their dog may make some people unwind and sleep better. Increases feelings of safety. Many people feel safer sleeping with their dogs because they can count on their pooch to alert them to strange noises or happenings during the night. Helps to build a bond. Sleeping with their humans helps many rescue dogs connect with their owners, as it makes them feel like they’re part of a pack.
CONS OF LETTING YOUR DOG SHARE YOUR BED
These are some reasons why you may want Fido to sleep on the floor: May aggravate allergies or asthma. Sleeping in a room with allergens can worsen a person’s allergy or asthma symptoms. Therefore, people with these afflictions should keep their bedroom dog-free. Can worsen behavioural problems. Dogs with separation anxiety or aggression issues should sleep in their own space. Sleeping with their humans may exacerbate these and other issues. Brings in dirt and bacteria. Traces of everything dogs walk through during the day stay on their paws and fur and can wind up in your bed. Interrupts sleep. While some people feel calmer with their dog in their bed, others find that their pooch’s movement can wake them up during the night. Veterinary care you can count on Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose if you want to sleep cuddled up close to your furry friend. If you decide to let your pet share your bed, it’s important to make sure it’s healthy and up to date on all its vaccination and parasite treatments. Our animal clinic’s veterinarians can also offer advice for making sure co-sleeping doesn’t negatively affect your or your dog’s health or well-being. If you’re from Toronto, Scarborough or Markham, you can trust Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital with all your pet’s veterinary needs. Call us today to make an appointment.