Are Your Dogs in Bed With You Night After Night?

Nothing beats quality time with our furry friends, whether playing with their favourite toy, walking in the park or snuggling up on the couch at night. But when it comes to bedtime, you may wonder whether your dog should sleep on a doggy bed beside yours or in your bed - or if it matters.

If you’re wondering whether dogs sleeping on beds is a good idea and whether you should let your dog sleep on yours, here are some points to consider.

Should dogs sleep in your bed?

Ultimately whether your dog sleeps in your bed is a personal choice - there are no set-in-stone rules about sharing the bed with your dog. Consider the following before allowing them into your sleeping space:

Are you a heavy or light sleeper? Will your pup keep you up with their movements throughout the night?
Consider how much room the two of you will take up and whether you have enough space.
Is your dog aggressive or territorial?
Consider the age of your dog. If you have a puppy who is being toilet trained, it might be best to wait a few months before you start sharing a bed. If you have a senior dog, help them on and off the bed to limit the impact on their joints.

Why do dogs like to sleep with us?

Dogs like to sleep with us for many reasons. For some, they want to feel close to their human best friend by sleeping next to them at night; for others, they may love the physical warmth of their human, while for others, it may be for physical and mental comfort or all of the above. Some others may love your mattress and cosy quilt!

The pros and cons of sleeping with your dog

Like any decision, there are pros and cons of sleeping with your dog that may help you decide whether or not you want to share your space.

The drawbacks of sharing with your pup

While sleeping with your furry friend has plenty of benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider when your dog sleeps in bed with you. These include:

Limited space in the bed - especially if you’re sharing with another human.
Poorer sleep quality - If you need to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, you might end up disturbing your dog. Then your dog also wakes up to noises, leading them to bark and disturb your sleep.
Allergies and asthma symptoms can be aggravated by allergens in their saliva, skin and fur.
Exposure to germs, parasites and dirt.

Does sleeping with your dog build a bond?

Sleeping with your dog can help build a bond with them and help you feel comfortable and secure with each other. Some believe that dogs like to sleep in bed with their owners as it reminds them of when they slept with their litter as pups. There’s also evidence to suggest that sharing a bed is a sign to your pup that they’re a part of the ‘pack’, helping to improve your relationship.

Tips for sharing your bed with your dog

If you decide to let your furry friend sleep in your bed, here are some tips for making it a positive experience for both of you:

Ensure your mattress is big enough for both of you to sleep comfortably. If it’s too small, you’ll wake each other up when you move around or get out of bed.
Make sure you wash your sheets and bedding regularly. Washing your sheets and bedding regularly can help prevent germs and parasites from spreading.
Regularly clean your furry friend as this can help prevent the spread of germs and parasites and keep your bed clean.
Help them wind down before you curl up in bed. Taking them for a walk is a great way to get them to relax and prevent accidents. You can also have a quick play time before bed, helping them burn off energy so you can sleep more easily.
Try to keep a consistent bedtime routine, so you don’t disturb each other during the night or too early the next morning.

If you’ve decided to let your furry friend sleep in bed with you, you can easily get a better night’s sleep together by setting your bedroom up as a cosy haven, starting with a quality bed. Browse the range at Snooze and find a mattress that will fit both of you!

References