A dog is a great source of love, happiness and companionship. But when it's time to hit the hay, is that where you should draw the line and make your furry buddy sleep on his or her own bed? Or, should you let your four-legged pal join you in your bed as you drift off to sleep?
Here are some of the pros and cons of sleeping with your furry friend:
The Pros of Sleeping with Your Dog
Warmth: When you're sleeping with your dog during chilly nights, you may have noticed your furry pal keeps you incredibly warm. That's because dogs have a body temperature that's three to six degrees higher than humans. Don't worry about overheating with your furry friend. SHEEX Ridiculously-Soft™ performance fabrics are breathable and moisture-wicking, allowing you to cuddle with your buddy comfortably.
Help with Insomnia: If you have trouble falling asleep at night, snuggling with your canine companion could help you catch some ZZZs. A dog's rhythmic breathing can act as a natural sedative, gradually lulling you to a sound night's slumber on the ultimate bedding.
Relaxation and Bonding: Cuddling with a human is brimming with benefits, and the same can be said with sleeping next to your four-legged friend. When this happens, our bodies release a flow of oxytocin, the "love hormone" that helps lower stress, reduce blood pressure and create a feeling of comfort and companionship.
A Sense of Security: Having a dog by your side while you doze off to sleep not only makes you feel less lonely but also more secure. Dogs are known for their keen sense of hearing and awareness, so you'll feel safer knowing that your furry friend will be able to alert you in case of a burglary or fire.
The Cons of Sleeping with Your Dog
Impact on Sleep: Sleep disturbances are a major reason why medical experts oppose the idea of snoozing with your dog. In fact, one survey stated that 53% of pet owners said their dogs woke them up at least once during the night. Just like humans, dogs can dream, snore and move around in bed, making it easier to have your sleep cycle disrupted.
Risk of Ticks and Fleas: There are infections such as Chagas disease that can be transferred from pet to person, though the risk is low. However, ticks, fleas and other parasites can be another problem. Your four-legged friend can bring these pests into your bed, as well as intestinal parasite eggs. Be sure to keep Fido on a flea and tick preventative all year long and visit the vet regularly to keep your pooch clean and healthy.
Fur, and Lots of It: It's no secret that dogs shed. But when you let your pup snuggle up next to you in bed, you'll start to really notice how much hair they shed, especially if you have dark bedding. A blanket of fur is not the only thing your pooch leaves. Your dog can also bring in dirt, bacteria and bad smells from his or her tail, paws or belly. If you want to keep your bed as clean as possible, be prepared to wash your bedding at least twice a week.
Allergens: Dogs carry allergens, so if you're susceptible to allergies or asthma, it may be best to not only keep your faithful companion away from your bed but also your bedroom in general. Allergens can remain in a room for months, worsening your allergic reactions and quality of sleep.
So, What Should You Do?
Choosing to let your beloved pet join you in bed depends on you, so there's really no right or wrong answer. If you believe the pros outweigh the cons, then make some room on your bed and enjoy getting some quality shuteye alongside your pup. For dog owners on the other side of the fence, consider getting your pup his or her own dog bed. Also, if you're vulnerable to allergies, it may be best to keep your dog out of the bedroom entirely.
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