Are you wondering whether or not to let your furry friend sleep in your bed? It’s a topic that has sparked heated debates amongst pet owners for years. A study conducted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2017 found that 92% of South African pet owners allow their pets to sleep indoors. Some believe that snuggling up with their pets in bed is the ultimate comfort, while the balance of pet owners think it’s downright disgusting. Let’s take a closer look and see what the pros and cons are.
Yes!
Who needs a teddy bear when you have a fluffy dog or cat to snuggle with? Sleeping with your pets can provide the ultimate comfort and security. In a crime-filled world, having your dog sleep in your bed brings peace of mind, since a dog can hear infinitely better than any human and will immediately alert you to the slightest unwanted sounds.
Plus, they’ll keep your feet warm on cold nights, and during winter, they love nothing more than snuggling up with you. Studies have also shown that sleeping with pets can reduce stress and anxiety, which is great for both pets and humans.
Pet owners have mentioned benefits such as improved sleep quality and a strengthened bond between pet and owner. The comfort and bonding co-sleeping create is definitely a wonderful tool for rescue or traumatised animals. And who doesn’t love waking up to a purring cat or a dog’s wagging tail?
No!
While there are plenty of benefits to letting your pets sleep in your bed, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For starters, pets can take up a lot of space in the bed. You might wake up with your dog sleeping horizontally across your bed, or your cat taking up the majority of your pillow. While some people feel that a pet in bed is a cuddly partner and a great intruder alert for a more peaceful sleep, others feel it is disruptive to their sleep (frequent waking and pets who snore), and report that they wake up feeling tired and groggy in the morning.
Also, let’s not forget about allergies and asthma – some people simply can’t sleep with their pets due to these issues.
Another concern for some is that pets may bring dirt, allergens or parasites into the bed, which can cause health issues for humans or cause disease transmission. For example, dogs and cats can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can infest the bed and bite humans. Additionally, some people may be allergic to pet dander, saliva or urine, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Each companion animal has a unique personality and there could be validity in the argument that same-bed sleeping could cause separation anxiety and dependency issues. This argument extends to the fact that it could lead to boundary confusion making it harder to establish leadership and thus delay training progress. This very well may be pet specific, but it’s definitely something to think about before you decide.
Maybe one of the less considered points is the safety of your pet in bed. A puppy could easily fall off and hurt himself or your kitten could get twisted and choked by the sheet while you are asleep and unable to assist.
No go
There are some situations where it’s just not a good idea to let your pet sleep in your bed. For instance, if you have a new baby, it’s important to keep pets away from the sleeping area. Also, if your pet has behavioural issues, tends to get aggressive or has intense separation anxiety, it’s best to keep them off the bed.
Doctors usually advise people with compromised immune systems, HIV, transplant patients or those undergoing chemotherapy to avoid sleeping with pets as it could make them ill. In these situations, it’s best to prioritise your health and the health of your family.
Good to remember
It’s important to keep in mind that if you do decide to sleep with your pets, both of you should be healthy. Make sure to schedule regular vet check-ups, and keep up with your pet’s grooming, deworming and parasite prevention programmes. It’s also essential to maintain good hygiene in your bedroom and wash your bedding at regular intervals to avoid any unpleasant odours or bacteria build-up.
Decision time
So, should you let your pets sleep in your bed? Take a moment to think about your preferences before deciding. Keep in mind that convincing Fido to give up his comfy spot on the bed might not be an easy feat.
It’s a decision only you can make. If you’re okay with sharing your space with a furry companion and it makes you both happy and comfortable, then go for it. But if you have allergies, your pet has behavioural issues, or you simply can’t stand the thought of sharing your bed with a drooling, snoring animal, then that’s okay, too. Just remember, every pet is different, and so is every owner’s sleeping preference.
In the end, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks to make a decision that is safe and comfortable for both you and your companion animal. After all, a good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy and happy life – for you and your pet!
