If you're a proud dog parent, you've probably faced that “should I, shouldn’t I?” conundrum of whether or not to let your furry friend sleep in your bed.
For many, it's a no-brainer—of course, the dog sleeps in the bed! But for some of us, it can become a topic of heated debate.
Here we’ll take a closer look at the world of co-sleeping with our canine companions. Let’s find out why it might be the best (and also the craziest) decision you make.
dogs in bed: the snuggle factor
Let's be real for a second here. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a warm, furry body snuggled up next to you. Dogs are pretty much living, breathing teddy bears that give us heaps of comfort and warmth. And that cosiness in itself can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which could actually make it easier to drift off to sleep.
Furthermore, having your dog close can help you to feel more secure. Think of it as a bit like having your personal little (or not so little, depending on the breed) guard dog right there, keeping watch while you sleep.
bonding opportunities
Sharing a bed can also help to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Dogs are (by nature) pack animals. And sleeping in close proximity to their "pack" (that’s you in this scenario!) is a very natural behaviour. It helps to reinforce their sense of belonging and can help to make them feel more secure and loved. And let's face it, who doesn't want to feel more connected to their best friend? Nawwww.
the downsides of sharing a bed with your dog (because there are always downsides)
Of course, co-sleeping with your dog won’t be exclusively rainbows and snuggles. Here are some of the more practical considerations to bear in mind while deciding whether to let your dog share your bed:
- Space hoggers: Dogs, no matter how small or big they may be, have an impressive, almost magical ability to take up way more space in bed than you’d think possible. You might find yourself clinging to the edge of the bed while your pup sprawls out luxuriously – not exactly ideal.
- Sleep disruptors: Some dogs (not all – but lots of them) can be restless sleepers. This means that they might move around, scratch, lick, or even have dreams that cause them to twitch and bark. And this type of behaviour can disrupt your sleep, leading to broken sleep patterns.
- Allergy aggravators: If you suffer from allergies, sharing a bed with your dog might not be the best idea. And even if you’re not allergic to dogs specifically, dogs can bring in all sorts including dirt, pollen, and other allergens. So, for those who are considering sharing a bed with their four-legged friends, it’s best to keep them well-groomed and clean.
sharing a bed with a dog: making it work
If you do decide to let your dog share your bed, here are a few tips to remember. They should make sharing your bed with your dog go as smoothly as possible:
- Set boundaries: Training your dog to understand which parts of the bed are off-limits is a good idea. It can help you to reclaim some of your valuable personal space in the bed.
- Groom regularly: Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed can help to minimise the amount of dirt and allergens they bring with them into your bed.
- Choose comfy bedding: Invest in good quality bedding that’s easy to clean. Using a top notch mattress protector to keep your mattress in good shape is a great idea for anyone sharing a bed with a dog too.
- Keep up with your dog’s health check ups: Regular vet visits are essential. You need to make sure that your dog is healthy and free from pests such as fleas or ticks in general, but especially if you plan on sharing your sleep space with them.
bed sharing with dogs: final thoughts
Sharing a bed with your dog can be comforting and great for bonding. But there are some challenges you’ll need to at least be aware of. Plus, many dog owners find that the benefits of bed sharing with their canine companion far outweigh the downsides.
So, if you're on the fence, why not give it a try? - With our advice in mind, of course. You might just find that a night with your furry friend by your side gives you the best sleep you’ve ever had. And, if it doesn’t work out, we’re quite sure that your pup won’t mind having a bed of their own right next to yours too much. Until next time, eve sleep.
