Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?

Most dogs love being around their owners any time of day or night and any place – they’ll use every chance and every opportunity to snuggle in with you, even if it means sharing the bed, the sofa, or the armchair. Now, it’s up to you whether or not you’ll let them join you for a cuddle every time, but the question remains – should you let your dog sleep with you even if you don’t mind sleeping crowded? And are there any precautions you need to be aware of when sharing a bed with your four-legged best friend? Let’s find out.

Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?

Let’s face it: not all dog owners are the same. While we all love our pooches to death, that doesn’t mean that everybody has the same opinion on everything. Some dog owners think it’s perfectly fine to sleep with a dog by your feet, others sleep hugging their furbaby, and some don’t even allow their dogs in the bedroom. Needless to say, whether you want to sleep with your dog by your side or not is simply down to your personal choice and preference. You can do it, but you have to keep in mind that there will be some pros and cons included. Here are the basics:

Pros:

• Bonding: 

Sharing a sleeping space with your dog can strengthen the bond between you two and provide comfort and companionship.

• Warmth and Security: 

Dogs are pack animals and often seek warmth and security by sleeping close to their owners.

• Reduced Anxiety: 

Having your dog close by may help reduce  separation anxiety and stress, especially if your dog is prone to such issues.

• Physical and Mental Health: 

The presence of a dog has been shown to have positive effects on human health, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.

Cons:

• Sleep Disruption: 

Dogs can move around during the night, potentially disturbing your sleep and waking you up earlier than you’d want to get up.

• Hygiene: 

Dogs can carry dirt, allergens, and even parasites into the bed, which might affect your sleep environment and health.

• Allergies: 

If you or someone in your household has allergies, allowing a dog in the bed could exacerbate the problem.

• Behavioral Issues: 

If not properly trained, allowing your dog on the bed might reinforce dominant behaviors or lead to territorial issues.

Ultimately, there are several aspects you will have to take into consideration, even if you are keen on letting your pooch sleep with you. First of all, consider the size and behavior of your dog. A small, well-behaved dog may be less likely to disrupt your sleep compared to a larger, more active one. Of course, if you have a giant breed dog, they might not even fit into the bed next to you, even if they want to. 

Next, consider health and allergies. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, sharing your bed with a dog might not be the best idea, especially during the shedding season. 

Of course, you will have to consider training too. If you choose to let your dog sleep with you, it's important to establish boundaries and ensure they follow basic commands like staying off the bed until invited. Chaos is never good. 

Needless to say, you have to look after your own sleep quality as well. Your preferences matter. If your dog's presence affects your sleep negatively, it might be best to establish a separate sleeping space for them.

Ultimately, if your doggo is desperate to sleep together with you, or just share the bedroom, you can find an alternative solution. Providing a comfortable dog bed in your bedroom or a nearby area can give your dog a designated sleeping space without being on your bed.  A comfy dog bed such as this one can be the ideal solution. It is designed to provide optimal support for your dog’s spine and joints and it looks stylish, too.

In the end, the decision should be based on what works best for both you and your dog. It's important to strike a balance between companionship and a healthy sleep environment. If you're unsure, you could try allowing your dog to sleep with you for a trial period and assess how it impacts your sleep and well-being. If things don’t work out, however, you can simply make the bedroom off-limits with  a dog gate.