Gourmet Dog Beds Elevating Your Pet s Sleeping Experience

9 Pros And 7 Cons Of Sleeping With Your Dog + 7 Dangers

Dogs tend to love sharing beds with their humans

It could either be through invasion or invitation

Whichever it is, should you encourage co-sleeping with your pooch?

Youre about to discover:

• 7 cons of sleeping with your dog.
• Fact or myth: dogs make your sleep terrible.
• 7 possible dangers of co-sleeping with your pooch.
• 9 pros of letting your dog sleep with you in the bed.
• And thats just the beginning

Is it good or bad to sleep with your dog?

Its up to you to decide if sleeping with your dog is good or bad. Its because its you wholl be dealing with the results, whether positive or negative. There are many studies that aim to know the benefits of co-sleeping with dogs. But, there are some risks to note when sleeping with your pooch.

9 pros and 7 cons of sleeping with your dog

Pro #1: Both you and your dog will sleep better

Contrary to popular belief, dogs dont totally affect your sleep quality negatively.

Numerous studies help us oppose that long-assumed idea.

An example is this recent study:

For 5 months, researchers investigated humans and dogs who share a bed.

The goal of the investigation was to point out whether such a setup is good for both parties.

And lo and behold, the results come out as satisfactory!

Its as satisfying as the sleep quality that you could get from sleeping with your dog.

Not only that, but the researchers also found something from the subject dogs

Those canines shared the same results with their dog parents. Although a little better.

Heres a table to summarize the findings:

These results are assuring.

Why?

For sleep to be good, it has to reach the threshold of 80% sleep efficiency.

What is sleep efficiency exactly?

Its basically the quality of your sleep.

With that, the study concludes:

That your dog being in bed may not be as disruptive as advertised. In fact, they even help you sleep better.

The importance of sleep in dogs

Sleep is essential to your dogs health.

Fido needs at least 10 hours of sleep per day.

There are limited studies about the harmful effects of sleep deprivation in dogs.

Thats because humans see it as cruel to interrupt a dogs sleep for experimentation.

However, such studies have been done on humans. Various results say that sleep deprivation causes a bad mood.

Vets from PetMD state that it might be the same for dogs.

So, here are signs of sleep-deprivation in dogs to watch out for:

• Forgetfulness.
• Disorientation.
• Difficulty concentrating on your commands.

Pro #2: Their presence could relax you

Being near your dog could already release a rush of oxytocin in the both of you

What more if you cuddle and sleep in the same bed?

Such a rush of that hormone could comfort and relax you.

Moreover, the oxytocin hormone goes by many names. It could be the love hormones, cuddle chemicals, or happiness hormones.

Its named that way as it promotes love and is good for the individuals well-being.

Based on research, oxytocin plays a role in relationships. May it be romantic, platonic, and even the one with your dog.

You could get a charge of these hormones during physical interactions with your dog. It can range from simple petting to cuddling.

When you do, it makes you feel lighter. Then, youd feel as if your stress is relieving. Then, feeling that way could help improve your sleep.

Pro #3: It strengthens your bond

When you let your dog share a bed with you, your bond with them grows strong.

By sleeping together, you increase cuddle time with them.

It also keeps you close to each other.

Moreover, sleeping is an activity that makes both of you vulnerable

But that doesnt matter as you already trust each other.

Plus, this setup makes your dog feel like theyre really part of the family.

Did you know? Rescued or adopted dogs will better bond with their dog parent if they sleep in the same bed.

Remember: Dogs are pack animals who share a den. Those early canines used to sleep in the same shelter with their pack members.

Thats also why, as puppies, dogs sleep with their littermates.

With that, your pooch gets a sense of being part of the family if you let them sleep with you.

Moreover, Id talked about oxytocin in the previous section, right?

Its still applicable here. Such chemical substances in the body dont just make you feel less stressed.

What I didnt mention before was oxytocins lasting effect.

Its a hormone that increases the feeling of being loved. Itll make you love your dog so much, it hurts.

Then, your dog feels the same way.

So, you create a lasting relationship with your fur baby.

Pro #4: Your dog makes you feel safer

The presence of another being in bed makes you feel safe

What more if that being is your beloved pooch?

Its a widely known fact:

Dogs are protective of their family.

Thus, letting them sleep on your bed can increase your feeling of security.

No security alarm can compete with your vigilant Fido.

If your dog sleeps with their back to you, you can start feeling secure. Thats because such an arrangement is a defense position for dogs.

Thats why women in this 2018 survey claim to feel safer if their dog sleeps next to them.

Furthermore, these women feel more guarded with dogs beside them. They would feel safer compared to when theyre with a human being or a cat.

Moreover, humans can trace that feeling of security with dogs from a long time ago.

Based on this research, co-sleeping with dogs has been part of a tradition in some cultures. They view it as beneficial.

Like for Aboriginal Australians who co-sleep with their dogs

When they do, its believed that their canine companions ward off bad spirits.

Reading tip: 19 Signs Your Dog Is Protective Over You (Check Out #7)

Pro #5: They ease your loneliness

Imagine this:

Before you drift off to dreamland, you cuddle with your pup first.

You dont even notice that sleeps finally enveloping you

Next thing you know, its morning.

And the first thing you see is your pooch.

They might be sleeping soundly, looking at you, or doing whatever they can do while youre asleep.

Regardless, that moment put a smile on your face. And maybe by just imagining this scenario, you did smile.

Thats what your pooch does to you. To everyone.

Dogs make us all happy.

Here, oxytocin is still at play. Those hormones are released so much that dogs should be given a nickname like Oxytocin Hero.

That aside, letting your dog sleep next to you can boost your overall mental health.

There are studies after another that investigate such experiences.

This particular research investigated the effects of having Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI).

The results show that dogs could help with the following:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• PTSD symptoms.

Dogs can also make you more active. Thats what this study says.

And, with more activity comes a better chance of getting good sleep.

Then, with good sleep, your mental well-being is protected. Itll help boost your mood for the next day.

Pro #6: Dogs emit warmth

When I say warmth, I dont mean that feeling of affection and tenderness.

Although, your dog does give you the same feelings when you sleep with them.

However, what I meant is more literal.

Dogs are naturally warm in temperature. Think of them as walking and barking radiators.

On average, a dogs body temperature is 43 (6 ) higher than humans.

Thats what makes them perfect for cuddling!

Theyre huggable, and their heat is something that might soothe you.

This is particularly helpful during cold nights.

Moreover, you emit warmth as well. Thats why both of your temperatures are mutually beneficial to each other.

Lastly, dogs have a harder time regulating their body heat than us.

With your warmth around, it can help with the process and let them sleep better.

Pro #7: Co-sleeping is good for your heart

First, lets start small

Did you know? Petting your dog could lower your blood pressure (BP). Thats what this investigation focused on.

The authors concluded that touch is the major component of such a reaction.

There are cognitive factors as well. However, its less than what physical touch does.

With that, every time you touch your dog, you experience positive effects in your heart.

Moreover, the American Heart Association (AHA) has ample research about this topic.

This study is one of those many that are available:

It says that dogs are believed to lessen cardiovascular risks.

Then, further in the research, theres something big thats found

Its the fact that dog parents may owe longevity to their canine companions.

Thats because interactions with your dog lower cardiovascular mortality.

One of those interactions is sleeping with your pooch.

It includes the cuddles, snuggles, and smiles you get from your pup.

Now it all makes sense to say that your dog makes your heart happy.

Pro #8: Your dog can help with your insomnia

Do you have trouble sleeping or insomnia?

Having your dog sleep next to you can help you with that.

How exactly?

Lets break it down piece by piece

Here are ways on how your dog could help you with your insomnia:

Way #1: When your dogs already asleep, theyll be breathing rhythmically.

With them next to you, you might be able to follow that relaxing rhythm.

Your heart might even calm down with your heart rate decreasing.

Little do you know, youre being lulled to sleep.

Way #2: Some dog parents say that they treat their dogs snoring as white noise. Such a sound helps them fall asleep faster.

Way #3: As discussed, having your dog by your side makes you calmer and feel more secure.

Thats why knowing your dogs there next to you can soothe your mind.

With that, youre prone to sleeping soundly and waking up well-rested.

Pro #9: It makes our dog happy

Its not only you wholl enjoy this setup

Your pooch greatly appreciates you allowing them to sleep next to you.

You might already know it, but let me repeat it

Your fur baby loves you so much. They dont want anything else but to be near you.

Thats why sleeping next to you is a big win for them.

Theyll also experience some of the benefits that youll have.

Theyll feel warmer, more relaxed, and more comfortable.

Co-sleeping can also help ease your dogs anxiety.

Thats because, for your pooch, youre their calm. Being next to you is being safe and sound.

Moreover, theres no denying that your pup enjoys your soft sheets.

Read also: Why Does My Dog Want To Sleep With Me All Of A Sudden?

Con #1: Dogs are bed hoggers

Imagine this:

You have an adequate-sized bed.

However, with your dog there, it doesnt seem like it.

Its because you might start with equal space with them

But, once you wake up

Youre pushed almost to the edge of the bed.

Then theres your Snuggles whos sleeping soundly and comfortably

Theyre able to feel that way because they successfully hogged a lot of bed space.

Wait, it doesnt stop there!

Thats because, after a few nights of sleeping with your dog, things have escalated.

You no longer start with equal spaces.

Almost immediately, a big space is reserved under a Mr. or Ms. McFlufferson.

With that, it leaves you with a small space

And worse, maybe even a backache for holding yourself to not being pushed to the edge

Note: This isnt just a case of when you sleep with a medium or large dog. Dog parents with small fur babies can relate to this experience, too.

Con #2: Dogs get up at night

This is one of the top concerns when you sleep with your dog.

No matter how much you try, your pooch might be compelled to get up in the middle of the night. Moreover, it might even be accompanied by whining.

It could be due to numerous reasons.

Like, when theyre in heat or sexually frustrated

Youll be awakened by whining or scratching at the door. Thats because they aim to escape and find another canine to mate with

Sometimes, your dog will get up because theyre thirsty. If they dont have their water bowl in the room, theyll cry as well.

Other times, its the other way around. Your pooch gets up and whines because they need a bathroom break

If you dont give that break, they might result in doing their business inside your room.

Theres also a scenario where theyre hungry and want a midnight snack.

And as you know, dogs are alert beings. Plus, they want to protect you.

Those factors make them highly reactive.

Thats why they might alert you of small things like critters, rodents, and the wind hitting the trees

Lastly, if your dog has allergies, they might stay up all night scratching.

You might also like: 13 Odd Reasons Why Dogs Whine At Night + 5 Tips To Stop It

Con #3: Your dog snores

Like I said earlier, some dog parents treat snoring as white noise. But there are other parents who see this as a huge disruption

One moment youre fast asleep. Next thing you know, youre awakened by the loud snoring that shakes your room

You can experience this constantly if your dog is brachycephalic.

Vets tell us that that term is used to describe dogs with short skulls and snouts.

Some examples of brachycephalic dogs are:

• Pugs.
• Shih Tzus.
• Pekingese.
• Bull Mastiffs.
• English Bulldogs.

Theyre predisposed snorers because their airways are much shorter.

However, all dogs are capable of snoring.

You might catch your pooch snoring if theyre lying flat on their back.

Thats because the position makes their tongue rest in a weird spot. With that, it partially blocks the airways in their mouth.

Other causes of snoring in dogs:

• Rhinitis.
• Obesity.
• Allergies.
• Sleep apnoea.
• Dental problems.

Should I be worried if my dog snores?

As I said, all dogs are capable of snoring.

Sometimes, its just an issue of a partially blocked nasal passage.

But, since there are medical-related causes of snoring, theres a need for your attention.

Moreover, you should be concerned once your pooch suddenly becomes a snorer.

Where one night theyre a sound sleeper, then the next theyre sawing wood in their sleep

A veterinarian should examine such a case.

For frequent snorers, dog parents say that they adjusted for their dogs.

Dog parents recommend wearing noise-canceling earplugs. Thats what they choose to do instead of moving their dog to another room.

Con #4: Dogs tend to twitch in their sleep

Often, you could catch your fur baby twitching in their sleep.

Fido could be whimpering or moving their paws while their eyes are closed.

Sometimes, it even looks like theyre running a marathon in dreamland.

Its entertaining to watch

Although not in the middle of the night. More importantly, not when your sleep has been disrupted.

So, if you want your dog to sleep next to you

Youre going to have to deal with this almost constantly.

Thats because this behavior might appear more than you need it to.

When they twitch, does it mean that my dog is dreaming?

To answer, let me discuss dog dreams further

Do dogs dream?

The answer is yes, they do.

Dr. Stanley Coren, a renowned psychologist, talked about it.

He says that it might come out more surprising to us if, in the end, dogs dont dream.

But they do

Scientists had proven it when they removed dogs pons in an experiment. Those pons are the part of the brain that stops your dog from acting out their dreams

Without that, the dogs were moving around in their sleep in the experiment.

Their brains are monitored during this event. The electrical recordings show that these dogs are indeed sleeping soundly.

With that, researchers were able to conclude that:

Dogs are capable of dreaming in their sleep.

Moreover, they dream about everyday things for them. And they even dream about you.

Warning: Dont wake your dog up when theyre twitching and whimpering during sleep.

Thats because you might startle them. With that, you risk your pooch biting you.

Con #5: Get ready for fureverywhere

If your dog isnt a shedder, then youre a lucky one who can skip this part

Or, you can learn more about the struggles of dog parents with a shedder.

And for those that do, welcome to another one of your battles to endure for your dog

Fur. Everywhere

On your beautiful sheets, no matter the color of the bedding.

When its time for a change of bedclothes, and you lift your mattress up

Oof

You might find that theres more fur under the mattress. There are also clumps in the corner of your bed frames.

Those are the things that you can expect if you let your shedding dog sleep next to you.

Here are some examples of dog breeds who shed a lot:

• Akitas.
• Collies.
• Chow Chows.
• Siberian Huskies.
• Golden Retrievers.
• German Shepherds.
• Alaskan Malamutes.
• Labrador Retrievers.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Con #6: They affect the temperature

As I said a while ago, dogs emit warmth

Thats a good thing if the weathers chilly.

However, it doesnt make an ideal setup during the summer or hot climates.

Your canines body heat might cause you to stir at night frequently.

You might find yourself getting up, kicking your blanket away, or nudging Fido from you.

Sometimes, you might catch yourself sweating too much and feeling sticky

With that, all these can contribute to you getting little sleep.

Con #7: Who wakes up who

Its almost a mutual understanding between each dog parents

When asked, What time does your dog wake up?

Another dog parent might say, Too early

Yep, dogs tend to do that.

You might experience your dog licking your face in the morning. If not that, then your pooch might bring their favorite toy to you in bed,

Sometimes, it lightens the mood and makes your day. Other times its too much to bear on an early weekend

How do dogs know its time to wake up?

The answer is they just do

Half of the time, your pup practices what they learned from you.

If you wake up at 6 am, your pooch will likely wake up at the same time

However, I did mention that dogs are highly reactive.

So, the other half is when they let the dog in them lead the way.

Once something catches their attention and wakes them up

Oh

It might be hard for them to go back to sleep.

Why?

Its because dogs dont sleep the way humans do.

With that, they might get bored that youre not yet awake. And so, theyre left with one option

And thats to disrupt your sleep and make you get up easily

7 dangers of sleeping with dogs

#1: Its not safe for your small dog

If you own a large dog, then theyre in for a great snuggling

However, smaller dogs might not experience the same thing.

For canines their size, sleeping next to humans might not be a good decision.

Thats because it poses a risk for them, such as:

• Its harder for them to get off the bed.
• Suffocation from your blankets or your hug.
• If theyre pushed to the edge, they might not take the fall lightly.
• Being crushed by your weight when you accidentally lie on them.

With that, keep your dogs safety in mind first.

Warning: This is riskier if your dogs still a puppy.

#2: Co-sleeping worsens allergies

No matter how much you love your pooch, theres but one issue

You might be allergic to their fur.

If not that, it could be their dander, which are tiny specks of skins.

And with them sleeping next to you and spreading those everywhere

You might be close to an allergic reaction.

Regardless if it might be just mild, having your pet beside you can aggravate your allergies.

Even having them around your room can pose the same risk.

Thats why if youre allergic to them, it might be best for your health if your rooms a no dog zone.

But say youre not allergic to your dog

Dont be complacent just yet!

During your dogs walks, dust and pollen attach to their fur.

And if theyre not cleaned before bedtime, they can bring those to your clean sheets.

Warning: You can develop animal allergies at any point in your life.

Moreover, its not just dogs that you can be allergic to. You can be allergic to rabbits, horses, hamsters, or birds.

#3: You risk an asthmatic episode

First, lets get one thing straight

According to experts, its not your dogs fur that makes your asthma worse.

So, what does? Theyre the following allergens:

Note: Those have one component in common. They all have protein in them that makes your body respond.

So, if you inhale or touch those, your immune system might overreact. Then, that causes your asthma symptoms to get worse.

It also doesnt help if youre already allergic to your dog and asthmatic

#4: They might bring parasites

Unfortunately, bloodsuckers are hanging in your dogs skin.

Im talking about parasites like fleas and ticks.

Not only are they dangers to your dog

These kinds of parasites are drawn to human blood, too.

Fleas like your blood

They can jump off of your pooch and cling to you.

What makes their bite itchy for your dog is the same reason why youll get itchy from it.

When biting, fleas also inject their saliva under your skin.

That saliva is filled with protein that could cause you allergies.

For some people, the effects are worse.

Experts say that if you scratch too much, it can lead to skin infections.

Moreover, fleas dont just multiply in your dogs body. If they fall off, they can live in carpets, beddings, or rugs.

Ticks are even more dangerous

These tiny blood-sucking bugs like the taste of your blood, too. They dont just target your canine

Ticks will bite on warm and moist areas. Once they do, they might remain attached if theyre not removed.

They can hold their bite for 10 days until they become large and full enough. Then, theyll detach and fall off

Professionals say that sometimes, these bites are harmless. But, you might be allergic to them, and it can cause a bad allergic reaction.

Moreover, ticks often carry harmful diseases like:

• Ehrlichiosis.
• Lyme disease.
• Colorado tick fever.
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

#5: Cause separation anxiety (or make it worse)

If your dog has separation anxiety, this setup is both good and bad for them.

It makes them feel safe and closer to you, sure

But, it encourages the issue.

With that, your dogs separation anxiety could grow worse.

They might have a harder time detaching a little from you.

Thats because even until you sleep, theyre near you.

According to VCA Hospitals, here are signs of separation anxiety in dogs:

• Vocalization.
• House-soiling,
• Destructive behaviors.
• Whining before you leave.
• Following you everywhere when youre home.
• Being extremely excited when you finally get home.

If your pooch doesnt have this condition, they might develop it if theyre very used to the setup

Continue reading: Why Does My Dog All Of A Sudden Have (Separation) Anxiety?

#6: Its not good for territorial dogs

This is another issue that might arise or get worse if you let your dog sleep with you

After a few nights, your pooch might claim your bed as theirs.

As mentioned, dogs are den animals.

Now, your pup might consider your bed as their den.

You can either be totally, slightly, or not-at-all welcome to this new territory of theirs.

ASPCA says that this is called territorial aggression. It could project towards a family member or another canine.

If you live in a multi-people and multi-dog household, Fido might not be in the mood to share the bed. Ever

As said, you might be an exception. With that, its up to you to decide if thats a great thing.

#7: You risk an incoming bite

Yet again, dogs are highly reactive beings. That attitude shows even in the middle of their sleep

One can even say that dogs are mostly light sleepers.

Now, to you

You might be that kind of person who stirs at night. You might kick, turn around, or slam your arm frequently

So, put you and your dog together

Oh, it doesnt look good in this situation.

Thats because your movements could startle your dog.

Thus, you disturbed their sleep, which you should never do to a dog.

Why?

Thats very dangerous.

By startling your dog, you might receive an unintentional bite.

Ive talked about this previously in the article (under Do dogs dream?).

What I didnt discuss was its name. Its called social aggression.

And you might receive that because your actions caused you to overstep your dogs limits.