Is It Bad to Sleep with Your Dog?

The choice to share a bed with a dog is a frequent one for pet owners, and it's a decision that goes beyond personal preference. Studies on the sleep habits of humans and dogs, as well as the consequences of co-sleeping, show a complicated interaction between psychological and physiological factors.

Humans typically cycle through 90-110 minute sleep stages, culminating in restorative REM sleep. Dogs, however, experience much shorter cycles, roughly 20 minutes each.

This difference stems from our own evolutionary journeys. Humans evolved for diurnal activity, while dogs retain the flexible, polyphasic sleep patterns of their wild ancestors. This means they naturally alternate between short sleep and wake periods throughout the day and night, which explains why your dog might be perfectly content to nap during the day and still sleep through the night with you.

The quality of sleep also varies significantly. Dogs spend only about 10% of their sleep in REM, the deep, restorative phase, compared to humans, which is 25%. This suggests a higher level of alertness during sleep, a crucial survival trait for their wild ancestors, who needed to be constantly vigilant.

While objective sleep monitoring methods like actigraphy often reveal increased sleep disruptions when dogs share the bed, subjective reports from owners tell a different story. Many claim they sleep better with their dogs, which shows the psychological influence on sleep quality. In other ways, the comfort and companionship provided by a dog can outweigh minor physical disturbances.

The co-sleeping experience is highly individual, and it is determined largely by your dog's behavior. Some dogs are peaceful sleepers, remaining still throughout the night, while others are restless, prone to repositioning, responding to noises, or even acting out their dreams. Ultimately, the decision to share your bed with your dog is a personal one.

In the following sections, we'll delve into the specific benefits and potential risks associated with co-sleeping with your dog, helping you make an informed decision for both your well-being and your dog's.

Did you know that your dog's sleep needs vary dramatically by age, breed, and activity level? Uncover the surprising truth about how much rest your dog actually needs in our detailed sleep guide.

Sleeping with a dog can offer a variety of benefits, both psychological and physical. Here's a breakdown of some key advantages:

• Calm and relaxation: cuddling with your dog provides a sense of relaxation, tranquility, and comfort. While simply petting or interacting with dogs can bring joy, sharing your resting space represents a deeper level of bonding that promotes calm and relaxation.
• Improved cardiovascular health: research has shown that sleeping with your dog can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. A 2023 study ^[1] suggests that fond memories of dogs in bed are associated with feelings of safety
• Support for post-traumatic stress: people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often benefit from service dogs trained to provide comfort during nightmares or anxiety episodes. These dogs can detect distress and offer immediate comfort, helping to interrupt traumatic episodes.
• Reduced feelings of isolation: sharing your bed with a dog can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness or melancholy. For many people, especially those living alone, their pet provides valuable companionship during vulnerable nighttime hours.
• Positive hormonal changes: physical contact with dogs has been shown to increase oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") while reducing cortisol (a stress hormone). This hormonal balance can benefit both psychological wellbeing and cardiovascular health.
• Strengthened emotional bond: sharing something as intimate as sleep can deepen the connection between you and your dog, reinforcing your relationship through mutual trust and comfort.
• Potential allergy benefits: there is some research^[2] that suggest that early exposure to animal dander can strengthen the immune system, and reduce the likelihood of developing allergies later in life.

However, as mentioned earlier, individual experiences may vary, and some people may experience disrupted sleep depending on their dog's size, movements, or sleeping habits.

Before inviting your canine companion into bed, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Beyond simply sharing space, co-sleeping can introduce a variety of health, hygiene, and behavioral risks.

• Sleep disruption: dogs move, shift, and sometimes snore. This can disrupt your sleep, especially if your dog is a restless sleeper or a bed hog. Research indicates that while having dogs in the room doesn't always hurt sleep, having them in the bed itself can.
• Hygiene issues: dogs bring in dirt, allergens, and other outdoor debris. Shedding, drool, and the occasional accident can also make bedtime less than pristine.
• Behavioral issues: sometimes, sharing your bed can lead to resource guarding or territorial behavior in dogs. It might also worsen separation anxiety.
• Relationship strain: if you and your partner have different opinions about dogs in bed, it can cause conflict. Disrupted sleep or limited space can also create tension.
• Safety concerns for babies: Experts, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly advise against infants sleeping with pets due to the risk of suffocation or injury.
• Worsening existing conditions: Those with asthma or COPD might find their symptoms worsen due to exposure to pet dander and allergens.

Can sleeping with dogs affect your health?

While the companionship of a dog can be comforting, it's important to be aware of some potential health risks.

Dogs, particularly those not receiving regular veterinary care, can carry pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases. These diseases are transmissible between animals and humans. Examples include parasitic infections such as roundworms hookworms, bacterial infections like Salmonella and fungal infections such as ringworm.

Dogs exposed to outdoor environments can acquire external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can readily transfer to bedding and subsequently to humans, leading to skin irritation and potential disease transmission.

Sharing your bed with your furry companion can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to establish healthy boundaries and practices. The following tips will help you enjoy the benefits of sleeping with your dog while minimizing potential risks.

• Stay current on vaccinations: ensure your dog is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations to prevent disease transmission.
• Maintain parasite prevention: use veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and internal parasite prevention consistently.
• Schedule routine check-ups: regular veterinary examinations can catch potential health issues before they become problematic.
• Bathe your dog regularly: while daily baths aren't necessary and can be harmful to your dog's skin, establish a bathing schedule appropriate for your dog's breed and activity level.
• Brush frequently: regular brushing removes loose fur, dander, and dirt before it ends up in your bed.
• Use washable bedding: choose bedding materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
• Wash bed linens weekly: use hot water and pet-safe detergents to eliminate allergens and parasites.
• Use separate blankets: provide your dog with their own blanket on the bed to contain fur and dander.
• Establish invitation protocol: train your dog to wait for permission before jumping onto the bed. Ensure your dog responds reliably to commands to leave the bed when needed.
• Consistent bedtime routine: establish regular sleeping hours to help your dog understand when it's time to rest.

Curious why your dog chooses the foot of the bed instead of snuggling up closer? The answer involves fascinating aspects of canine psychology, protection instincts, and your relationship.

While the benefits of co-sleeping are clear, there are certain situations where it's best to keep your dog out of your bed for health and safety reasons:

• If your allergies or asthma worsen around pet dander. If you're sneezing and wheezing all night, it's probably not worth it.
• When you or your dog are recovering from surgery or an illness. You both need good rest, and sharing a bed might complicate that.
• If your dog is showing any signs of aggression or resource guarding.
• When your dog is being treated for something contagious. You don't want to catch anything, and you don't want to risk reinfecting your dog.
• If you're just not sleeping well, even after trying everything. Sometimes, it's just a matter of needing your own space to get a good night's rest.
• While generally safe with healthy during pregnancy, well maintained dogs, there are some increased risks of zoonotic diseases. It is best to discuss sleeping with your dog with your doctor to make an informed decision.

Ever noticed your sleeping dog's paws twitching or heard soft whimpers during their deep sleep? Discover what's happening in your pup's mind during those sleep movements in our exploration of canine sleep states.

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