Have you ever been presented with your dog’s big, sad eyes while you’re crawling into bed at night and questioned if you should let them sleep next to you? Many dog owners face this situation. After a long day, it’s comforting to have a furry body by your side. But is it healthy to sleep in bed with a dog? Some people find it a fantastic opportunity for bonding and falling asleep easier; others complain about hygiene, lack of space, and changes in behavior. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, just pros and cons on both sides that may help you decide whether a dog in your bed is best for you and your situation.
As a responsible dog owner, you want what’s best for both you and your furry friend. Allowing your dog to sleep in your bed is a personal choice based on your lifestyle with your dog, their temperament, and your feelings about shared sleeping quarters. Therefore, this article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of letting dogs sleep in their owner’s beds, including additional considerations should you decide to go through with it, so you know by the end if this is the right activity for you and your household.
Benefits of Letting Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed
One of the biggest reasons to let your dog sleep in your bed is the bond that you will form. Since dogs are pack animals, they inherently feel more loved and in a safe place when they are with you. Therefore, by letting your dog sleep next to you, you are acknowledging him/her as part of the family and boosting that connection. Just take a look at how thankful your dog is for you; those closed eyes while sleeping or the wagging tail that occasionally gives away how happy your dog is every few minutes is pure happiness that no one can deny.
Another reason to let your dog sleep in your bed is the comfort that you will receive. For some, just the presence of a dog is enough comfort and after a long day at work, being able to pet soft fur or feel a dog on one’s side dissipates stress. For others, especially people who live alone, having a dog next to them eliminates loneliness—the sound of breathing, the weight of a leg resting on one’s cramping leg can all be comforting as if the dog is comforting the human without even realizing it. It’s like having the ultimate squishy pillow throughout the night.
Finally, if you live in a cold climate, dogs can be heating pads. For those frigid winter nights when it’s comedically too cold, having a dog next to you keeps you warm without the need for extra blankets. Dogs are like space heaters, one more layer of comfort on a cozy winter night.
For some, having a dog sleep in their bed calms them. If you’re a person who gets paranoid at little noises at night, having a dog sleep in your bed adds an element of safety. While they may not be trained protection pups, dogs can sense when things are off. Knowing your pup is there to “protect” you may allow you to fall asleep faster.
For some, having a dog in bed is a joy. Instead of simply going to bed, you’re getting to bed with something to look forward to. When your dog jumps in bed with you, settles, or turns himself around to get comfy, you’ll find yourself curving a smile more often than not. It’s these little things that bring you joy on a daily basis.
The Negatives of Sleeping with Your Dog
But not everything about sleeping with your dog is positive. There are some serious negatives. First, there’s hygiene. Dogs are dirty animals—they walk outside, they roll in the grass, and they step in things. Even if you keep your dog as clean as possible—giving baths frequently—there’s still going to be dirt, hair, and dander on your side of the bed. For someone with allergies, this is a guaranteed way to exacerbate them. No one wants to wake up sneezing.
Additionally, there’s size. Depending on the breed, dogs can take up a lot of space. An annoying tiny Chihuahua may not get in the way, but a Great Dane? A Great Dane is sure to take up all the space possible. Some dogs sprawl or kick while sleeping, leaving you on the edge of the bed. If you’re a light sleeper, you’ll be disturbed several times a night. You want to fight for your side of the bed every single night?
Furthermore, there’s sleep disturbance. While many people sleep better with a dog on or next to them, others cannot sleep with a dog nearby. Some dogs snore; some whimper in their sleep. Some even bark at the most unexpected times during the night. If your dog jumps off to get a drink or scratches at 3 AM, you’ll be startled awake from a sound sleep. Eventually, you’ll just be cranky from being tired all the time.
Finally, dogs develop bad habits when they sleep in bed with you. Some dogs will think your bed is theirs, and they’ll growl or snap if you try to nudge them over. Let’s say you want your side of the bed back. It’s nearly impossible to undo a behavior of sleeping with you once they’re used to it; it’s like telling a child they can sleep with you one night and taking it away the next time. Have you ever tried to talk a dog into doing something it does not want to do? Good luck with that.
Of course, if you sleep with a partner, you’ll need to consider their feelings, too. Not everyone is in favor of dogs in the bed; if one partner wants the dog in the bed and the other doesn’t, this will cause resentment. In addition, your dog sleeping in between you is not good for your marriage—no one wants their dog to be a third wheel in their own bed.
Finally, does your dog go outside? Fleas and ticks could pose a problem. If he sleeps in your bed and comes in with a flea or tick, you’ll have an infestation in no time. Consider this, even with flea preventative. You don’t want your home overtaken.
Questions To Ask Before Making Your Decision
Of course, before allowing your dog to hop into bed, examine your situation. No two dogs or homes are alike, so what may be the best option for one person may not always be the best option for you. Consider the following questions.
What size is your dog? The smaller the dog, the easier it may be to accommodate. A large dog in a little bed and a little dog can make for some uncomfortable nights. Think about whether your space can allow both you and your dog to get restful sleep.
Then consider your dog’s temperament and attitude. Is your dog an angel and doesn’t move while you’re attempting to sleep? If they bark, whine, and keep you up all night, they may not be suited to sleeping in bed with you. If your dog is aggressive, you definitely don’t want them in bed with you. But if your dog is that cute little potato who loves to cuddle on the couch, maybe it’s a match made in heaven.
Then evaluate your health. Do you have allergies? Asthma? If having a dog in bed is going to irritate and exacerbate these conditions, then you should not co-sleep— in sickness or in health. Even if you’re not currently allergic, co-sleeping puts you at risk for developing dog-related dander allergies down the line. Be honest with yourself whether fur in the bed would be an issue, especially with honest reflection about the extra cleaning you’ll have to do if you’re not a fan of fur everywhere.
Think about your propensity for sleep. Are you easily annoyed and shaken awake by noises? Or do you sleep through anything? If you’re a light sleeper, you may not want your dog sleeping with you. If you’re a heavy sleeper, it may not matter to you at all.
Finally, if you live with someone, let them know. A partner, roommate, or anyone else in your living situation needs to consent; after all, it wouldn’t be fair to ask someone to share their bed with an unexpected dog if that someone is uncomfortable.
Ultimately, your lifestyle may also factor into this decision. If you’re someone who travels often or does not have a set schedule for work, letting your pup sleep with you may confuse him when you’re absent. Dogs love structure and an alteration to something they once understood may stress them out. On the other hand, if you are home every night hoping to establish a routine, this may work in your favor.
Tips for Making It Work
Those who will welcome dogs in their beds can take steps to make the experience pleasant for canine and human companions alike. A little forethought goes a long way.
First, cleanliness is key. Bathe your dog often and keep him groomed to limit hair and dander. Wipe his paws after coming in from outside to prevent mud and dirt from getting into your sheets. Consider laying down a towel or pet blanket over your comforter to catch extra hair and dirt, allowing you to easily remove it for clean sheets.
Invest in bedding. A mattress protector that is washable and heavy duty sheets will hold up better against wear and tear while needing more frequent laundering since your dog will be in your private space every night. Have extra sets on hand for when laundering becomes more frequent.
Set expectations from the start. If you do not want your dog on your pillows or under the covers, teach him where he is allowed to sleep (and where he is not!) Using commands such as “stay” and “off” will help him distinguish. But be consistent—if he can have the pillow on Monday and you’re scolding on Tuesday, he’s going to be confused.
Make sure your pet is healthy. Regular vet visits and flea and tick prevention mean that your pet won’t pass any pesky things or health issues onto you. If your dog sheds a lot or has skin conditions, consult the vet about the best approach.
If you’re short on space, a newer, larger option is a king-size bed—more room to stretch for you and your pooch. Otherwise, try putting the dog at the foot of the bed and not on the side that the owner typically sleeps on.
If you’re a light sleeper, buy a white noise machine or invest in earplugs to muffle any snoring or fidgeting at night. Also, purchase a crate and crate train the dog, just in case—if one night you need a good night’s sleep, your dog has a familiar place to go.
Just be aware of your dog’s temperament; if your dog becomes possessive or aggressive about where it sleeps in the bed, you’ll want to create stricter boundaries or move the dog to its bed.
Compromises if You Don’t Want Your Dog in Your Bed
If you don’t want to put your dog in your bed but are still on the fence, there are other ways to keep them nearby at night. You don’t have to give up your bed or send them outside.
Another option is to buy a dog bed that’s appropriate and place it right next to yours. This way, the dog has the closeness it needs to feel safe, yet you have your own space. Also, if you feel the need to reach down and pet them to soothe them, you can do that as well.
Another recommendation is to keep the dog in your bedroom but not on your bed. You can create a designated spot for them with a blanket—preferably one that smells like you—or a crate, as a nighttime solution for dogs who enjoy their own space.
If your dog is crate trained, keeping the crate in the room might be the best solution. Many dogs enjoy being in their crates and this will prevent them from jumping on the bed while eliminating the indecision during the night about boundaries. Just be sure to have a nice blanket or pad in the crate for comfort.
Another idea is to allow the dog to sleep on the bed while you’re awake and not when you’re ready to sleep. This gives the dog time to cuddle, but when it comes time for you to have a no-dog zone, you’ve established that successfully. It’s a good way to test boundaries during the day without any firm commitment at night.
The Bottom Line
So should you let your dog sleep in your bed? The answer we found is personal according to you, your dog’s needs, and your lifestyle. While there are many pros such as bonded companionship, additional warmth and security, there are also many cons such as health and hygiene concerns, sleep disruptions, territorial issues and behavior concerns that cannot be ignored. By truly assessing how your dog currently behaves and your personal health and sleeping needs, a decision can be made for the best for all parties involved.
It’s a positive experience with minimal changes, whether you choose to share your bed or not. Just keep your dog clean, get a good dog bed that can withstand fur and set boundaries. If you aren’t sharing your bed there are plenty of options for your dog to be close yet still have their own space and sleep properly.
It all depends on you and your dog’s preferences. Whether you get a good night’s sleep tangled together or a good night’s sleep with your pooch in their beds next to yours, it will be the love that you share that matters. Will your dog be sleeping in bed with you tonight?