Should My Dog Sleep on My Bed?

One of the most pressing questions that many dog owners have is whether or not their dog should sleep on their bed. Some pet owners swear by sleeping with their dogs, while others don’t want to deal with the hair and restless bed mate that dogs can be. The answer to whether your dog should sleep in your bed really depends on your and their preferences. Read on for some help in deciding whether or not you want to let your dog sleep in your bed.

Consider Your Dog’s Health

Your dog’s mental health can benefit from sleeping near you, but their physical health may prevent them from getting up onto the bed with you, especially if they are nearing old age or suffer from arthritis or joint issues. Climbing onto the bed can be a real challenge for older dogs. For this reason, you may want to keep your dog on a lower bed, even when they’re younger. If they age and suddenly can’t get up onto their favorite sleeping spot, your dog may become distressed. However, ramps and doggie steps can help dogs climb onto beds, so there are ways to ensure that your dog can get onto the bed even if they’re getting old.

Consider Your Own Health

Some people are extremely allergic to dogs, and having them in your sleeping space can make allergies flare up. Even if you don’t have allergies, you may experience increased allergic symptoms while sleeping with your dog. Dogs can carry pollen, dust, and other allergens in their fur, which can lead to those allergic symptoms in you. If these allergens linger on your bed coverings, you may end up sneezing and sniffling more than you usually do. Sleeping with your dog can also result in worse sleep for you, since dogs are often restless and may kick, roll, or get up to explore in the middle of the night. Sleep plays a huge role in your health, so consider the potential harm that sleeping with your dog could have on your sleep.

Consider You and Your Dog’s Preferences

At the end of the day, whether your dog sleeps in your bed or in their own depends on both of your preferences. Getting them their own bed could give them a space of their own to relax. However, allowing them to sleep with you could also provide them with a sense of closeness and intimacy that they may not otherwise get when you are gone during the day. Sleeping with them could also make you feel safer and less lonely, so this is another variable that you should consider when deciding where your dog should sleep. It all depends on what you and your dog are comfortable with. Try out different sleeping arrangements and settle on whatever works best for you and your furry family member.

Everyone is different, so your dog’s sleeping location really depends on your respective individual characteristics and their preferences. Consider the above when making your decision, and you and your dog will both sleep soundly. Happy sleeping!