Why Your Dog Shouldn’t Sleep With You
Do you sleep with your pets? Some people say why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you because it could be “unhygienic,” “bad for your health,” or a “bad habit”. But many of those who sleep with their furbabies do so because they feel “less anxious,” “more comfortable,” and that their pets “enjoy sharing the bed too.” Well, all of these claims are correct. Today, I’ll tell you the advantages and disadvantages and some tips for sleeping with your pets. Remember to subscribe to our channel and like this video before we start!
According to a recent study conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about 54% of dogs and cats sleep with their owners in the same bed. That is over half of the pet owners, so I’m sure opinions on sharing the bed with pets are also divided. First, let me tell you about the pros of sharing a bed with your pets.
1. Advantages of sleeping with pets for people
Image by Freepik
- Unlike why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you, people who struggle with depression or anxiety can experience psychological comfort from their pets, which can help them sleep better.
- The average temperature of dogs and cats is around 38-39 degrees, which is warmer than the average human body. The warmth of their bodies can make people feel safe and cozy and helps to improve sleep quality.
- Emotional-support dogs are trained to help people with PTSD by waking them up from nightmares. According to a study conducted on veterans with PTSD, 57% of the respondents said that this method helped them manag e their PTSD symptoms .
- The frequency of cats purring is between 25-150 Hertz. This vibration is similar to the vibrations used in ultrasonic therapy to treat bones and connective tissues. A cat’s purr is also said to be good for soothing the mind. Cats are mystical creatures, indeed!
2. Advantages of sleeping with owners for pets
Image by Freepik
- Sharing the bed with pets is a way of showing trust, which forms a close bond between you and your pet.
- Oxytocin and dopamine, also known as the “love hormone” and “happiness hormone,” gets released when pets sleep with their owners and can positively affect your pet’s health.
- Sleeping with pets can give them a sense of comfort and security, which can improve the sleep quality of your pets.
Then, let’s find out why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you.
3. Disadvantages of sleeping with pets for people
(Why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you)
Image by Freepik
- Pets can disrupt your sleep. Dogs and cats have shorter sleep continuity than humans, so they may move around in the middle of their sleep, making it easier to disrupt whoever is sharing the bed. Cats are also nocturnal animals, so they are active in the early mornings, which can also wake you up. A study was conducted on sleep efficiency while sleeping with pets, and it was found that sleep efficiency* dropped to about 70 percent when the average percentage should be 85% or more. (*the percentage of time spent asleep while in bed) he barking and meowing of dogs and cats, as well as small movements and snoring, can also disturb sleep. Sometimes cats even get on top of your head and sleep. Lack of sleep can affect the immune system and overall health, so it’s important to be aware.
- Exposure to various diseases. Pet hair can be dangerous for allergies, lung diseases, and respiratory diseases. Exposure to fleas, ticks, and parasites that pets carry is also possible. This is the main reason why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you.
- Forbid aggressive behavior. Pets may mistakenly perceive the human bed as their own territory, leading to problematic aggressive behavior when on the bed. They may also interfere with your sleep by biting or barking.
4. Disadvantages of sleeping with owners for pets
(Why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you)
Image by Freepik
- Chances are that your pets are also being disrupted in their sleep sharing the bed with you, but they are doing so purely out of love. It may be even more disruptive if you snore or have a habit of tossing and turning. Animals are much more sensitive to sounds, so they can easily wake up even from the tiniest rustling. Lack of sleep can also be a health risk for pets.
- This disadvantage mainly applies to dogs than cats. If your dog has joint or muscle problems, jumping on and off the bed may not be good. Even if it may not be a problem now, it will likely become a problem as your pet ages.
If you can’t give up sharing your bed with your cute and lovable furbabies despite the ‘Why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you’, please watch this video until the end!
Here are some tips on sharing your bed with your pets in peace.
5. Tips for sleep with your pets
(The solution to ‘why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you’)
Image by Freepik
- Create boundaries. Establish order as to where your pet can sleep comfortably. By defining where your pet is allowed on the bed, you can reduce the chance of aggressive behavior. Don’t allow your pet to share the bed with you if they show any signs of aggression. This way, you can prevent sleep disturbance and things like allergies, bedbugs, and dust mites. I recommend letting your pet sleep by your feet on top of the blanket.
- Bathe your pet. Bathing your pet is the best way to minimize dust and allergies. Your furbabies may be adorable, but you wouldn’t want to sleep with them if they’re covered in dust and smell bad, do you?
- Make stairs for your pets. This may be beneficial for dogs rather than cats. Make a ramp your dog can climb up and dow n from the bed. The ramp is easier on the joints than the staircase.
So far, we have looked at why your dog shouldn’t sleep with you. Sleep is essential not only for humans but also for animals. Alarmy is always striving to work toward everyone getting better sleep. Thank you for watching, and if you enjoyed this video, remember to like and subscribe!
