Would you like to know why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog in the same bed? Read on as I explain why you should be careful while sleeping with your dog on the same bed.
This is a very common habit with dog owners, especially women. To them, sleeping with their dog on the same bed shows affection between them and the pet. But is this practice good for the health and well-being of both the owner and the dog? You’ll find out below.
Why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog in the same bed
Despite being a demonstration of affection and strengthening the bonds between owner and dog, sleeping with a dog in your bed is a habit that isn’t healthy and shouldn’t be encouraged.
According to a study carried out by the Pet Products Association of the United States, about 60% of pet owners in United States have the habit of sharing a bed with their pet.
For this part of the world, dogs are not seen as pets but as members of the family, such as children, nephews, or grandchildren. Therefore, for them, it is normal for dogs to share a bed with their owners and not have a separate dog bed just for them.
But if we are to be honest with each other and for the safety of both the dog and the owner, this should not be practiced. Here are the top five reasons why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog in the same bed:
Hygiene
Dogs can carry a lot of germs and parasites, and these can be transmitted to humans through close contact. If you have a weak immune system or are particularly concerned about hygiene, you shouldn’t sleep with your dog on the same bed.
Allergies
Some people are allergic to dogs, and sleeping with a dog on the same bed can exacerbate these allergies and cause symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Disturbance
Dogs can be active and restless during the night, which can disrupt your sleep. Even if your dog is generally well-behaved, they may still move around or make noise while they sleep, which can be disruptive to your sleep. So if you are the type to value quietness and peace while you sleep, then you should not allow your dog to sleep on the same bed with you.
Space
Depending on the size of your bed, you may simply not have enough room to sleep comfortably with your dog.
Training
If you are trying to train your dog to sleep in a specific location, such as a crate or a separate bed, sleeping with them on the same bed may confuse them and make it harder to establish good sleeping habits.
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Do you still want to sleep with your dog in the same bed?
Despite possible discomforts during the night and exposure to health problems, do you still want to sleep with your dog in bed? If you still want to, check out some tips that can help minimize the possible risks and ensure you and your pet have a wonderful night’s sleep.
- Make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations. This will reduce the risk of any illness or disease being transmitted.
- Keep the bed clean and free of any dirt or debris. This will help reduce the risk of any parasites or bacteria being transmitted.
- Consider using a dog bed or blanket on the floor instead of sharing the same bed. This will provide your dog with a comfortable place to sleep and reduce the risk of any accidents or injuries.
- If you do choose to sleep with your dog on the same bed, try to keep them on the floor or in a designated spot rather than allowing them to roam freely.
- If you have allergies, consider using hypoallergenic bedding and washing your bedding regularly to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
- Regularly groom and bathe your dog to keep them clean and healthy.
- If you have any concerns about sleeping with your dog, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for advice.
Special case: dogs with urinary incontinence
There are dogs that suffer from urinary incontinence, especially the adult and female dogs, at any stage of life. To ensure that this kind of dog with urinary incontinence can sleep in beds next to you, special treatment is required.
The right thing to do is, before sharing the bed with the pet, take it to the veterinarian for a proper examination and treatment. The veterinarian will be able to evaluate the clinical condition of the animal and prescribe the correct medication, such as Incurin from MSD Sade Animal, which was created exclusively for the treatment of problems in the dog’s urinary tract.
Note: Do not self-medicate pets. Any medicine should only be administered with a prescription and monitored by a professional veterinarian.