Should I let my dog sleep in bed with me? No matter how warm and cuddly your furry friends are, experts advise against letting them sleep on the bed next to us. Why? For a number of reasons.
The most alarming of all these reasons is this: Dogs can bring bugs - like fleas - to your bed. But, that's not all.
Given that dogs are also very sensitive to outside stimuli, they can get easily agitated by whatever sounds or smell they detect from outside your home deep in the night. On top of that, dogs are polyphasic sleepers. This means that at night, they can have a few short-lived bouts of slumber, while you, on the other hand, need to sleep at least 7-8 hours straight per night. Of course, we haven’t even mentioned how they can make your bed stink!
Now, these are just a few of the reasons you shouldn’t let your pup sleep with you. But before we go ahead and answer the questions that keep droning on and on at the back of your mind– should I let my dog sleep with me? And when should I let my dog sleep with me? Let us first find out why dogs like to cuddle with you in the first place.
Why Does My Dog Want to Sleep in Bed With Me?
Right from their puppy phase, dogs have been accustomed to the warmth of their moms and the rest of their litter. Notice how puppies like to pile up next to each other when sleeping? That is because the warmth of each other’s bodies gives them a feeling of comfort and safety. At the same time, because of their tiny constitution, puppies are easily cold so they need constant skin contact to keep warm.
Sleeping next to you or cuddling with you in bed at night reminds them of the times they spent locked between their brothers and sisters and feeling all safe and warm. It is an instinct of theirs to search for that same feeling of warmth and safety.
It may also be that you have an undiagnosed anxious dog, and sleeping next to you at night makes the poor pup feel safer and at ease.
Should I Let My Dog Sleep in Bed With Me - or is This a Bad Habit?
Should I let my dog sleep in bed with me? You probably have asked yourself that question time and time again. Because each night, you stare down those puppy dog eyes and can’t help but give in to what you know your dog wants: sleep next to you.
If you have a rescue dog, it gets harder to refuse given the sad history most rescue dogs went through. So each night, just like most dog owners, you ask yourself the same question, should I let my rescue dog sleep with me?
Truth is, as most experts would advise, you really shouldn’t. There are a number of factors that make sleeping with dogs not ideal for humans. It is therefore, for your good and the good of your dog that you train it to get used to its crate or bed.
Of course, there are some circumstances that may be indicative that it’s alright to sleep with your dog, what those circumstances might be, we shall tell you in the succeeding sections.
Keep scrolling!
Why You Typically Shouldn’t Let Your Dog Sleep In Bed With You - No Matter What
We believe you shouldn’t let your dog sleep in bed with you - and experts agree. Here’s a list of reasons why…
You’ll Get Poor Sleep
As established in earlier paragraphs, dogs get easily aroused by the most subtle smells and noise. You will have to endure random barks and restless movements whenever they are agitated by just about anything.
If you have a bigger dog, chances are, it might even hit you on the face with its tail. Its weight against your body when it’s hopping and barking in bed in the middle of the night is the last thing you’d want to wake up to.
Shedding on the Bed Leads to Allergies
Some dogs don’t shed, but most dogs do. You probably have a lot of moments where you get to ask yourself “Should I let my dog sleep with me tonight?”
Well if your dog is shedding, this would be a terrible idea.
When it’s shedding season, dogs don’t just drop 100 strands of their fur. No. They drop by bundles! Imagine that all over your duvet and your pillows. Worse is you actually have allergies.
It’s enough that you endure the allergies whenever you are in the living room or in other parts of the house where there is constant exposure to allergens. But in your own bedroom? You’ll have no respite from the constant sneezing and scratching then. Sure, there is always the option of taking Benadryl but, there’s also a better way to deal with shedding– just don’t sleep with your dog in your bed.
Breaking the Habit Won’t be Easy Once They’ve Developed it
Ever heard of Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning?
What dogs learn by association from a young age, they rarely ever outgrow. So if you get your dog accustomed to sleeping with you, you will have a hard time weaning it from sleeping in bed with you. And even if you try, you might just end up having more trouble with all the anxious tics your dog might get if you try to deviate it from the routine it has grown accustomed to.
When taking in a rescue pup, you might also ask yourself, should I let my rescue dog sleep with me?
At the end of the day, it really depends on you, but much of the truth about letting most dogs grow used to sleeping with you is also true with rescue dogs. If they get used to something, it will be harder to get them to deviate from the routine. And you don’t really wanna cause any further discomfort to a pup that’s already been through enough.
When Should I Let My Dog Sleep With Me?
In some cases, it may be ok - but it’s still not a great idea. Here are some instances when it may be ok:
Your Dog is Aging - and You Want to Enjoy Every Moment With Them
When dogs become senile, they acquire different needs. It takes a longer time for them to walk up a flight of stairs, let alone make it outside to poop or pee. As their loving owner, you want to make things easier and more convenient for them. And when it’s time for sleep, if you feel that they are anxious and would want a cuddle to feel safe and comfortable, there’s really no way you can refuse. If you ever wonder to yourself, should I let my dog sleep in bed with me or when should I let my dog sleep with me, this would be one of those times.
They are Mostly Indoors & Don’t Get Dirty - or Bring Bugs to Your Bed
Some fur parents never let their fur babies out the door unless they have to take a leak or make a bowel movement. After which they routinely wipe the soles of their feet and brush off whatever fragments of the outside might have latched on their pup’s fur.
If they never get soiled or have dust and dirt accumulate in their furry bodies and feet, then letting them hop into bed with you might be okay.
They’re Regularly Groomed
If you are the type of fur parent who makes it a point to visit the vet for regular grooming, then no need to ask yourself “should I let my dog sleep with me?” They will most probably be free of fleas. And with consistent visits to the vets, it would be safe to assume that your pup also gets regular vaccinations that rid them of whatever parasite inhabits them.
Their Breed is Small Enough that it Won’t Disturb your Sleep
Should I let my dog sleep with me? When should I let my dog sleep with me?
If your dog is tiny and is kept clean, then it might be alright to sleep with the pup. There is no danger of them squishing you when they are suddenly up in the middle of the night just because they heard someone turn on the car engine next door. With a huge dog who probably weighs twice your body weight, this is not a good idea. But with smaller breeds, it might be okay.
Those of you googling should I let my rescue dog sleep with me? If it’s a tiny breed, then yes.
So - How Can I Keep My Dog Off The Bed At Night?
So again, you ask: should I let my dog sleep in the bed with me? Should I let my rescue dog sleep with me?
You are probably still on the fence as to whether you should let your dog share your bed. If you are more inclined to believe you shouldn’t, but are constantly worried about your dog, then we have tips that might help you deal with this.
There are ways for your dog to feel comfortable and safe at night without them hogging your bed.
Here they are!
Invest In The Best Quality Dog Bed Possible
Our soothing dog bed is the #1 choice among pet parents like yourself. With this luxury sleeping arrangement, they won’t even want to sleep in your bed - theirs is better anyways! You can make the best even better by pairing it with one of our calming dog blankets to help ease them to sleep - and keep them asleep.
Calming dog beds do in fact work during nighttime so they won’t have to climb into your bed. They are commonly made of materials that provide ample support to pups so they feel safe and comfortable as if mommy’s sleeping right next to them.
Our beds include a raised rim that allows better neck and head support. This feature gives dogs a sense of security, thereby activating their nervous system and inducing them to sleep faster. In addition, the dog beds are equipped with premium natural fiber that eases joint and muscle pains which can only add to the comfort of your pup and the quality of their sleep. Lastly, the ultra soft vegan faux fur finish mimics their mama’s soft fur.
Moreover, the dog blankets sold at Lucky Paws also have anti-anxiety features that can assist you in the nightly battle between you and your conscience. No more asking if you should let your dog on your bed because having one of our anti-anxiety blankets will take away all your worries.
The extreme softness of our calming blankets lets your furry friend think they are locked in mama’s embrace. This gets them to relax and drift into sleep quicker every time.
Investing in dog beds benefits not just your precious puppy but also yourself, as you both will get a good night’s sleep– your dog feeling safe and comfortable, and you feeling comforted by the fact that your furry baby is both safe and happy.
Should I Let My Dog Sleep in the Bed With Me? Wrapping Things Up
Letting your dog sleep in the bed with you is not really an ideal thing. What with all the possibilities of getting infected by diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as the fleas infiltrating your own bed.
We also understand how much it can break one’s heart to endure the thought of your dog being alone out there by the door when it makes it evident to you that it really wants to be with you on your bed. Visit Lucky Paws today and scour our page for a new bed or blanket for your pup and finally wean it off the desire to sleep in your bed.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.