If you’re a dog owner, keeping them off the bed at night can be challenging. Not only are they your loyal cuddling companion– they get a sense of comfort and protection by sleeping beside those they consider their pack members. However, you may wonder if letting your dog sleep in your bed is safe for them. If you’re deciding whether to let your dog sleep with you in your bed at night, here are the factors to consider.
Restless Dogs Can Cause Restless Sleep
According to this study of a dozen women who sleep next to their dogs, the data suggests that having animals lay in bed with you can lead to a more restless sleep for humans. This could be due to the restlessness that some dogs can exhibit in their sleep, although it was rare for participants to report their dogs fully waking them up at night.
Because of this, it’s important to consider the quality of your pup’s sleep and how likely they are to cause you to shift around in the night. If you’re concerned that co-sleeping with your dog might be causing poor quality sleep for yourself or your dog, you might want to consider providing them with another comfortable place to sleep at night. You can read more about the importance of sleep for dogs here.
Space Concerns
The restlessness that humans can experience at night while sharing the bed with their pup could also be attributed to a lack of space and comfort on the bed. If you’ve ever tried to shove yourself, your partner, and your pet onto your bed, you’ll notice that it can get crowded pretty quickly. When you roll over, you don’t want to risk squishing your dog between yourself and the bed, the wall, or other people on the bed.
For this reason, consider the size of your bed, the number of nighttime inhabitants, and the number of pillows and blankets you keep when deciding whether to allow your dog to sleep in the bed with you.
Safety For Your Pup
All pet owners have been there. You get up in the night for a glass of water or to go to the bathroom, you pull back the covers, and THUD. Your poor furry baby falls off the bed onto the floor. Cat owners might have a bit less to worry about in this scenario, as cats are fairly good at catching themselves mid-fall. However, especially for senior dogs, a fall from the height of a bed can be very dangerous for them.
To prevent injuries to limbs, tails, and other extremities, it might be best to have your dog sleep somewhere other than your bed- especially if you know your buddy is clumsy or less nimble due to age.
Allergy Concerns
Pet dander can be more harmful to your lungs than you think. Human health conditions such as asthma, allergies, and immune system problems can be exacerbated by continued nighttime exposure to dander according to this academic article by Humanimalia. According to the Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety, prolonged exposure to allergens can lead to the inflammation of the lungs, also referred to as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Still Prefer To Co-Sleep With Your Dog?
If you do choose to let your dog sleep in your bed, it’s best to be extra careful at night due to these risk factors. If you’re looking to train your dog to sleep elsewhere, the floor directly next to your bed can pose a similar risk of stepping on them during the night. For this reason, consider setting up a designated spot for your pal to sleep at night, away from where they could get stepped on.
Where Should My Dog Sleep At Night Time?
There are many solutions to help your dog get a good night’s sleep without compromising your sleep cycles or their safety. Place a high-quality dog bed in a quiet area in your bedroom or other room in your home, and you can start a routine for your dogs so they learn that that’s their spot.
Crate training can also be a great tool for encouraging your dog not to sleep on the bed, and there are great dog beds on the market that will fit inside standard crates. If you’re looking to provide your pup with a comfortable place to sleep at night, check out the long-lasting and stylish Ginger Beds collection to find the right one for your dog.