Written by: Dr Sanchez-Emden • June 10, 2024• Pet Health

Ruff Sleep

Throughout the years, there has been a great amount of discussion about the practice of letting our pets sleep in our beds. It’s a highly debated topic among animal enthusiasts and experts in the animal field alike. For some, allowing your pet onto your bed is a dirty practice that could only have negative consequences. For others, it’s cruel and senseless to obligate a loved family member that is totally dependent on us, such as the companion animal, to sleep on their own. However, since the pandemic, more people have adopted this practice regardless of the age or gender of the person or their pet. Let’s then explore the arguments for each side.

Those in favor of sleeping with a pet find it comforting, providing a sense of well-being and facilitating a better night of sleep for both. Dogs with separation anxiety (a common behavior disorder in pets) are guaranteed a relaxing night of sleep. Having a companion animal on the bed also allows for better monitoring for any sign of medical distress, such as whining due to pain or seizures. A pet in your bed can also immediately alert its owner of an unusual noise or smell (such as fire) during the night.

On the other hand, those against having animals on their bed believe that it is not a hygienic practice, since animals don’t bathe daily and shed their coat constantly. There is also the potential for transmission of parasites (such as intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks) and bacterial/fungal skin infections to humans. Additionally, sharing a bed with humans can be dangerous for small pets; or, conversely, it can be uncomfortable to humans with very large pets.

From a medical point of view, the transmission of medical conditions is not a significant concern in a companion animal that is kept healthy with routine preventative medical care. Products to control fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites are extremely effective when used as directed. Twice-a-year comprehensive physical exams can help curb medical conditions before they become an issue. Frequent bathing and grooming will keep the companion animal hygienic. Routine dental cleaning will keep oral infections and halitosis away. There are some specific scenarios where not allowing your pet into your bed is medically advised: allergies to the pet and urinary or fecal incontinence, common in older companion animals.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong. The companion animal should sleep on whichever bed you feel is better for you, your family and your lifestyle. Your pet will be happy with whatever rules you establish, as long as they are loved and cared for. End of the debate.

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Last modified: June 10, 2024