Once a dog learns how good it feels to sleep in the bed, it is difficult for him to go back to sleep in a box or on the floor. And who could blame him – there is a comfortable mattress, a pillow hugging his head, and a favorite human next to it.
Is It Bad to Let Your Puppy Sleep in Your Bed?
A dog owner can likely give you several reasons for why sharing a bed with your dog is worth it. It’s good to hug your dog on cold nights. In fact, dogs are natural bed warmers as their body temperature is 3-6 degrees higher than ours. After all, go ahead and google the term, “three dog night.” It used to be standard practice to sleep with dogs to stay warm on a cold night.
Furthermore, many of us feel somewhat vulnerable when lying in the dark alone in bed. A puppy can make you feel protected. Even still, it is not good to sleep with your dog.
Having a pet is associated with lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, lowering triglycerides and lowering loneliness. These qualities are really significant, but it is important to draw a line somewhere. No matter how much you love your four-legged friend, sharing a bed is a bad idea.
Is It Ok To Let Your Puppy Sleep In Your Room?
No, it’s not good to let your dog sleep in your bedroom. It is true that there are health problems associated with sleeping with a dog. For example, human allergies can get worse. There is also the risk of disease transmission from dogs to humans and from humans to dogs. However, such transmissions are rare. Sleep quality can also be affected. Studies have shown that owners who share a bed with a pet have a greater rate of sleep disorders than those who do not allow their pet to sleep on the bed. One factor that could explain this difference is that dogs and humans have different sleep cycles. In addition, a dog will be alert at any sound, even when sleeping, so your dog is a lighter sleeper than you.
If you share your bed with your dog, there is a chance he will think that he is dominant over you. There may be a connection between bed-sharing and behavioral problems, but it’s not known if joint sleep is causing the problem or if the problem will lead to joint sleep for the first time. For example, a dog sharing the owner’s bed may have problems with separation anxiety.
Can My Puppy Sleep In Bed With Me?
Deciding whether to allow a dog in bed is not easy. On the one hand, you do not want him to be lonely at night. But on the other hand, you do not want to spoil him. What should a beloved pet parent do? The first thing to do is relax. You won’t spoil your dog. But whether to spoil the possibility of a good night’s sleep is another matter. A dog can affect your sleep.
For instance, they tend toward weird sleep behaviors like snoring or trembling. In the middle of the night, he can scratch, stretch or dig at your bedspread until he gets comfortable. Even a dog that can sleep all night will occasionally get up and patrol the house or drink water. Dogs also tend to choose spots where they can stretch out on a bed. Problems arise when you accidentally bump into him (or worse) or he’s in the spot you want to be in.
Your Dog May Be Aggressive
Some dogs may begin to see beds as part of their territory and may show signs of aggression. If this happens, you should not go back to bed until the dog has learned how to curb his aggression.
Doggy Drool
It’s no secret that some dogs drool and it will get on your blanket or pillow. If your dog drools, put the dog bed next to you. Also, dogs with free access to the bed can choose to sleep in it when you are not there. It might be ok until you just come inside after the rain and find wet footprints all over your sheets.
Bed Warming
This can be a good bonus in cold winters as dogs give off a little heat by raising the temperature of the bed when they sleep. If you are not comfortable sleeping warmly, then a dog as a cozy partner may not be a good decision for you.
Sleep At A Good Height
In general, if a dog is not easily able to get in and out of bed, it may not be good to invite him up. For small dogs that need to jump down, it’s better to leave a bench at the end of the bed to make it easier for them to climb up and down. If you need to pick up a dog so he can be on the bed, it’s best that he stay on the floor because jumping down can be harmful.
Many owners bed-share with their dogs because the benefits can be greater than the disadvantages. Research shows that there are many physical and mental health benefits of owning a pet, and co-sleeping increases the time spent with a pet, potentially increasing its benefits. For example, co-sleeping can increase the comfort and companionship that dogs provide. Sleeping with a dog can alleviate anxiety and create a sense of safety. Your light sleeper can warn you if something is amiss so you can relax all night long. A dog is also a perfect bed warmer to keep you toasty on cold nights. Finally, there is nothing like waking up to a dog with a wagging tail.
Why Do Dogs Steal Your Spot When You Get Up?
Dogs steal your spot mainly for warmth, scent, and comfort. They’ll “nest” by digging and scratching before settling down to get your scent on them. Your scent and body temperature will comfort him and make him feel warm and safe. Dogs trust and love their human friends who are lucky enough to take care of them, smell them, and embrace them.
Conclusion
Of course, if you want to sleep with a dog, there are advantages. Leaving your dog in bed can help you relax and strengthen your bond with your puppy. You can decide whether or not the negatives outweigh the positives. You can also find your halfway point by placing a dog bed next to your own bed, so you can get proximity without disturbing your sleep. Either way, remember that there is no right or wrong decision – it’s about what’s right for you and your dog.
