Sharing Your Bed With a Pet? Let’s Talk Pros, Cons, and Options

Dogs may be widely considered man’s best friend, but are they man’s best bedmate? For some, snuggling up with their pup is the perfect way to drift off; for others, dog fur and duvets simply don’t mix. Poll any room with the question, “Is it ok to sleep with your dog?” and you’re likely to get a mix of impassioned answers on both ends of the spectrum.

At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to share your bed with your canine companion is a personal choice with no right or wrong answer, and considering the pros and cons can help you make a decision that’s right for you, your dog, and your circumstances.

The Possible Upsides of Sharing Your Bed With Your Dog

There may not be a way to quantify the comfort or coziness of falling asleep with your hand in soft fur or the sound of a dog’s gentle snoring in your ear, but there is real research that has shown benefits when you share a bed with your dog.

Improved Mental Health

Those warm, fuzzy feelings you get when you snuggle your dog aren’t a figment of your imagination. Studies have shown that when an owner locks eyes with their bonded dog, their hormonal response is the same as that between a parent and baby. The specific hormone at play is called oxytocin, nicknamed “the love hormone”, and has been shown to decrease anxiety and stress. Cuddling up with your dog at bedtime and waking up to them in the morning can become a peaceful, regulating part of your sleeping routine.

Increased Immunity

While the fact that dogs bring more germs into our homes may not sound like a selling point at first, reserve your judgment. Turns out, scientists call this “bacterial diversity”, and it has been shown to improve immune systems by exposing us to all sorts of things we wouldn’t interact with normally. Consider sleeping with pets every night as a sort of “exposure therapy” for your immune system, toughening it up for anything it may face.

Lowered Blood Pressure

Here’s your fun fact of the day: petting dogs has been shown by several studies to lower your blood pressure, with dog owners having lower blood pressure than non-dog owners on average. This is likely a combination of the increased exercise often required in pet ownership and those fuzzy feelings of companionship, and petting—or cuddling—your dog can be the perfect way to physiologically calm down at the end of a long day.

The Potential Cons to Sharing Your Bed With Your Dog

While there may be plenty of perks to sharing a bed with your dog, there are just as many reasons why you shouldn’t sleep with your dog.

Increased Sleep Interruptions

Sharing a bed with a living, breathing creature naturally means a higher risk of disrupted sleep and lower overall sleep efficiency. If your dog is a loud snorer or an active dreamer, there’s a good chance you’ll be woken up a time or two. While this may seem like a worthy sacrifice, persistently disturbed sleep can increase your risk for both mental and physical health conditions.

Disturbed Temperature Regulation

Dogs typically run hotter than humans, so they can act as furry little space heaters. While this may be pleasant on a cold night, it can be downright stuffy if you’re prone to feeling hot or sweaty while snoozing.

Increased Allergens and Germs

While the bacterial diversity mentioned above can be a plus, certain, less common germs transmitted from pets can cause illness, infection, and disease. More commonly, dogs can worsen allergies and/or asthma by bringing in dust, dander, and pollen through their fur. If you struggle with allergies or respiratory issues, you can limit your own exposure to the most common culprits by keeping your bedding clean, which may necessitate a strict ‘no pets allowed’ rule.

Behavioral Concerns

A commonly overlooked but very real issue with bedsharing with your dog is the risk of territoriality and aggression. If your dog is prone to becoming territorial or resource-guarding, they are liable to become protective or territorial over your bed itself. Some dogs can become aggressive when sleepy, confused, or disoriented, making the bed a risky area.

Excessive Mattress Wear

All mattresses have a finite lifespan, and this lifespan is shortened by factors like increased weight, improper care, and a buildup of things like dust, skin cells, sweat – and yes, drool and pet hair. Choosing to share your bed with your dog (or dogs) may mean upping your bed-cleaning routine or accepting that you’ll need to buy new mattresses more often.

You’ve Made A Decision. Now What?

Once you’ve decided if you want Fido in bed with you or not, there are several things you can do to create a healthy routine.

Setting Up An Alternative Sleep Space For Your Dog

If you don’t want your dog in bed with you, firm boundaries are key. Provide positive reinforcement when they stay off the bed or get off the bed when commanded, and make sure you are consistent in enforcing this rule.

Set up an inviting, cozy dog bed nearby, and provide treats and praise when they rest or sleep there. The key is creating a positive association with their new sleep space and establishing predictable, consistent routines around bedtime.

Sharing Your Bed with Your Pet Wisely

If you’ve decided that you want your dog sleeping in bed with you, it’s important that you take steps to minimize any potential downsides, like mattress degradation and sleep disturbances. Choose a bed that is large enough for you and your companion and durable enough for the extra wear and tear. Utilize a mattress protector, and get into the habit of cleaning your bedding frequently. The better you take care of your mattress, the better it will take care of you both.

Eventually, even with meticulous care and regular TLC, every mattress needs to be replaced. At Rent-A-Center, you can select a high-quality, comfortable mattress with rent-to-own while investing in great sleep.

Whether your dog sleeps beside you or has their own spot nearby, your comfort is still the top priority. Rent-A-Center makes it easier to upgrade to a mattress that supports better sleep and real-life routines, with the flexibility of rent-to-own and free delivery. Browse online or visit your nearest Rent-A-Center today.