6 Things You Should Know About Sleeping with Your Dog

Fido is more than just a dog, he’s our best friend, and often our closest family member. From a recent poll, the American Kennel Club (AKC), found that nearly half of respondents allowed their dog to sleep with them.

Although we certainly love our furry friends, there’s still much debate as to whether or not we should invite Fido into our bed. If you find yourself struggling to make the decision, here are some facts you might want to consider before co-sleeping with your dog.

Drawbacks of Co-Sleeping with Dogs

Sleep Cycles

Unless you have monitors installed around your house, you probably have no idea what Fido is up to most of the day while you’re busy away at work. But, good news! Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, which means that they have at least two or more sleep cycle throughout the 24-hour day. So, more than likely your dog is fast asleep while you’re gone.

If you’ve ever taken an extended nap late in the afternoon, you probably know how difficult it can be to get to bed that night. Now, imagine how your dog’s sleep routine might stack up. Compared to humans, monophasic sleepers, polyphasic sleepers tend to wake more frequently because Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is achieved sooner. Due to shorter sleep cycles, dogs are more alert to sounds and movements. Here’s the bad news, your sleep is more likely to be disturbed.

The AKC has also found that owners who co-sleep with their dog reported more disturbances compared to owners who do not co-sleep with Fido.

Asthma, Allergies, and Hygiene

During the winter months you might keep warm by snuggling up with your dog at night. Then spring rolls in and all of a sudden you have a new rug you don’t remember buying. That’s because your new shag is a gift from your dog.

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, co-sleeping with your beloved furry may not be a great idea. Apart from shedding, dogs can also track pollen and other allergens throughout your home and sleeping space.

Flea and Ticks

It’s estimated that dogs were domesticated about 11,000-15,000 years ago. You can take the dog out of nature, but you can’t take the nature out of the dog. From, rolling in the mud, running through bushes, and chasing other animals, dogs love to be outside. Not only can dogs track dirty and allergens into your home, they can also attract ticks and fleas – yikes.

Although, fleas don’t tend to use humans as breeding vessels, your bed might become the next best alternative. Ticks, however, aren’t as easily deterred as fleas are. Ticks are known to carry various bloodborne pathogens. The most common being lyme disease. The risk of attracting fleas and ticks increases with the amount of contact between your dog, particularly if you spend the entire night with them.

Remember to visit the vet regularly and keep up with your dog’s flea and tick preventatives.

Disease

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that contracting a disease or illness from your dog is extremely unlikely, however, it is not entirely unheard of. Dogs can still be carriers for illness. Even though they might not show signs or symptoms, they can still pass illnesses onto others.

Benefits of Co-Sleeping with Dogs

Bonding

Unfortunately, not many of us can be with our bestest buddies during the day with our hectic schedules. Inviting your four legged furry friend into bed is a great way to make up for lost time and improve your pet-owner bond.

Relaxation

Even though co-sleeping with your dog may cause sleep disturbances every now and then, it is a great source of comfort.

The alternative name for a dog, Fido, originates from the latin word fido, which means to trust, believe, and confide in. Comfort is something we can trust we’ll find in our dog.

Anxiety can consume our hectic lives, cause body aches, and leave us wide awake through the night. Research has shown that even in cases of chronic insomnia, dogs have been a successful alternative to sleep medications. Cuddling with your dog in your cozy bed every night might be cure you need racing thoughts and those back pains you keep having.Quality sleep is incredibly important for your overall health.

Owners find security in a dog’s ability to stay alert, even throughout the night. This sense of security will help us rest with ease.

It’s easy to see why a majority of pet owners opt to sleep with their dog, out of other possible alternatives. Our dog is our family, and we love them as such, which is why many of us treat our furry friends like family.