There are plenty of reasons you can and should share a bed with your pet. You’ll love grooming them with a pet hair brush while snuggling with them in bed. You’ll love being able to sleep soundly at night now that you have your furry friend by your side.
However, sleeping with your pet isn’t for everyone. If you’re not sure whether you should start to snuggle with your dog or keep cuddling with your cat at night, here are some pros and cons of sharing a bed with your pet.
Pros of Sharing Your Bed with Your Pet
There’s nothing quite like spending time with your four-legged friend. The loyalty and friendship your pet gives you are priceless.
When there’s a thunderstorm, and your dog is feeling scared, the last thing you want to do is leave them all alone in their dog cage.
Instead, why not snuggle with your pet? Let’s dive into the pros of sharing your bed with your pet.
It’s Relaxing to Sleep with Your Pet
First and foremost, let’s be real. It’s so relaxing to sleep with your pet.
You love the sound of them sleeping soundly at the foot of your bed. You love the feeling of your pet curled up next to you. You feel cozy and safe. They’re keeping you snuggly. You’ll feel nice and warm.
If you have the opportunity to just feel happier by sleeping with your pet, and they’ll feel happier bonding with you, too, why not share a bed with your pet?
Bed Sharing Can Help You Bond with Your Pet
If you’re looking for a nice way to bond with your pet, what better way than curling up with your pet for a nice afternoon nap or evening snuggle?
While you’re at it, you can even use a special brush for grooming. With this kind of brush, you’ll be able to groom your pet while simultaneously snuggling with them in bed.
You’ll love that you’re helping your pet’s hair grow healthier, while they’ll love the feeling of you brushing their hair.
Cons of Sharing Your Bed with Your Pet
As much as we want to snuggle all day and all night with our pets but have these things called other “responsibilities” and “obligations,” it’s simply not possible. You probably loved all those cuddly and helpful reasons as to why you can and should share a bed with your pet. Even with all those positive reasons, sleeping with a pet isn’t for everyone. Here’s why you may not want to share a bed with your pet after all.
You Might Not Sleep as Well
While some people sleep better when there’s a pet in their bed, others may find their quality of sleep actually decreases when they’re in bed with a pet. Pets have different sleeping habits and cycles than we do.
For example, according to the American Kennel Club, your dog’s sleeping patterns are different. Humans spend up to 25 percent of their sleeping time in REM, so that way, you’ll be able to stay up all day and rest through the night.
In contrast, dogs only spend approximately 10 percent of their sleeping time in REM. Dogs have irregular sleep patterns. They’ll be jumping to alertness and going in and out of sleep rather quickly. While that’s normal for your dog, your deep sleep can easily be interrupted by your dog’s erratic sleeping behavior.
You Shouldn’t Share a Bed If You Have Allergies or Asthma
If you deal with allergies or asthma, either can become worse if you suddenly start letting your pet sleep in bed with you. You may not have realized that you actually have minor allergies to your pet’s fur, pollen or dust until they’re sleeping in bed with you every night.
You’re being exposed to different allergens more frequently, so your allergies may go from mild to more severe with that increased exposure.
Your Bed Will Become Dirtier
No one wants a dirty bed. No matter how many times you clean your sheets and wash your comforter, your bed will still have dog fur or cat hair all over it.
One way to help alleviate the amount of animal hair you have on your bed is to routinely groom your pet with a portable pet hair remover tool.
Not only will this kind of tool be super helpful for grooming your pet and getting rid of excess pet hair, but you can also use it to easily take pet fur off your bed, clothing and other furniture around your home. Talk about a win-win!
Sharing a Bed May Encourage Separation Anxiety
According to PetMD, allowing your pet to sleep in bed with you won’t cause any behavioral problems that don’t already exist.
However, if your pet already deals with separation anxiety, having them sleep in bed with you may prolong that separation anxiety. If they’re used to snuggling with you every night, they may not be able to handle it as well if you have to leave them when you go on a trip somewhere.
Consider your pet’s personality and needs before you allow Fido to sleep in bed with you every night.
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