For pet owners, deciding whether to allow a dog or cat to sleep in bed is a personal choice, but one that comes with considerations beyond comfort.
Experts explained to Newsweek that it depends on factors like behavior, health and the impact on sleep quality. Some welcome their pets without issue, while others experience disruptions, or unwanted consequences.
Pros and Cons of Sleeping With a Pet
Khris Erickson, a certified professional dog trainer based in Wisconsin, told Newsweek that there’s no universal answer.
“Some people don’t want their dog in bed because it disrupts their sleep, triggers allergies, or they just prefer their own space,” Erickson says.
“Behavior also plays a role. Some dogs may start to resource-guard the bed, growling or snapping when their owner moves, when someone enters the room, or if another person approaches,” she added.
“If that’s the case, bed privileges should be revoked.”
However, for owners who are comfortable sharing space and whose dogs behave appropriately, sleeping together can be a positive experience.
“It can strengthen the bond between dog and owner, and it also makes it easier to notice if the dog needs a bathroom break, or isn’t feeling well during the night,” the trainer said.
Concerns that co-sleeping creates separation anxiety are unfounded, according to Erickson.
“There’s no research I’m aware of to support that,” she says.
“I have allowed my own dogs to sleep in bed with me, and I have never had any separation anxiety issues with my personal dogs.”
‘Sleep can be disturbed’
Mary Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist and American Kennel Club (AKC) family dog director, agrees that the owner should be the one to decide, not the pet.
“There are dogs who will sleep on one empty side of the bed or at the bottom of the bed, and they don’t move around a lot at night,” Burch said.
“There are other dogs that sleep next to the owner, paw at the owner for petting, or move around during fitful sleep. In these cases, the owner’s sleep can be disturbed and prevent the dog owner from getting a good night’s rest.”
Health Considerations and Sleep Quality
Beyond behavior, health factors also come into play. The AKC notes that co-sleeping can worsen allergies and poses a small risk of transmitting illnesses between pets and humans, though these cases are rare.
Sleep studies have shown that people who share a bed with their dogs tend to wake up more often throughout the night. Dogs cycle between wakefulness and sleep multiple times per hour, which can disturb a person’s ability to rest.
How to Get a Pet Out of the Bed
For those who want to transition their pet to a different sleeping area, both Erickson and Burch recommend a gradual approach.
“It’s much easier to set a ‘no-bed’ rule from the start than to try and change it later,” Erickson told Newsweek.
“Before bringing home a dog or puppy, the whole family should agree on the furniture rules—and everyone needs to stick to them. If the dog never gets a taste of sleeping on the bed, they’re far less likely to want to.”
Erickson said that making sure your dog has a super-comfortable spot of their own also helps.
“An orthopedic bed, or even a crib mattress, provides support similar to what we sleep on and will be much more appealing than a dog bed without any cushion,” she added.
Burch recommends using training cues to help. She told Newsweek that a routine is helpful, saying, “Take the dog outside one last time, then come in and say, ‘Go to bed.’
“This is when you are ready to turn off the lights and go to bed yourself.”
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