Is It OK to Let Your Pet Sleep in Bed With You?

Should Pets Be Allowed to Sleep in Bed with You?

                Okay, campers, it’s awfully coooold out there and we’ve had some snow so, wouldn’t it be nice to snuggle in bed with your cat and dog for a long winter’s nap?  Turns out, sleeping with your pet in your bed may not be the best idea.

                Nearly half of pet owners allow their dogs and cats to share their beds.  But this may make for a restless night’s sleep.  Pets are sometimes restless or may take up a lot of space in the bed preventing their humans from finding a comfortable position.  And, if you are allergic to pet dander, keeping pets out of the bedroom is strongly recommended to give your sinuses a rest.  Serious diseases are not a major concern if you are sharing your bed with your pet, but, if pets have fleas, the larvae can infest bedding so, protecting your dog or cat with a good flea and tick preventative is a must.  If your pet is having an issue with fleas, keeping him out of bed until he is flea-free is best.

                However, if you are not allergic, having your pet sleep in your room in her own bed may actually help you sleep better by giving a sense of comfort and security.  And if you are used to having your pet under the covers with you and aren’t losing a lot of sleep, go ahead and bunk down with your favorite fur baby!

Whether or not to allow your pets to sleep in bed with you is a personal choice and seems to be a hotly debated subject.  My boys sleep in crates in another room, and are used to this routine.  But I know many of our staff and clients sleep share their beds with their cats and dogs.  Just make sure if you do allow pets to sleep with you or with children that they are not disrupting your sleep.  Everyone deserves to be well rested! 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.