Should You Sleep With Your Pet?
Chances are, you’ve probably considered taking a snooze with Spot. While this can be an excellent experience for some pet owners, it may not be the best approach for others. Below, we’ll go over the pros and cons of sleeping with your pet so that you can determine whether or not you should cuddle up to your cute companion.
Why You Shouldn’t Sleep With Your Pet
For some pet owners, sleeping with your pet simply isn’t a good idea. Here are some reasons why you and your furry friend may prioritize sleeping in separate places.
Potty Training
If you just got a new pooch, you’ll want to hold off on sleeping with your pet. While your dog is learning about the world around him, it’s important to enforce certain boundaries so that he can grow into a well-rounded furry friend. Not to mention, you don’t want to wake up with chocolate on your pillow. Hold off on sleeping with your canine companion at least until he’s fully potty trained.
Breaking Routines
You shouldn’t sleep with your pooch if you don’t plan on doing so every night of the week. Dogs thrive on routine, and look to pet parents to provide a sense of normalcy. If you feel like you’ll only want to cuddle up with your canine on the weekend or a couple nights of the week, you’re better off having separate sleeping arrangements altogether.
Sleep Disruption
If you’re a light sleeper, it might be better if you and your furry friend sleep in separate places. Some dogs enjoy moving around throughout the night, even if it’s just from one sleeping location to another. Additionally, you may find that your four-footer likes to lick his paws or play with toys throughout the night. While sleeping with your pooch can be fun, there’s always a chance doing so could interrupt your sleeping schedule.
Allergies
If you have pet allergies of any kind, refrain from sleeping with your pooch. While you may not be triggered by every day interactions with man’s best friend, sleeping with Spot can leave behind a lot of dander and hair.
Benefits of Sleeping With Your Pet
For many owners, sleeping with your pet can be a beautiful, mutually beneficial experience. Here are some reasons why you should consider welcoming your best buddy onto your bed.
Security
Pets naturally can add a sense of security which can make it easier for you to drift off to sleep at night. If you find yourself getting cold, your pooch can help warm the bed making for a more comfortable night’s rest.
Bonding
Depending on the dog, sleeping in the same bed can be a great bonding experience for you and your pooch. Dogs are ultimately pack animals, and sleeping in the same space signals to them how close you truly are.
Building Restful Sleeping Habits
Since dogs thrive on routine, they may be able to help you build restful sleeping habits. Your pooch will wake you up at relatively the same time everyday, encouraging you to develop a healthy circadian rhythm and bedtime routine.
Company of Your Companion
Who doesn’t love cuddling up with their furry best friend? Dogs are amazing companions that can make something as mundane as sleeping and exciting experience. Our dogs can help us reduce stress just by being near them, which could lead to a more restful night’s sleep.
Sleeping with your pet certainly isn’t fit for everyone, but for the right dog, this can be an excellent experience. When in doubt, ask the opinion of your veterinarian or dog trainer. Enjoy cuddling up with your canine companion!
