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It’s been a great, but tiring day. You’ve brought your new pooch home with you, and they may just be as excited as you are, zooming around or aggressively cuddling. They’ve found their forever home, and they’re still getting used to it. The sounds, the sights, the treats, the endless sniffing opportunities. And, of course, they’re searching for places they get to curl up for a nap or next to you for a good night’s sleep.
They’ve hopped into bed, and who could blame them? You’re there, and so is quite a bit of cushy real estate. However, it’s all right if you’re not so sure you want your pup to sleep in the same bed as you for the night.
Here are the pros and cons of letting your new dog sleep in bed with you:
The Pros
There’s a reason so many of your friends let their dogs sleep in bed with them, even if they started off saying they’d never let their new pup do so. For some, the pros outweigh the cons.
It’s Relaxing
It’s nice to have your dog in bed with you in the evening. They love you, and you love them, and the steady sound of their breathing while you unwind in bed can be very relaxing. Furthermore, studies show that petting a dog can increase oxytocin levels in your body, increasing your own happiness as well as theirs.
It Helps You Bond
The more time your dog spends with you, the more they bond with you – and vice versa. It’s extra time together, and if you’re at work and away from your pup most of the day, you and your dog may feel the need for some solid cuddle time, even if you’re both asleep. Dogs love to sleep in piles with their pack, and you’re part of their pack.
Dogs Are A Great Source Of Warmth
Cold winter night? Not if you have your dog next to you under the covers. Consider them a heating pad at your feet (or up closer to your face), and stay warm and cozy all night long.
They Provide Security
Not everyone gets a dog to protect themselves, but if you feel safer with your dog nearby, go ahead and invite them to sleep next to you. This may be particularly helpful if you live alone or have anxiety. Even if you have a tiny dog, they’ll be there for you, even if it’s just to give you a sense of safety while you snooze.
The Cons
Not everyone wants their dog to sleep next to them, which can make sense for a variety of reasons. Each of them are valid and can make the difference between you getting a good night’s sleep or waking up in the middle of the night.
They May Snore…Really Loudly
Yep, the dog snores. Now you’re probably wondering why dogs snore, but that’s a story for another time. Some dogs snore gently, while some breeds of dogs such as pugs and Boston terriers are notorious for their loud snoring. If you have trouble sleeping or are easily disturbed during the night, you may not want your pup to sleep just inches from you.
There’s Less Space
Dogs don’t necessarily abide by the rules of polite society – they’ll hip bump you into cuddling in the middle of the night, sprawl diagonally until you’re squished into one corner of the bed, and insist on sitting just perfectly enough to block your legs from getting comfortable. Depending on the size of your dog and your bed, having a dog sleep next to you just may not be an option, even if you’d love to have them nearby.
If you’d like them nearby but don’t love the idea of less space while you’re trying to get some shut eye, keep their bed near yours. You can cuddle before bed, then send them to their own bed before you shut off the lights.
Hygiene Issues
Dogs aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness, even if you bathe them regularly. Humans generally wear shoes. Dogs, not so much. If you’re not crazy about the idea of a creature spending time in your bed when they don’t shower daily, that’s okay. You don’t need to invite them to sleep next to you.
Allergies
If you or your partner have mild allergies to dogs, it’s still possible to live easily with a dog. Some allergy medication may do the trick for most allergies, but several hours of your dog insisting on sleeping directly near your or your partner’s face may be a bit much.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the choice is totally up to you, and there’s no wrong answer to this question. Your dog will get used to your decision either way and love you no matter what, whether they’re snoring under your blankets every night, sleeping on the couch in the next room or in their own cozy bed on the floor. They’re just happy to have you.
IF you do end up letting your new dog sleep in bed with you, you may want to crate-train them first – and thus have them sleep inside the crate, at least initially. But other than that, you do you!
The Right Dog Bed For Your Dog
Of course, even if you intend to let your dog sleep in bed with you, you should probably also get them their own dog bed. After all, where will they sleep (or sit) comfortably during the day or while they’re in their crate?
That being said, take our quiz to find out what the best possible dog bed for your dog is!
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