How to Safely Sleep with Your Dog

This article has been written by Luke Strauss from Siege Media.

Let’s face it – we all love snuggling with our pups. There’s nothing better than some quality time with our favorite animals after a long day. We know that sleeping with dogs makes us happy, but what about our physical safety, as well as our dogs’? Is it safe to be sharing a bed with your pup?

Most of the time, the answer is yes. However, safety is highly dependent on the pet owner’s good judgment and willingness to take some precautions. In order to make sleeping with your dog safer for all parties involved, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to safely sleeping with dogs.

4 Safety Tips for Sleeping with Dogs

There are a few things you should consider before snuggling in bed with your pup. Here are 4 tips that will keep you and your dog happy and healthy when sharing a bed.

1. Keep a Safe Distance

It can be tempting to snuggle up super close to your dog at night, but it’s best to keep a little space between you and your hound. This is because dogs can easily startle during the night causing their sharp claws or teeth to wake you and potentially injure you.

2. Wash Your Sheets Often

This is a given. Dogs can be messy and tend to carry germs. If you don’t already do so, get into the habit of washing your sheets weekly with sanitizing laundry detergent if your dog shares a bed with you. 

3. Make Regular Visits to the Vet

You should schedule frequent appointments with the vet if your dog sleeps in bed with you. The increased contact between you and your dog means there’s a greater chance of them passing over fleas and diseases. The vet may even offer products that decrease the chance of illness.

4. Take Your Dog for a Walk Before Bed

Walks help dogs get their energy out and feel tired at the end of the day. If they are still energetic at bedtime, they will likely be restless during the night and may interrupt your sleep. 

Great Dog Breeds for Cuddling

While no dog breed makes a terrible sleep companion, there are particular breeds that are naturals when it comes to sharing a bed. Here are a few breeds that are known for sleeping a lot and being snuggly when they do.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are calm and quiet dogs that love their rest. They are known for sleeping for many hours restfully, making them great companions for bedtime.

Pitbull

Pitbulls are some of the sweetest dogs out there. They love their sleep and are natural protectors, helping you feel extra safe as you drift into sleep.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This small breed loves to cuddle. They are quiet and take up little space in the bed, making them a wonderful bedtime companion.

Pug

Pugs are an adorable bedtime companion. They love their sleep, so they are great for people who enjoy sleeping in. They are also small and take up minimal space in the bed.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These gentle giants are soft and fluffy snugglers. As long as they get sufficient exercise during the day, they will be happy to cuddle with you all night long.

Common Myths About Sleeping with Dogs

There are many rumors about dogs who sleep in bed with their owners. We addressed these rumors to put them to rest. 

“Sharing a Bed With Your Dog Causes Behavioural Problems”

Allowing your pets onto the bed does not cause behavioural problems. Certain animals may react negatively out of fear, but the bed itself isn’t the problem. Make sure your dog is happy and comfortable on the bed before allowing them to sleep with you.

“It’s Harmful to Sleep With Your Dog”

People often think that allowing your dog in your bed will give them newfound dominance causing them to become aggressive with you. This theory has been disproven. It’s important to remember that dogs are domesticated animals and shouldn’t be compared to wolves.

“Children Shouldn’t Sleep With Dogs”

While it’s wise to be wary before allowing children under 6 years old to share a bed with their dog, if a dog is never aggressive with your children, there is no problem with them bed-sharing. That said, a dog should never be allowed to bed-share with a baby due to babies’ fragility and compromised immune systems.

“Sleeping With Your Dog is Inevitably Messy”

It’s a common belief that you shouldn’t allow a dog into your bed because they will cause illness. In reality, humans rarely ever contract diseases from dogs. That said, it’s still important to follow hygienic practices when bed-sharing.

Overall, sleeping with your pup is a beneficial experience for all parties involved, as long as you take a few healthy precautions. If you enjoyed the tips above and are interested in learning more about sleeping with dogs, check out Tommy John’s infographic below.

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