Most pet owners are very bonded to their furry companions, and enjoy snuggling with them. So if you and your canine (or feline) pal like to cuddle up on the couch during the day, is it OK to carry this over into your bedtime routine?
Generally speaking, there’s some good news here. In most cases, it’s perfectly fine for your dog or cat to sleep in bed with you. It can be a great way for the two of you to bond, and many pet owners sleep more soundly with their best friend snoring beside them. Both dogs and cats are social animals who often feel more secure if they can be with their person at night.
However, if you do want to let your cat or dog sleep in bed with you, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Make sure your pet is clean and healthy before allowing them into your bed. Be aware that external parasites such as fleas and ticks, intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, and certain contagious skin conditions such as scabies or ringworm can all be transmitted to humans through close physical contact. If you have any concerns, you can ask your veterinarian to verify that your pet is healthy and parasite-free.
If your pet has a tendency to behave aggressively when on your bed (as can sometimes occur with resource guarding of resting places, or guarding of one family member from another), you should have your pet sleep elsewhere, such as in a crate or on their own comfy bed on the floor.
In some cases, you may find that your pet is restless at night and disturbs your sleep. Or, your pet may get too hot or otherwise uncomfortable on the bed, and prefer to sleep elsewhere. If this is that case, you can always provide them with a cozy spot of their own. Don’t feel like you need to have them in bed, if that isn’t what works best for you. You can use a rug or pad in your bedroom for them to sleep on, or a crate or playpen if you need to confine them someplace safe during the night.
Rest assured, there is no evidence that allowing your dog or cat to sleep in your bed causes them to develop behavior problems such as aggression or separation anxiety, or makes them think they’re the “alpha” of the household. So choose whatever sleeping arrangements you like for you and your furry friends, as long as both of you are getting a good night’s sleep!