The Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Your Pet

This has always been a topic of debate among animal lovers, and even among those who are not
The Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Your Pet

Last update: 05 March, 2018

Should you let your pet sleep with you? It has become such an important issue that surveys have been made in order to acquire statistics.

They say that 14% of dogs in Spain sleep with their owners, and 33% of cats do. In the United States these figures are even higher, as 56% 56% sleep in their owner’s room, and 50% in their owner’s bed.

Although this is a personal decision that only you can make for yourself, we want to give you the pros and cons of sleeping with your pet. 

The pros of letting your pet sleep with you

It creates a bond with your pet

Sleeping with your pet will give you a closer relationship with her, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home. Your pet may miss you a lot, and see the evening as the time to spend time with you. It will be something special for the two of you to share.

You’ll sleep better

Some people sleep better when hugging a pillow, but what could be better than to hug your pet? Sleeping while hugging someone is the best way to sleep and rest more comfortable and relaxed.

Improves blood pressure

They say that love cures everything, and this has a lot of truth to it. Showing affection to one another makes us have pleasant feelings that help us feel better. This, in turn, reduces blood pressure, improves blood function, and prevents heart disease.

Gives a sense of safety

Knowing that you have someone close to you always makes you feel safer. Sleeping with your pet can give you that feeling. In fact, it has been shown that children have been able to fight off nightmares by sleeping with their pet. The pet does not necessarily need to sleep in the bed, but only inside the room.

The cons of letting  your pet sleep with you

Diseases

It goes without saying that sleeping with your pet is not a good idea if he is sick, has urinary incontinence, or if he is not well-trained and will go to the bathroom in your room. If you decide to invite your pet to your room, make sure he relieves himself before he sleeps.

Parasites

Sleeping with our pet can expose you to parasitic diseases. You should consider deworming your pet as often as the doctor recommends, and not let him sleep with you until you are sure that he is parasite-free.

He may interrupt your sleep

Sleeping alone is not the same as sleeping with company. Your pet may bark, growl, or even snore. This could wake you up and cause you to sleep less deeply. Of course, not to mention that when you move, your subconscious will remind you that your pet is there and you could roll onto her. You pet may also move and wake you up, or even try to push you out of bed.

Scratching

If you sleep with your pet, he could inadvertently scratch you, especially if he has nightmares. If you decide to let your animal friend sleep with you, cut his fingernails first.

Advice for sleeping with your pet

Follow this advice if you decide to sleep with your pet.

  1. You make the rules. Take the space that you need to sleep peacefully, and don’t let your pet invade it.
  2. Do not accept territorial aggression. If your pet growls or bites when you move, remove him from the bed. He needs to know that you’re the boss.
  3. Make sure he sleeps on top of the sheets.

These tips will be very useful if you decide to sleep with your pet. To decide whether to do it or not, analyze the pros and cons that we have provided and make your own decision. Keep in mind that the one you take cannot be reversed.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.