Should you let your dog sleep in bed with you?

Some dog owners love the security and comfort of co-sleeping with their dog, while others prefer their pets to sleep elsewhere.

Petplan research shows 47% of dog owners co-sleep with their dogs every night, with the main reasons being the comfort, calm and emotional security it brings. But is it good for your health – and your dog’s? Let’s find out.

Dogs are pack animals, and their ancestors slept in groups for safety, warmth and comfort. But if you’re wondering, ‘Why does my dog sleep in bed with me?’, it’s probably for similar reasons.

• Bonding: If you have a strong bond with your dog, they probably want to be as close to you as possible, even at night.
• Security: If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they may feel unsettled at night if they’re left alone downstairs.
• Warmth: Sleeping next to you helps your dog stay warm and comfortable, especially in winter.
• Habit: Once your dog is used to sleeping on your bed, they’ll want to sleep there all the time.

If you love sharing your bed with a dog, Petplan research shows it’s probably because of benefits such as:

• Comfort
• Companionship
• Feelings of calm
• Emotional security
• Positive mental health
• Improved ability to fall asleep
• The release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone

Why shouldn’t you sleep with your dog? Not everyone enjoys sharing their bed with a pet. For some people, the disadvantages of allowing their dog to sleep in with them include:

• Being disturbed by your dog’s snoring
  
• Disrupted sleep if your dog needs the toilet
• Lack of space, especially for owners of large breeds
• Being woken in the night by your dog moving around

It’s important to recognise that some dogs may experience separation anxiety, which can explain why they prefer to sleep in the same room as you. However, giving in to these tendencies can sometimes hinder your dog’s development rather than support it.

If you’re concerned that your dog struggles with being apart from you, it’s best to seek professional guidance. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can take advantage of our free Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with a trusted expert for advice. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and visit the My Support area to access.

The short answer is that it depends. If you love sleeping in the same bed as your dog, and you wake feeling rested and healthy, there’s no reason to change your routine.

But for some people, it can start impacting their health. Dogs shed hair and dander, which can be a problem if you have pet allergies or asthma. They can also carry dirt, pollen and dust onto your bed, which may trigger allergic reactions or mean your bedding gets dirty more quickly.

If you’d rather your dog didn’t sleep on your bed, it’s best to start them in this routine as young as possible, preferably when they’re a puppy.

If you’re looking for how to stop a dog sleeping on the bed when they’re already used to it, here’s what to do:

• Create a cosy alternative. If they don’t already have one, buy a comfortable bed for your dog. Start by placing it in your bedroom and encourage your dog to settle there, rather than on your bed.
• Use positive reinforcement. When your dog gets into their bed, give them lots of praise and a small treat. If your dog gets onto your bed at night, gently ask them to get back into their bed.
• Decide where your dog will sleep. Once your dog is used to sleeping in their own bed, you can gradually move their bed to other areas of the house, like the kitchen or living room.
• Offer a distraction. A long-lasting chew or Kong filled with frozen peanut butter can distract your dog and help them settle in their bed.
• Stick to a routine. A calm evening routine of a walk, toilet break, meal and water helps your dog understand it’s time to settle down for the night.
• Consider crate training your dog. This can help your dog transition to sleeping outside of the bedroom. Just make sure you gradually build up the amount of time they spend in their crate.

During this process, watch out for any signs of stress or separation anxiety. Working with a qualified behaviourist can help to make the process easier for both you and your dog.