Should You Let Your Pets Sleep In Your Bed?
They are so cute and sometimes they don't want to get up so it's only natural to want to keep them cuddled up next to you, but is it really the best thing for you and them?
According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dogs sleep in their owner’s beds. The survey found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners. The survey also found that 62% of cats sleep with their adult owners, and another 13% of cats sleep with children. So as you can see, this problem is not uncommon. We just aren't sure it's the best option.
While owners love the snuggling time with their pets, the most common problem that arises with pets sleeping in the bed is that they can interfere with people getting enough sleep. Often pets scratch or have disruptive behavior in the middle of the night that can result in insomnia. A study released by the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center found that about half the patients in the study had a dog or cat, and 53% of those pet owners said their pets disturbed their sleep in some way nightly.
If you are not getting enough sleep at night and it does become a problem, consider crating your dog. The best option for your dog is to kennel train them at a young age so that they feel safe in their kennel and not think of it as a place they go when punished. By putting a comfortable bed and their toys in the kennel, many dogs come to see their kennel as their home. Many bigger dogs are also comfortable sleeping on the floor with a sheet or bed depending on the season. You can even put the floor bed next to your bed so that the pet is still close without interfering with you getting a good night of rest.
While this is not a life or death situation, it can become an issue if you have allergies or if your dog becomes territorial. It's always best to do what makes you feel most comfortable.
For more information or to speak with a veterinarian about sleep issues with your pet, please call us at Phoenix Veterinary Center at 602-559-5500 or book an appointment online.
