Should I Share my Bed with my Dog?

When growing up, I never really thought about whether it was a good idea or not to sleep in the same bed as my 6lb maltese. He was like my stuffed animals, only cuter and warmer (although he had a bit of a snoring problem). Only recently have I begun to think about the pros and cons to this sleeping arrangement, and whether I should be forcing my dog into the bed I just bought him. Today we’re going to tell you some of the pros and cons of sharing your bed with your furry friends.

What are the Facts?

According to a recent survey of pet parents by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dogs sleep in their parents’ beds. That’s 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs, and even 32% of large dogs. 

But is that the right decision? My friends’ parents have recently begun letting their 60-pound dog sleep on the comfy chair next to their bed, but periodically she snuggles her way into their bed if one of them gets up in the middle of the night. Now the question becomes “should I kick my dog out?” Here is the pro-con list we came up with in regards to sleeping alongside your pet:

At the end of the day (or in this case night), it’s up to what’s important to you. If you have allergies, it’s probably best to keep your dog off of the place you slumber. But if you and your dog are happy sleeping next to each other, there are a number of mental and physical health benefits that can lead to an improved quality of life. 

Do you share a bed with your dog? Or do you find it disrupting? Share your comments below.