The Cozy Joy of Sleeping with Your Dog. Is It Good for Both of You?
On a chilly Winter night not much matches the comfort of curling up with your warm, furry pooch to sleep. A dog’s higher body temperature warms the covers and he probably jumps at the chance for a soft bed with a pet parent. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 46% of pooch parents say they sleep with their dog. About half of the number that have a canine sleep companion say they sleep better with a furry pal on board.
Sleeping with a doggy pal has its benefits for both of you. Dogs and pet parents develop a deeper bond and have reduced anxiety when sharing the same bed. Though there may be sleep disturbances for both of you. For some a good night’s sleep outweighs the perks of a pajama party. You will have to decide what is the best balance for you and your dog.
If you decide to sleep dogless, you will still have the benefits of your pooch’s company if your dog sleeps in the same room with you. Some dogs can get too hot or uncomfortable while sleeping in tandem. Keep your dog’s bed close in case he decides to bail on you in the night.
Cuddling in bed with your dog has a host of benefits though. Outlined below are a few of the perks to sleeping with your four-legged friend.
1. Deepening the Dog-Owner Bond
Spending time with your dog strengthens the pet-human bond. Sleeping with your dog is an easy way to be together. According to Veterinarian Ken Tudor from PetMD, sleeping with your pets can lead to trust and make owners and dogs feel more secure. Dogs are pack animals and sleeping with you mimics their pack instinct making them more comfortable. A pet with a strong bond to you will make it easier for your pet training.
2. Security Alert
People often sleep better with a dog in proximity. Because dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing, owners know their canine will alert them to suspicious activities. This is particularly important to older people, those with hearing problems or anyone living alone. Dogs in turn get that extra measure of comfort that comes from being in touch with their human.
3. Improved Mental Health
Having a dog near can lift depressive symptoms. Snuggling with your pooch releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes you feel good. It also lowers anxiety resulting in a lower heart rate, greater relaxation and deeper sleep. Research also shows that being close to a dog can reduce blood pressure, which directly benefits heart health.
4. Reduction in Sleep Disorders
Anxiety and stress are prime breeding grounds for nightmares. Sleeping with a dog tamps down anxiety, leading to less stressful sleep. People with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) have found that sleeping with a pup helps to alleviate nightmares caused by the condition. Service animals and emotional support dogs are trained to wake those with PTSD when they are having a nightmare, short-circuiting the anxiety.
Down-sides to a Doggie Sleep Companion
Not all pet owners can sleep with their dogs. While humans sleep once a day for a long period, canines are monophasic sleepers. This term refers to the fact that dogs are wired to sleep during the day and night for short periods. Your dog may take a midnight stroll through the bedroom when he wakes up periodically to try a different sleeping spot. Not everyone can sleep through this habit.
If you have allergies to dog dander, sleeping with your dog will aggravate your allergies and reduce your sleep quality. It would be best to restrict your dog’s presence from your bedroom.
You can pick up diseases from your dog. It is rare but still a risk when you sleep with your dog every night. Diseases from fleas, ringworms, and ticks can be passed from owner to dog, and vice versa, as well as some viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands after touching your dog, don’t kiss them on the mouth and monitor them for fleas and ticks. Keeping up with their vet visits is important to keep diseases at bay too.
Now that you know the upsides to sleeping with your pooch, put on those matching pj’s and get a good night’s rest.
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