Many pet owners choose to share their beds with their dogs and cats, while others remain cautious about the habit. A veterinarian has now outlined both the potential benefits and the drawbacks of letting animals sleep alongside their owners.
Potential benefits of sharing your bed with your pet
Veterinarian Pablo Antonio Olmedo, known on social media as @pablo_vet83, explained that "sleeping with a dog or cat can reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep and strengthen emotional bonds." He added: "Their rhythmic breathing, body heat and presence create a calming effect similar to that of a hug."
Sleeping beside a pet can also increase levels of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, while lowering cortisol, which is linked to stress. According to the vet, this can lift mood and help people fall asleep more easily.
The National Sleep Foundation and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) point out that the presence of an animal can alleviate anxiety, reduce loneliness and reinforce a sense of security, especially for those who live alone. Research from Washington State University has shown that stroking a dog or cat for just 10 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels.
Possible downsides to consider
However, the habit is not without its downsides. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine warns that one in three people who share their bed with pets experience regular disruptions to their sleep.
Pets have different sleep patterns, shift position, make noise or get up during the early hours of the morning, all of which can affect the quality of human sleep. There are also health factors to keep in mind, as pets can carry parasites, bacteria or allergens, particularly if they haven't been vaccinated or regularly treated for worms. For those with allergies or asthma, having fur in the bedroom can make symptoms worse.
The Mayo Clinic notes that the risk of infection remains low when pets receive proper veterinary care, though it recommends maintaining good hygiene for both the animal and bedding. Regular grooming, frequent washing of bed linen and routine vet check-ups are all vital steps to minimise potential risks.
Allowing a pet to share your bed could also encourage emotional dependence, resulting in heightened separation anxiety whenever you're not around. As a result, some experts recommend letting animals sleep in their own beds within the bedroom instead.
Specialists stress that it's vital to put the safety and wellbeing of both you and your pet first when making this decision.
