If you’re a dog owner, you know a dog isn’t just a pet. It’s a member of the family. Our canine companions do everything with us, whether it’s going on walks or sitting in on the family portrait. But there is one place where many of us cross the line, and that’s our beds.
People give many reasons for not wanting their dogs in bed with them, from hygiene concerns to worries that your dog will think itself the alpha in your household. Even so, this neglects the many benefits of sleeping with your dog.
Physical Warmth
We all love to brag about how cold our hometown gets and how we’re used to the cold. But if we could be honest with ourselves, we would admit the weather can make it tough to sleep at night.
The beauty of having a dog in your bed is that its body temperature is a little higher than humans. That, coupled with its thick, luxurious fur, means having a space heater for those bitter January nights.
Emotional Comfort
It doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that our dogs make us happy. But science still has plenty to say on the subject. One study showed that hanging out with a dog helped reduce the stress-causing hormone cortisol. Additionally, it potentially increases the production of oxytocin—a hormone associated with empathy and trust.
In other words, having a dog with you when you go to bed may help relax your nerves and make you feel less alone. This helps ease a negative headspace, making it much easier to fall asleep.
Fun Fact
Oxytocin isn’t just the “love hormone.” It also helps produce theta brainwaves—the kind that happens during REM sleep. That way, you’ll get a deeper night’s sleep, too.
Promote Security
But sometimes, the issue isn’t that we feel lonely, but that we feel vulnerable. The idea that something bad might happen while you’re sleeping can potentially keep you awake at night. This is especially true if you live alone.
Having your dog in your bed can help promote feelings of security even if your pet isn’t a guard dog breed. The idea is that your dog will alert you if something happens and scare off any threats.
Tips for Sleeping With Your Dog
There are plenty of benefits associated with sleeping with your dog. But how do you do it without some of those downsides we mentioned earlier? Here are a few ideas you can keep in mind before turning in for the night:
- Bathe your dog regularly
- Take your dog for a walk before bed
- Set boundaries
- Don’t allow growling or other aggressive behavior
- Keep it above the covers, or give it its own blanket
Remember that even when keeping your dog above the covers, you may need to work a little harder to keep them looking new.
Author: Anana_go; File #: 290328008; Image description: “Girl and beagle dog sleep together. Girl hugs a dog. Home pet. Love.”