I believe most dog owners have a mental image of how cozy it will be. The imaginary mutual snuggle is idyllic and peaceful.
Reality is generally completely different, and the perfect snuggle-moment happens a few times each year. Pets excel at bed hogging, cover stealing, snoring, and kicking.
It doesn't matter. The American Pet Products Association made a study of American sleeping habits, and nearly half of the dogs sleep in their owner's beds. 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium sized dogs, and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners.
When it comes to cats, 62% of cats sleep with their adult owners, and an additional 13% of cats sleep with children.
Is it healthy to sleep with your pets?
On pets.webmd.com, Derek Damin of Kentuckiana Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in Louisville, Ky., says people who suffer from pet allergies or asthma should not sleep with their dog or cat. His recommendation is to use a HEPA filter and keep them out of the bedroom. He also acknowledges that most pet lovers won't kick their darling out of bed, even if they cause allergy problems.
He is right. Humans know what's good for us, and we happily ignore it. I'm a little allergic to dogs. That doesn't change the fact that I can't sleep without my Bonnie. Hearing her steady and soft snore puts me to sleep. She's rather big, and she makes me feel safe and snug, even if she hogs the covers.Victoria Stilwell, internationally renowned dog trainer, says on pets.webmd.com that dogs only sleep with people or dogs they trust. From the dog's standpoint, being allowed on the bed is a compliment.
Do you sleep with your pets? Does it work well?
~ Maria Sadowski ~
We are three dogs, two cats, the cats have always slept in bed and Mom says they are a nightmare as they sleep on top of her or between her legs and she can't move without waking up. Bailie is the first dog to sleep in bed and she is perfect. She lies down, snuggles up and that is that. Katie and I prefer our own beds, but Bailie is a great bed partner, not the cats!
ReplyDeleteAww, Bailie sounds perfect! When I had a cat she wanted to sleep on my chest, or on my face. Chest, not so bad. Face, didn't really work out. Bonnie is a good bed partner, we have a pretty good system, but my other dogs not so much. Ellie, for example, weighs 40 lbs and thinks she can sleep on my head. It just doesn't work, LOL!
DeleteI would love to sleep with our dogs, but I wouldn't actually sleep. Now that we have puppies, I find myself sleeping in the living room a lot with the dogs and it's actually kind of fun and sweet. But the bed is where I belong if I want a good night's sleep.
ReplyDeleteIt's cosy to have the dogs near. They are differently talented when it comes to co-sleeping though, lol. =)
DeleteThank you for information
ReplyDeleteFeline Leukemia Saliva Test Feline Leukemia Saliva Test is an easy to do, just moisten a swab in the cat's mouth, then send to our veterinary lab.