Blog > Pros & Cons of Your Dog Sleeping in Your Bed in 2024
Pros & Cons of Your Dog Sleeping in Your Bed in 2024
We all love our canine companions. Coming home to a wagging tail is the highlight of many people’s day. Dogs are a major part of our culture and are members of the family. For thousands of years, dogs have been man’s best friend, and often your bed’s best friend.
A survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found 42 percent of all dog owners surveyed allowed their dog to sleep with them at night. Mattress manufacturer, Novosbed, conducted a similar survey and found a whopping 71 percent of dog owners surveyed slept with their dog nightly.
For dog lovers, nothing beats snuggling up with your pup. However, if you’ve been noticing poor sleep quality, increased allergies, and behavioral issues with your dog, it might be time to get Fido his own bed. If you’ve been sleeping with your dog, or are considering allowing your dog to hop into bed with you, here are a few pros and cons to consider.
If you’re in bed with your dog reading this, you already know the warmth and comfort your dog can bring when it’s time for bed. If imagining your pup staring at your cozy bed from the floor, it might be easier giving in to those sad puppy dog eyes with these pros of sleeping with your dog.
1. Safety
Having a dog is nothing new in terms of safety. History shows that Aboriginal Australians slept with dingos for both protection and warmth. As a dog’s natural instincts are to protect their families, it is no surprise multiple studies show that owning a dog can decrease the likelihood of property crimes like vandalism and theft.
2. Improved Quality of Life
Dogs didn’t earn the nickname “man’s best friend” for no reason. From highly trained canines in law enforcement, emotional support dogs, service dogs, to our family pets, dogs play an important role in society. Many people rely on their service animals for basic everyday needs and could not live full lives without them. As of 2016, there were over 500,000 service dogs in the United States.
When it comes to sleep, service dogs play an important role. In recent years, service dogs have been trained to help those suffering from sleep disorders. For example, a service dog trained to help patients suffering from narcolepsy, can learn to recognize the signs of a narcoleptic attack and help patients stay alert and get medicine they need. For those suffering from PTSD, sleeping with a dog can reduce nightmares, decrease anxiety, and provide an overall sense of safety.
3. Sleep Quality
Sleeping with a 100-lbs snoring dog might sound like the ultimate sleep disruption for many. However, studies have shown that sleeping with your dog can, in fact, improve or maintain your sleep quality especially for adult women.
A study that garnered media attention concluded women experienced improved sleep quality when sleeping with a dog over their male significant others or cats. The study found that the female dog owners felt a sense of security sleeping with their dogs and reported dogs “stay put”, or tend to sleep at the foot of the bed and cause fewer disruptions than cats and human partners.
4. Improves Overall Health
Any dog owner can attest to the mental health benefits of owning a dog. Along with undeniable happiness, dogs improve your overall health and letting your furry friend snuggle up to you at night can only help. Numerous studies have shown various health benefits of owning a dog that also apply to sleeping with your dog such as improved cardiovascular health and decreased depression, which can improve sleep.
The health benefit of owning a dog applies to growing children as well as adults. A 2012 study concluded that children in homes with dogs were 31 percent less likely to have common childhood illnesses like colds, coughs, and ear infections versus children in homes without dogs.
5. Bonding
Bonding with your dog is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. While you might fall in love at first sight with your adorable new puppy, your new family member will need some time to bond with you and learn to trust you.
Allowing your dog to sleep with you helps build trust. Dogs are pack animals, which is why they sleep huddled together as puppies. Sleeping with your dog shows them that they are a member of your pack which builds trust.
Cons of Sleeping With Your Dog
Sleeping with your dog doesn’t always result in a warm, snuggly night of deep sleep. In fact, some studies and experts advise not to sleep with your dog. If you are unsure about sleeping with your dog, here are a few reasons to reconsider.
1. Allergies
Millions of people suffer from allergies, especially at night. Anyone who has had trouble falling asleep with a stuffy nose knows how frustrating it is. Along with dust and mold, pet dander is one of the most common allergies. Those who sleep with their dog are particularly vulnerable to nighttime allergy symptoms.
While you might not be allergic to your dog, dogs can track in pollen and other outdoor allergens into your home and bed. To keep allergies at bay, it is best to get your canine companion their own bed.
2. Spread of Parasites and Disease
Humans rarely get diseases or infections from dogs. While the risk is low, it is still possible to catch a zoonotic disease or illness from a dog.
Parasites like tapeworms and hookworms can be spread from dogs to humans as well as Giardia, MRSA, ringworm, rabies, and Salmonella. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to protect yourself from germs is to wash your hands after caring for, feeding, or cleaning up after your dog.
3. Behavior Problems
If your dog has behavioral problems like issues with dominance or aggression, it is best to let them have their own space when it’s time for bed. Veterinarians and animal behavior experts advise that sleeping with your dog will not cause dominance and aggression, but can compound those behaviors if they are already present.
If your dog is showing signs of aggression around their shared sleeping area, it is best to get them their own bed and contact a licensed trainer or your veterinarian.
4. Sleep Disruptions
Letting your dog sleep in your bed with you can be just as disruptive as it is warm and comforting, especially if your dog snores or moves frequently. Disrupted sleep leads to decreased sleep quality and not feeling rested in the morning.
Frequent poor sleep can cause numerous health issues. Sleeping with your dog can also disrupt their sleep as well. If you notice your dog moving the covers, readjusting, acting restless, or frequently walking in circles before bed, their sleep might be disrupted as well. If this is the case, it would be ideal for both you and your dog to have separate beds.
5. Impact on Relationships
Sometimes your dog can come between you and your significant other in more ways than one. Many couples report their shared dogs or a significant other's dog that was in the picture prior to the relationship as causing problems in their current relationship (Google shows over 3,400,400 results for “dog is ruining my relationship”).
If you feel your partner is choosing the dog over you, or having your dog sleep in the bed with you and your partner, then it is time for separate sleeping arrangements. This is especially true if your dog exhibits territorial and jealous behaviors.
The Bottom Line
Deciding to sleep with your dog is completely up to you. Experts and studies show conflicting views on sharing your bed with your dog. If sleeping with your dog is something you enjoy, then feel free to cuddle up with your pup.
However, if sleeping with your dog is causing health issues, relationship conflict, or poor sleep, then it is best to sleep apart. Ultimately, the decision to sleep with your dog depends on what is best for you, your family, and your dog.
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
I was hesitant at first, but this store exceeded all of my expectations. I worked with Valerio who is exceptionally knowledgeable about all things mattress related (ie construction, support, quality etc). Working with him has been a pleasure and I can't wait for my new bed!
Ruveena was very helpful and not pushy at all. Highly recommend a visit.Updating this:I emailed on August 20, again on August 22, and then called and nobody replied all three times. Is this store still open? If it’s this hard for me to buy will it be even harder for me if I need to return?I eventually found a number to get in touch with Bruce who helped me.Update: the Mlily I bought says pretty badly by morning, causing back pain. I am trying to get it replaced, but the process is not easy.
I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Valerie! From the moment we walked in, he took the time to understand both my and my partner’s specific sleep needs and preferences. He didn’t just try to sell us a mattress; he truly cared about our sleep health, explaining how different options could impact our comfort and overall well-being. His knowledge and patience made us feel confident in our choice, and he went above and beyond to ensure we found the perfect fit. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely prioritizes your sleep health over making a quick sale, Valerio is the person to see!
Valerio from sleePare was absolutely the best when it came to giving us recommendations for mattresses. We fell in love with the mattress he sold us!!!!!
I purchased an M lily mattress at the New York City store a month ago and selected a mattress by M Lilly because of its firmness. When mattress was delivered, it was tightly rolled in a tube and vacuum packed, which concerned me from the onset as I felt the springs would be compromised . when I put the mattress on my bed it felt much softer than the mattress in the store, and when I looked at the tag on the mattress the manufacturing date was almost 3 years old, I called and spoke to Bruce in the customer service department a guy. He assured me he would credit me the price of the mattress as well as pick up the mattress “soon”. since then I have made several follow up phone calls and nobody answers and nobody returns my calls. I bought the mattress with a credit card and I am going to make a claim that my credit card company not pay this invoice. This was really a terrible experience with a terrible salesman..
the only reason I went to Sleepare was to try one of those online mattress brands.The only reason why i left the store buying two mattresses was only because of Valerio, the sales guy.Not only did he help me made the right mattress choice but he did it with his extensive knowledges and joyful spirit.He didn't just recommend the most expensive options-he focused on finding the mattresses that would fit my needs.
I had an exceptional experience shopping for mattresses here. After doing some of my own research online, I was left feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of purchasing a new mattress, but visiting Sleepare helped simplify the process. I was helped by Valerio who went above and beyond to explain the qualities in a mattress I should be looking for while taking my sleep habits into consideration. He was very honest about the expensive name-brand mattresses and explained how the most expensive is not necessarily the best mattress to meet my needs. I was able to spend time trying out several different mattresses. After speaking with Valerio, I left feeling far less daunted than when I arrived. I ended up purchasing a mattress that I am very happy with! They offer a four month trial period in case the mattress does not meet my expectations. I highly recommend coming here for your mattress needs.
Valerio is incredibly helpful. He is knowledgeable and listens to our needs. Compared to some large mattress chains, this store carries good brands that don’t put out aggressive marketing & have reasonable pricing.
Horrible experience dealing with customer service out of NY. Bruce was very rude. I will never buy again at any SleePare and do not recommend this store to anyone.
Could not have had a better experience to find our new mattress! I set up our appointment with Valerio over the phone, and he was extremely helpful and kind. He was very honest about the pros and cons of each mattress, and gave us valuable insights that we otherwise might not have known when testing out each mattress. Thank you again Valerio!
Valerio was extremely helpful with helping me choose the perfect mattress. He was patient, very very funny and gave me a great deal. I highly recommend Valerio for anyone who is looking for a mattress!!
I didn't buy a mattress during my visit, but had a very positive experience thanks to Valerio. He was very helpful in guiding me through the different options and recommending what to evaluate and consider based on my personal circumstances. A true expert and partner in navigating a category I know very little about!
We had to replace our Nest mattress due to water damage while in storage. I went in wanting to try the WinkBed, and after trying several mattresses over and over, we went with a Helix. Valerio helped us and made the entire process enjoyable. I appreciated his transparency, humor, and patience as we carefully weighed our options. We requested a delayed delivery so we have not received the mattress yet. If there are any issues with the delivery, I will update this review. I highly recommend stopping by to try out mattresses here if you're in the market for a new mattress!
This was surprisingly a GREAT experience! We were helped by Fazi, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and NOT PUSHY. I thought I'd be leaving with a totally different mattress that I'd researched, but based on Fazi's thoughtful recommendations, I'm happy to say I got a mattress that is much better for me. I was afraid that this was going to be stressful and overwhelming, but instead, Fazi offered water upon arrival, provided shoe covers for hygiene, and let me explore the different mattresses at my own pace. I'm so glad SleePare exists, because it's intimidating buying an "online" mattress for so much without ever trying it, even with the 100 day trial offers. This experience helped me feel confident in my purchase, and I'm excited about my new mattress! Thank you, Fazi!
We purchased a mattress here from Valerio, who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We left with a perfect mattress for us and the entire process was simple, transparent and enjoyable! Highly recommend stopping here.
Valerio is the best! He made sure to listen, made great suggestions, and is super friendly and personable. Made the whole shopping experience a breeze. Would absolutely recommend shopping with him here!
Valerio is an exceptional representative. He fully explains how the mattress is both the best for you & the worst for you while showcasing how knowledgeable he is about each type of mattress. He wont steer you wrong with your purchase.
My husband and I have been in search for a new mattress and we decided to go to SleePare because of the variety of brands they offer. We had no intention of purchasing a mattress the same day but ended up doing so because of the phenomenal service we got working with Valerio. From the moment we stepped in, Valerio was welcoming and kind. He was so knowledgeable about each of the brands, answered all our questions and most importantly he was honest which is so important, especially when you’re making a large investment! We learned a lot about different mattress types and what to look out for in mattresses moving forward. But honestly, so long as Valerio is there I will only work with him and will refer all my friends and family to him. Thank you for such a great experience!
We were looking for a firm mattress to replace the current old one. After some research online, through the detail product descriptions and many reviews, we thought that we found the mattress which fits our needs. However, we still like to experience the mattress in person. From Google, we found out the SleePare store in New York city, they have may brands of mattress that normally are not available in many mattress stores.We made an appointment with SleePare to check out the mattress that we are interested. We were kindly greeted by the store manager Fazi, and she was very attentive and knowledgeable. We were glad that we try out the mattress in person before making the purchase, it turned out that the mattress that we were looking for did not really meet our need. Fazi understand our need and was so helpful in showing us different brands of mattress.We ended up purchasing the Milly PowerCool firm mattress. The firmness of the mattress is perfect for us. Purchase process was simple and easy. Good communication with Fazi and her team throughout the sale and posted sale periods. Shipping was free and fast. It was the best mattress purchase experience for us. It is highly recommended to check out SleePare store when you need a mattress!Thank you so much to Fazi and her team!
Had an incredible experience here. Valerio was incredibly helpful and kind. He explained everything to us very well, which really helped us with our decisions. Would def go back here
Absolutely thrilled to share my amazing experience at SleePare, especially with the incredible Valerio! Let me start by saying, mattress shopping had been so stressful before I came here. I dealt with so many pushy salespeople who were more focused on selling me the priciest option rather than finding the right one for me. It was exhausting!Enter Valerio – a true gem! From the moment I walked in, he made me feel comfortable, never rushed me, and was genuinely interested in what I needed for a good night’s sleep. His knowledge about all the different mattresses was mind-blowing, and he took the time to answer every question I had. His only goal was making sure I left happy and confident in my choice.And guess what? I did! I ended up choosing the Helix Twilight Luxe, and I couldn’t be more excited. I am confident that it is going to be a game-changer for my sleep. I’m so thankful to Valerio for making what started as a stressful process end with a smile (and a perfect mattress). Highly recommend SleePare and *definitely* ask for Valerio!
I recently had a great experience at SleePare, thanks to Valerio's exceptional service. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the different mattresses and took the time to teach me how to choose the right one without being pushy about making a sale. I appreciated all the information. After my visit, I decided to do some research and checked out a few other stores. It didn't take long to realize the difference in quality and service. I was so impressed that I returned to SleePare the same day and made my purchase. If you're looking for a great mattress and a quick delivery, I highly recommend visiting SleePare and speaking with Valerio.
They have a great selection of mattresses, and their customer service is even better. I bought an Mlily but unfortunately in the end I had to return it before the end of the trial period - it was a good mattress but it didn't perform as I expected. They were great throughout the return process. This is probably the best mattress store in the city.
Terrific place! If you are in any way reluctant to roll around on mattresses in a public space like I initially was, don't be! The experience was enlightening, fun and beneficial in helping me pick a mattress that suits my needs. The SleePare team is informative, patient and congenial. I'm glad I stopped by; it sure beats reading tons of online reviews and still winding up confused. Before buying your next mattress, do yourself a big favor: Visit SleePare!
My son and I found this store after much research. He needed a bed as his old bed would cause him to roll into the middle. He was an active skateboarder and BMX biker and really needs excellent support for his spine and neck. Valerio was exceptional in his knowledge and tact. He had a great sense of humor and I found him to be genuine. He gave us his cell contact which I had to use to ask a few questions and he responded immediately even over the holiday weekend. I would highly recommend this store and Valerio. My son loves his new Helix Elite mattress and I love the value and service we received. Thank you Valerio and Sleepare!
Valerio made the process of buying a mattress enjoyable and effortless. His extensive knowledge and engaging personality set him apart as the most fun and personable salesperson we've encountered in the mattress industry. Highly recommend visiting this store!
Online reviews are great but trying in person these beds rly helped me choose “my bed”. I ordered new Winkbed Blue Luxe with latex and slept on it for 3 weeks so far but gosh, it did make such a big difference on my sleep! I will update in about 6 months
Had a great experience here with Rory. Got tired of shopping online and looking at reviews online only to still get a mattress I was unhappy with and returned. Found SleePare on google and made my way here from Queens. Rory was extremely helpful and patient. His first recommendation was the one I ultimately ended up purchasing after spending almost an hour here trying all the mattresses. The price also ended up slightly cheaper than the online price from the manufacturers website and included the sleeping bundle the manufacturer was offering for online customers. I can't recommend this place enough. Don't buy blindly based off of all the Youtube reviewers. Come here and try for yourself in a no pressure environment. Thanks again Rory!
Brenda and Kirsten were awesome to work with! They were friendly and knowledgeable making me and my wife's shopping experience top notch. I would highly recommend SleePare to anyone shopping for a matress, :)
Wonderful attentive service. Valerio was kind and patiently explained the pluses and minuses of the mattresses I was interested in. And ultimately he led me to a mattress that I think will be perfect. Thank you!
Sleepare is a store that will give you the opportunity to test several mattresses that are only available on-line. Patrick is very knowledgeable about the characteristics of the different brands and will help guide you through the decision making process.
I recently purchased the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Firm mattress from Sleepare in NYC, and it has been a game-changer for my sleep quality. I have chronic back pain, and the Aurora's targeted support zones have made a noticeable difference. Fazi helped me choose the right firmness, and after a few weeks of use, I can confidently say l've found my perfect match. The mattress sleeps cool, too, which is a huge plus during the humid NYC summers. Highly recommend both the mattress and the Store !
Rory helped me with the mattresses and was very helpful in explaining the differences between each mattress. I came back and place the order with Valerio and he made sure the shipping process was seamless as possible. He even helped me with the mattress to my car.
I and my partner worked with Fazi and she is the most pleasant to work with. Cannot express how grateful I am to sleep on a new mattress with NO shoulder pain or hip stiffness. We ended up going with Winkbeds Blue and absolutely love it!
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.