Sharing your bed with a dog or cat might feel natural (or it might be something you’re still debating). For centuries, pets have offered warmth, comfort, and companionship at night, but is letting them sleep in your bed actually a good idea? From health concerns and sleep quality to emotional bonding, there are pros and cons to consider before making room under the covers.

The Lure of the Snuggle: Why Pets Love Our Beds

Dogs and cats want to sleep in our beds for a few simple reasons: comfort, warmth, and closeness. Our beds offer a soft, comfortable place to rest — much more inviting than the cold, hard floor. Plus, our body warmth can be irresistible, especially in colder climates or winter months.

The most significant reason your pet wants to snuggle up in bed with you is the bond you share. Sleeping together is a sign of trust and affection, and sharing the bed makes your dog or cat feel safe and secure.

Benefits of Letting Your Dog or Cat Sleep in Bed with You

Should dogs sleep in your bed? Should cats? Here are some reasons in favor of letting your pet sleep in your bed.

Reduced Anxiety and Stress 

Recent research shows that living with a dog or cat can help reduce anxiety and stress for people.¹ Sleeping next to them in bed can strengthen that trusting relationship and help people feel calmer overall.

Improved Sleep Quality 

For some, their pet's rhythmic breathing and heartbeat can serve as a natural sleep aid, helping them fall asleep more quickly and experience deeper sleep.

A Stronger Bond 

Sharing a bed can enhance the relationship between a pet and their owner, solidifying their bond and fostering a deeper connection.

Security 

Both dogs and cats can feel more secure when sleeping close to their owners, reducing stress and separation anxiety, especially in rescued pets. The sense of security extends to the pet owner, as many feel safer with their pet in bed with them. This helps reduce hypervigilance, allowing their body to relax and fall asleep. Not to mention, it can also reduce your stress and anxiety to have them close by while you sleep.

Comfort and Warmth 

As mentioned earlier, the extra warmth provided by sharing the bed with a pet is unparalleled. Something about having a warm body snuggled up nearby is comforting for both you and your pet.

Disadvantages of Sharing a Bed with Your Dog or Cat

While there are many advantages to letting your dog or cat sleep in your bed, there are some disadvantages to consider:

Allergies and Asthma 

If you have allergies or asthma, sleeping with a dog or cat can exacerbate your symptoms, causing discomfort and affecting sleep quality.

Sleep Disturbance 

Dogs and cats can be restless sleepers. Their movements throughout the night, along with any noise, can disrupt your sleep, leading to poor quality.

Hygiene 

Pets can bring dirt, bacteria, and even parasites into your bed, which can pose health risks. If you sleep with your pet in your bed, make sure they are on a parasite prevention medication.

Disagreement Between Sleep Partners 

If you share your bed with another person, they may not be on board with letting pets sleep in bed. Dogs can take up a lot of space, especially larger breeds, and some people just aren't comfortable with that.

Pet Safety 

Sleeping with you can be dangerous for tiny pets or those with limited mobility who can't quickly move when they need to. Puppies, kittens, or senior pets could be rolled on or get caught up in the blankets.

What Does Research Show?

Research in recent years  tends to favor the idea that, for those without allergies or asthma, the benefits of sleeping with pets can outweigh the disadvantages. There is disagreement between some studies that survey pet owners about whether it results in better or worse sleep.  

Pet Behavioral Issues from Sharing the Bed

Another thing to consider is whether your dog has any resource-guarding issues when it comes to the bed space. If they struggle with allowing you or your bed partner into that space or get upset when touched or moved while sleeping, it's best to have them sleep in a separate bed or space. This increases safety, reduces bite risk, and is the first step in treating the behavioral issue.

For cats, the thing most likely to cause issues is their relationship with other pets. If they don't get along well or don't feel safe near each other, and everyone likes to sleep in your bed, you could see issues with defensive aggression, even in the middle of the night. One cat may try to chase other cats or dogs out of the bed.

Should Dogs Sleep in Your Bed?

While there are undoubtedly benefits to sharing your bed with a dog, the disadvantages, namely safety, shouldn’t be overlooked. Ultimately the decision is the pet owner’s to make, but you and your dog’s safety should take priority.

Should Cats Sleep in Your Bed?

There are plenty of benefits to letting your cat sleep in your bed. As is the case with dogs, this is ultimately the pet owner’s decision to make. Safety and health of you and your cat should always be the priority.

Overall, whether you let your pet sleep in bed with you may depend less on scientific research and more on your personal preferences and individual circumstances. If allergies and sleep quality are not issues, and you and your pet enjoy the closeness, there may be no reason to avoid sleeping in the same bed. However, if you notice any negative impacts on your health or sleep, you may want to reconsider. Sharing your bed with your dog or cat is a personal decision that comes with pros and cons. Weigh these factors against your own sleep needs, health, and lifestyle to make the best choice for both you and your pet.