Cuddling, caressing, snuggling: many pet owners love to share their bed with the dog, the cat or whatever pet they own.
American scientists of the Mayo-sleep clinic, Scottsdale, found out that people sleep better when their beloved pet is slumbering beside them. 49 % of 150 asked people quoted to have a pet. More than 50 % of all pets were allowed to sleep in the bed of their owner, or at least in the bedroom. A majority of the test persons stated that they are not disturbed by their animals. On the contrary, they felt safer and more comfortable. 20 % stated that snoring noises, wandering around or yelping of the animals disturbs their sleep.
Health risks
Doctors warn against letting the pet sleep in the bed, it would be a risk for the health. Animals might lead to diseases in the airway resp. might lead to a permanent change of the airways. An animal bed partner might strengthen familiarity and closeness but they don’t belong into the bedroom. Not only the hygiene severely suffers but for the animal, too, it’s not advisable. A puppy might be tiny and cuddly, but a grown up dog is spacious, starts snoring with increasing age or smells funny. And all of a sudden the animal has to leave the bedroom after being allowed to sleep there for years. The consequences might be serious. This also might change the familiar hierarchy with far-reaching consequences for all concerned.
Greater hygiene
When you are aware of all these problems and still can’t do without your pet in your bedroom care for a regular, quarterly deworming and check that the animal is free of any parasites like ticks or fleas. But not only parasites but also bacterial diseases might be passed on. Generally, more hygiene is important! Due to the animal hair the linen have to be changed much more frequently. An own blanket for your pet – best positioned at your feet – is advisable.
Generally, people suffering under allergies or asthma should abstain from animal visitors in bed. Furthermore, the injury risk for infants is high. Therefore, the animals should stay out of their bed, too.
But in the end, every pet owner has to decide himself, whether he wants to share his bed with his pet or not.
This post is also available in / Diesen Beitrag gibt es auch in: German
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