Spending time with dogs and cats never gets old. The feeling of cuddling with your furry friends always brings endless happiness. Therefore, it’s common for pet parents to want to fall asleep beside their dog or cat, but is this a good idea? Here are some pros and cons of sharing a bed with your four-legged family member.
Pros of Sharing a Bed with Your Pet
There are lots of great reasons to fall asleep beside your pet. For most people, the pros greatly outweigh the cons.
It Can Improve Your Emotional Health
Studies have shown that being near your pet can produce positive hormones in your body, like serotonin and dopamine, which is why you often see emotional support animals and therapy dogs. So, sleeping beside your pet can also contribute to these positive emotions. Being near your pet can reduce your stress, make you feel less lonely, and ease depression. Of course, all of these factors can lead to peaceful sleep.
It Can Promote a Healthy Heart
Another amazing benefit of being around your pet is that it’s great for your heart. Simply petting or being near your furry friend can help reduce blood pressure, so being near your dog or cat all night is a huge benefit for your overall well-being. Plus, a healthy heart makes relaxing even easier.
You Might Feel Safer
Sleeping with a pet is especially great for people who live alone. Pets are light sleepers, meaning they’re likely to hear an usual sound before you do. In some cases, this can be annoying, but it could also keep you safe in the event of a robbery. Plus, a person breaking in is less likely to stay if they hear a dog causing a scene. Even if your pet isn’t a guard animal, they can still offer an extra layer of protection.
It Could Encourage Aggressive Behaviors
Pets who sleep in bed with their humans might be more likely to develop jealous, protective behaviors. Sleeping in bed might make them feel like the pack leader, which could cause aggression toward other animals and humans in the family. Pets could also get startled if a child or another animal comes near the bed, which could lead to a dangerous situation. Thus, not all pets can handle staying in bed at night.
Should You Do it?
At the end of the day, it comes down to what’s best for you and your pet. Many people sleep beside a dog or cat with no issues at all, but it’s not for everyone. So, consider the needs of you and your furry friend before deciding on the best option.
