Is Sharing a Bed With a Pet Bad?
Sharing a bed with your pets can be a great way to build closer relationships and show love and affection. Having your pet close to you can provide a sense of comfort and security, and physical contact can be beneficial for both you and your pet. But is it a good idea to share a bed with your pet? While there are definitely some pros, there are also some cons to consider.
Pros of sharing your bed with your pet
One of the biggest benefits of sharing a bed with your pet is that it can help to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Being close to you in bed gives your pet a sense of security and comfort, so they’ll be more likely to come to you for attention and affection. It also helps to make them feel like they’re part of your family, which can help to build their trust and loyalty.
Sharing a bed with your pet can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. The physical contact can help to reduce cortisol levels and increase levels of oxytocin, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Petting your pet while you’re in bed can also have a calming effect, which can help to improve sleep quality.
Cons of sharing a bed with a pet
One of the biggest drawbacks of sharing a bed with your pet is that it can be disruptive to your sleep. Pets are creatures of habit, and if you let them sleep in your bed, they’ll expect to do so every night. This can lead to sleeping issues, such as waking up multiple times during the night or even waking up too early in the morning.
It’s also important to consider hygiene when sharing a bed with your pet. Pets can carry bacteria, parasites, and other germs, which can cause health problems. If you let your pet sleep in your bed, you need to make sure to keep their bedding clean and to regularly wash your sheets, mattress protector, and blankets.
How common is it to share a bed with your pet?
It may (or may not) come as a surprise that it is quite common to co-sleep with pets - as much as half of all pet owners report regularly sharing their beds with their pets. Teenagers are more likely to co-sleep with their pets than adults (over 78%).
The choice is yours
Ultimately, the choice is a very personal one and one you have to consider yourself. Overall, sharing a bed with your pet can be a great way to build closer relationships and show love and affection. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before allowing your pet to sleep in your bed. If you decide to share a bed with your pet, make sure to keep the bedding clean, use a mattress protector, and practice good hygiene to prevent health problems.
