Veterinarians explain why bed-sharing with your dog can be dangerous in the winter

More than half of pet owners admit to sleeping with their dog. Even if sharing a kennel with your dog can be a pleasant moment for owners, it is important to take into account the potential risks to animal and human health. Some vets warn that bed-sharing with your dog can be risky, especially during the winter months.

One of the main concerns is overheating.

During cold spells, dogs are more likely to snuggle up in your bed under the covers for warmth. However, according to this veterinary researcher, if you lie down on thick blankets and duvets, some dogs may have trouble getting out of bed if it gets too hot.

“Very small dogs, puppies, senior dogs and dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues may have difficulty finding a safe exit if they overheat,” Katy Alexander, head of veterinary research at Blue Cross in the UK, told The Telegraph. .

There’s also some evidence that bed-sharing with your dog can affect sleep quality. A 2020 study found that having a dog in bed increased people’s movement during the night. While none of the participants reported any sleep problems, the movement may have indicated they weren’t sleeping as soundly as they thought.

That’s only one side of the argument, though. Some research has indicated that bed sharing with pets is not linked to any effect on sleep quality.

Other studies have suggested that bed-sharing with your dog can affect sleep quality, but the impact is very small.

Numerous other studies have looked at the pros and cons of having a dog in bed to conclude that it may actually improve the well-being of pet owners.

According to a 2018 study by researchers at Central Queensland University in Australia, women who slept with their dogs near them felt safer and more comfortable during the night. However, for the cats, this proximity seemed to disturb their sleep.

The researchers also noted that many cultures throughout history have shared beds with pets, indicating this may be beneficial to some owners and animals.

Despite this, it’s important to consider the potential health risks of sharing a bed with a pet. Animals can spread diseases such as Lyme disease, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. Owners suffering from allergies or asthma may also be affected by pet dander or itching.

Pets can also disturb their owners’ sleep by fidgeting or snoring.

It is therefore important to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding to bed-share with your pet. Owners can also take steps to minimize risks, such as keeping the pet clean and healthy, using a blanket to protect the bed from pet hair, and avoiding bed sharing with sick or vermin-infested pets.

Ultimately, sharing a bed with a pet can be a fun time for owners, but owners should consult a veterinarian to discuss the potential risks and ways to minimize them.

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