Co-Sleeping With Your Dog: 15 Rules To Bed Sharing

If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve considered letting your furry friend snuggle up with you at night. Co-sleeping with your dog can be a great way to bond and provide comfort for you and your pet. However, it’s important to establish some ground rules to ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping experience for everyone involved. Here are 15 rules to follow for successful bed sharing with your dog.

Rule 1: Establish Boundaries

Before inviting your dog into bed, make sure you establish clear boundaries. This can include designating a specific spot for your dog to sleep and setting guidelines for behavior, such as not jumping on or disturbing you while you sleep.

Rule 2: Choose the Right Bedding

Invest in high-quality bedding that withstands wear and tear from your dog’s nails and hair. Consider using a waterproof mattress protector in case of accidents, and regularly wash all bedding to maintain hygiene.

Rule 3: Practice Good Hygiene

Keep your dog clean and groomed regularly to minimize odors and dander. Also, wash your sheets and bedding frequently to maintain cleanliness.

Rule 4: Consider Your Dog’s Size

If your dog is large, it’s important to have a bed that can comfortably accommodate them. Consider investing in a king or queen-sized bed if necessary to ensure everyone has enough space to sleep comfortably.

Rule 5: Monitor Your Dog’s Health

If your dog is elderly or has health issues, co-sleeping may not be the best option. Please consult with your veterinarian to ensure it’s safe for your dog to share a bed with you.

Rule 6: Avoid Sharing Beds With Puppies

While it may be tempting to let your new puppy snuggle up with you at night, it’s important to crate-train them and avoid bed-sharing until they’re fully trained and housebroken.

Rule 7: Train Your Dog

Teach your dog basic obedience commands such as “stay” and “off” to ensure they understand boundaries and behavior expectations while in bed.

Rule 8: Consider Your Own Sleep Needs

If you’re a light sleeper, consider the potential disruptions from your dog’s movements or snoring. Earplugs or noise-canceling devices may be necessary for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Rule 9: Avoid Co-Sleeping With Aggressive Dogs

If your dog displays aggressive behavior, bed-sharing may be unsafe for you or your pet. Consult a professional trainer or behaviorist to address any underlying issues before co-sleeping.

Rule 10: Watch Your Dog’s Weight

An overweight dog may snore or have difficulty breathing, making bed-sharing uncomfortable or dangerous. Work with your veterinarian to ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight.

Rule 11: Consider Allergies

If you or a family member has allergies, bed sharing with a dog may exacerbate symptoms. Consider using an air purifier or allergy medication to minimize the impact.

Rule 12: Don’t Allow Dogs on Pillows or Headrests

To avoid potential injury or suffocation, training your dog to avoid pillows or headrests is important.

Rule 13: Avoid Co-Sleeping With Multiple Dogs

Sharing a bed with multiple dogs can lead to crowding and discomfort. Consider separate beds or sleeping arrangements for each pet.

Rule 14: Consider Temperament

If your dog is anxious or easily startled, co-sleeping may not be a good option. Consider alternative methods for bonding, such as cuddling on the couch or taking walks together.

Rule 15: Be Prepared for Accidents

Despite your best efforts, Accidents can still happen when co-sleeping with your dog. Keep cleaning supplies on hand and consider using puppy pads or a designated area for your dog to relieve themselves in case of accidents.

Co-sleeping with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience. Still, it’s important to establish rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for you and your pet. Following these 15 rules, you can enjoy a peaceful and restful night’s sleep with your furry friend.

Conclusion

Co-sleeping with your dog can be a rewarding and comforting experience for you and your pet, but it’s important to do so safely and responsibly. By following these 15 rules, you can enjoy bed-sharing benefits without compromising your sleep or your pet’s health.

FAQs

Is it safe to co-sleep with my dog?

While co-sleeping with your dog can be safe, it’s important to establish clear boundaries and monitor your pet’s behavior and health.

What if my dog has an accident while co-sleeping?

Accidents can happen, so it’s important to be prepared with cleaning supplies and designated areas for your pet to relieve themselves.

Can I co-sleep with multiple dogs?

Sharing a bed with multiple dogs can lead to crowding and discomfort, so consider separate sleeping arrangements for each pet.

Should I co-sleep with my puppy?

It’s important to crate train your puppy and avoid co-sleeping until they’re fully trained and housebroken.

Can co-sleeping with my dog worsen my allergies?

Co-sleeping with a dog may exacerbate symptoms if you or a family member has allergies. Consider using an air purifier or allergy medication to minimize the impact.