by dogtoyadvisor | Last updated on November 18, 2020
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Apart from people with severe dog-related allergies, there is no reason not to sleep with your dog.
If you’re doing your job keeping your dog healthy and parasite-free, scientists argue there is no argument against sleeping with your dog.
Our dogs sleep with us and the care we take with them is pretty much the same we do regarding sharing our home with them: we keep them clean and groomed and always clean their paws whenever they arrive from their walk.
However, if you’re worried with dog hair or bad doggy smell on your bed, know that it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.
Nowadays. there are amazing tools and products that make our lives with our dogs that much easier and, lucky for you, we’ve tried and tested tons of them so you’ll know what works.
Related:
9 Science-Based Benefits of Sleeping with Your Dog
If you’re reading this, you are either considering letting your dog sleep with you or you already do it but want to make sure it’s okay.
Or maybe you don’t really care, but want to reassure your partner that it’s a good thing.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll let you know 9 perfectly logical, science-based reasons to sleep with your dog without guilt.
1. Dogs Provide Comfort and a Good Night Sleep
The University or Missouri-Columbia found that having your dog close can boost your serotonin levels, which will help regulate your sleeping patterns.
It can also calm you down, if you’re feeling anxious, which can often happen as we lay in our beds at night.
Also, dogs provide comfort, something essential for a great night’s sleep.
2. Dogs Will Leave You in a Better Mood and Reduce Pain and Discomfort
According to researchers at the Azabu University in Japan, interacting with your dog will bolster your levels of oxytocyn, a chemical that contributes to feelings of happiness, love and affection.
By sleeping with your dog, you’re paving the way for falling asleep and waking up happier. just by doing is alongside him.
Oxytocyn is also known for helping with physical pain and discomfort, meaning sleeping with your dog can help you feel better too.
3. Dogs Make Your Heart Healthier
The American Heart Association states that dog owners often have lower levels of dangerous triglycerides than people who don’t share their lives with dogs.
It’s all due to that all special cozying time with your dog.
And let’s face it, what could be cozier than spending the night cuddling with him?
Studies also show that sleeping with your dog helps lower your blood pressure, another great benefit for your heart and your overall health.
4. Dogs Help Reduce Stress
Our lives are what they are.
Busy, hectic and, sometimes, stressful.
And when we feel it the most is when our day is finally over and we’re about to rest.
The University of Missouri-Columbia has found that spending bonding time with your dog allows for a drop in cortisol, which is the hormone associated with stress.
For your dog, this is equally true.
By allowing your dog to sleep with you, you’re not only making your bond stronger, you are also helping him overcome serious issues like separation anxiety.
Related: How to Bond With Your Dog, 5 Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs
5. Dogs Make Us Feel Safe
Have you ever heard a strange noise in the middle of the night?
It can be a terrifying experience, followed by the difficult decision to go look or stay put.
Well, having a dog sleeping next to you changes that.
First, you’ll know you only need to worry if your dog wakes up, barks or runs into the noise. If he barely reacts, it means it’s fine.
Also, you know that if the worst possible scenario becomes real, you have your best bodyguard right next to you (unless you have our dog Dobby next to you, in which case you’re on your own).
According to the Mayo Sleep Clinic in Arizona has found that sleeping with a dog increases your sense of security, which allows you to fall asleep faster.
6. Dogs Help Reduce Allergies (Yes, really!)
This is particularly true for children.
Having a dog sleeping with a child increases their overall protection against allergies.
Studies find that sharing a bed with a dog prevents children from developing allergies later in life, great news for those who want to keep the sneezes away.
7. Dogs Offer Emotional Support
Nights can be tricky, particularly if you’re going through a rough patch.
Laying in bed, late at night, with sadness, anger or anxiety is something all of us have probably experienced.
Dogs can make a big difference in that.
Several surveys have found that over half of US pet owners claim that sleeping with a pet comforted them and provided emotional support.
8. Dogs Keep You Warm
Well, we don’t really need any scientific studies for that.
Anyone who’s slept with a dog (or a cat) in a winter night knows how great it feels to have that warmth next to you.
Cuddling with a dog in cold weather is an unexpected benefit of being a dog parent.
One we take advantage of as much as we possibly can.
9. Dogs Lull You to Sleep
This is particularly great for those who sleep alone, but anyone can benefit from it, really.
For some people, having their home completely silent while they’re falling asleep can actually be counterproductive.
But if you’re sleeping with a dog, the sound of their calm breaths can be really soothing. For some, even the soft snoring will do the trick.
Dogs may not purr like cats do, but listening to them sleep soundly and peacefully next to us can provide great comfort and relaxation, the perfect environment for a great night sleep.
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