Stop doing it: This is the reason why you shouldn’t let your dog sleep in your bed according to experts

They’re called ‘Man’s best friend’ for a good reason. Dogs form a close bond with their owners, they’re part of the family. Some become inseparable and don’t like to be away from their owners for too long, which can sometimes be a problem at bedtime.

Whether your dog is anxious for some reason and doesn’t want to spend the night alone, or it just enjoys the warmth of being close to you, some will hop onto the bed and snuggle down for the night.

Where should your dog sleep? Opinions are divided

Who can blame them? It’s far more comfortable that being outside in a dark, damp kennel or in their own bed (although some will like having their own space).

But you shouldn’t encourage your dog to sleep at the bottom of your bed according to many veterinarians and pet behaviorists.

The main reason is that it’s just not hygienic. Sharing a bed with your dog invites hair, dead skin, saliva and dust to settle between the sheets. That will attract bacteria and dust mites which can irritate your skin or aggravate any allergies you might have. Those allergens can persist for a long time, weeks if not months.

Another reason why you should sleep apart from your pet pooch is that they could be carrying parasites - fleas or ticks which could quickly cause an infestation in your mattress.

Dogs settle into their own routine

Pet behaviorists will argue that allowing your dog to sleep on your bed sends the wrong signals. Dogs like routine and letting it sleep alongside you some nights and not others sends out mixed messages and will cause confusion.

Dogs need to be taught what’s okay and what places are out of bounds. They’ll soon settle into their own routine.

Having said that, many people do let their dogs sleep next to them and experts have long been divided on the issue, with one side claiming that close physical contact with someone they trust will placate a stressed pet.

Whether to let your dog sleep in your bed or not is ultimately a matter of personal choice. But it’s important to consider the health aspects and whether you are prepared for the extra laundry that comes with letting your dog snuggle up on your bed.

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