The question of whether it is healthy to allow pets to sleep in your bed continues to divide both pet owners and health professionals. While sharing a bed with a dog or cat can offer emotional comfort and companionship, it also raises legitimate concerns about hygiene, disease transmission, disrupted sleep, and even relationship dynamics. Is it wise to co-sleep with your cat or dog?

Why So Many Pet Owners Allow Their Animals to Share the Bed

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dog owners and more than 62% of cat owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them. Many pet owners report enhanced feelings of emotional security and comfort when their animals are close.Some individuals report that the rhythmic breathing and body warmth of a dog or cat helps them fall asleep more easily and feel less anxious. In colder seasons, pets can act as effective “bed warmers,” and for those living alone, their presence often provides a psychological sense of protection.

The Health Risks

Dr. Jack Gilbert, director of the Microbiome Center at the University of Chicago, warns that sleeping with pets may not be suitable for everyone. He notes that people with allergies, asthma, weakened immune systems, or chronic sleep issues should avoid allowing pets into the bedroom—let alone the bed. Animal dander, pollen, and other allergens that cling to pet fur can accumulate in bedding, potentially worsening respiratory problems and disturbing sleep quality. This concern is particularly relevant for individuals prone to skin irritation or who suffer from eczema. Even a clean pet can introduce bacteria, parasites, or environmental allergens into the bed. Fleas, ticks, and mites may go undetected and can cause serious discomfort or infections if not managed with proper pet hygiene and routine vet care.

However, in spite of these risks, not all microbial exposure from pets is harmful. Studies conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado found that homes with dogs contain a higher diversity of bacterial organisms—some of which may actually support immune health. In particular, children who grow up around animals or in farm environments tend to develop stronger immune systems and experience lower rates of asthma and autoimmune diseases.

Experts urge pet owners to carefully evaluate both the pros and cons before sharing their bed with animals.

The Pros

1. Emotional Support and Companionship
   Co-sleeping with pets can reinforce the emotional bond between owner and animal, reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Stress
   Many people find it soothing to have their pet around when they sleep. The presence of an animal can reduce stress and provide a comforting sense of security.
3. Warmth During Cold Nights
   Dogs and cats provide body heat, making them natural companions during colder seasons.
4. Increased Sense of Safety
   Especially for those who live alone, a dog in the bed may relieve loneliness and provide a feeling of safety.
5. Pet-associated bacteria can bolster the immune system.Overly sterile environments can breed health problems.

 The Cons

1. Sleep Disruptions
   Light sleepers are at risk. According to the Sleep Foundation it may be tempting to snuggle up with your dog at night, but co- sleeping with your pet can disturb one’s sleep. They might move around during the night, disturb your body’s ability to regulate temperature, or exacerbate allergies. Pets may snore, move frequently, bark, or demand attention during the night, leading to poor sleep quality.
2. Allergy and Asthma Triggers
   Pet fur, dander, and allergens brought in from outside can exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with allergies or eczema.
3. Hygiene and Health Risks
   Even well-groomed animals may carry bacteria, fleas, ticks, or mites into the bed. According to the National Library of Medicine sharing a bed with pets pose a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to their owner and lead to serious health concerns if unmanaged.
4. Relationship Impacts
   Pets in the bed can reduce intimacy and personal space between partners, sometimes causing relationship strain. Experts in relationship therapy warn that when pets are allowed to sleep between couples, it can reduce physical intimacy and emotional bonding, leading to long-term dissatisfaction.
5. Behavioural Issues in Pets
   Allowing pets to sleep in the bed may reinforce dominance behaviours or cause separation anxiety. In some cases, dogs may become territorial or resist being excluded from other spaces.

Pet Hygiene Matters:

While some microbial exposure may be beneficial, it’s critical to prioritise pet hygiene to reduce health risks. The following steps can help ensure a cleaner, safer co-sleeping arrangement:

• Regular bathing and grooming
• Monthly flea and tick prevention
• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Routine veterinary check-ups
• Cleaning your pet’s paws before bedtime (especially after walks)

Tips for a Balanced Approach to Pet Co-Sleeping

• Use a designated blanket or washable pet mat to protect your bedding.
• Position your pet at the foot of the bed, not near your pillow.
• Establish consistent sleep rules to avoid confusion or bad habits.
• Wash bedding regularly, especially if your pet sheds heavily.
• Observe your pet’s behaviour for signs of stress or dominance.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. The decision to allow pets in your bed depends on your health, relationship dynamics, lifestyle, and your pet’s temperament. For many, sleeping with pets enhances emotional wellbeing and sleep quality. For others, particularly those with allergies or relationship concerns, keeping pets out of the bed may be the healthier choice.

References

• AARP. (2024). 6 reasons your pet shouldn’t sleep with you in bed – and 5 reasons they should. AARP. https://www.aarp.org/family-relationships/reasons-your-pet-shouldnt-sleep-in-your-bed/
• Eckstein, S. (2012). Pets in your bed. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/features/pets-in-your-bed
• Hamburgh, M. (2021). Get a pet to boost your child’s immune system. Orlando Health. https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/get-a-pet-to-boost-your-childs-immune-system
• Naked Living. (2025). How your pet may be killing your intimacy. Dr. Chelsea Page. https://drchelseapage.com/blog/how-your-pet-may-be-killing-your-intimacy
• Pets24. (2024). To sleep with your pet or not? Exploring the health debate and discovering Fedhealth’s pet care benefit. https://pets24.co.za/blog/to-sleep-with-your-pet-or-not-exploring-the-health-debate-and-discovering-fedhealths-pet-care-benefit/
• Summer, J. V. (2025). Sleeping with pets. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/sleeping-with-pets
• Zanen, L. A., Kusters, J. G., & Overgaauw, P. A. M. (2022). Zoonotic risks of sleeping with pets. Pathogens, 11(10), 1149. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11101149