Dog Bed Buddies: Here are 5 expert reasons why you should let your adorable dog sleep on your bed

Opinions differ about whether dogs should have their own bed, but there are certainly some benefits to them curling up with their owners.

The number of households in the UK with a pet is at an all-time high, after many of us welcomed a four-legged friend to our homes over the global pandemic.

First-time dog owners have been busy researching how best to look after their furry family members, including thousands turning to Google to ask things like “should a pet sleep on the bed?” and “what are the benefits of allowing my dog on the bed?”.

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Research by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research shows that more than half of owners (56 per cent) allow their pets to sleep with them at night, so luxury bedroom specialists French Bedroom have partnered with Barbara Santini, psychologist at dimepiecela.com to state five reasons why the nation should share with their pups at night.

Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom, explained: “Pets are an extension of the family that bring us great joy and allowing them to sleep on the bed has many benefits for both them and us. If you don’t already, let them on your bed tonight and see if you experience the additions they bring to our health, immune system and more importantly, sleep.

“If you want to be close to pets but worry about sharing a bed, why not treat them to a luxurious bed of their own that can be placed next to yours. There will still be positives from being close, but any concerns around hurting them or feeling like you may be disturbed will go away.”

Here are five reasons to welcome your pooch onto your bed.

Improved sleep

There are several very good reasons to allow your dog to sleep on your bed.There are several very good reasons to allow your dog to sleep on your bed.
There are several very good reasons to allow your dog to sleep on your bed.

It has been proven that a dog in the bed can mitigate anxiety and improve mood and environment for rest, combatting insomnia in the process. Barbara explains: “Sleeping with pets encourages the production and release of more oxytocin. When our oxytocin levels are high, we are more likely to experience total body relaxation.” Georgia adds: “This will stimulate theta brainwaves, which occur during REM sleep and helps our mind make memories as well as increase creativity.”

Strengthened immunity

Sharing a bed with an animal may benefit the immune system even more due to the close proximity together. Barbara says: “Pets encourage the diversity of microorganisms in a home and research shows that your immune system strengthens when exposed to a diversity of microorganisms.” It is also proven that pets help lower blood pressure in humans, and babies are less likely to have allergies when brought up around them.

Increased comfort and security

Pets provide a sense of safety at night. Georgia says: “Pets create a secure and cosy atmosphere with their warmth, steady heartbeat, and protective nature.” She adds: “Dogs heighten comfort, especially for people who feel lonely. If we have a nightmare dogs can wake us up, helping ease the problem.”

Fresher bed linen

Having a pet involves cleaning the house more often due to added build-up of dirt - the extra washes can help with allergies and dust, especially during summer. Georgia comments: “Nine out of ten of us wash our sheets every two weeks but that’s not hygienic enough and won’t keep allergens away during summer. Pets provide an extra reason to keep the house in order so sleeping with them and washing the linen every few days on a warm cycle will prevent an accumulation of dust in the fibres.”

Strengthens trust

The benefits of having pets sleep on the bed aren’t just for humans, animals will have a higher trust level. This will help make communication and training easier as well as improve the relationship. Georgia comments: “The feel-good hormones that are released for people have the same effect on animals. Dogs will feel like part of a pack and cats will view this as an extra level of protection.”

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