Sleeping dog images

Out for the count: A dog catches up on its sleep in the car in an unconventional position 

Just like a baby, this dog prefers to sleep with a stuffed toy tucked up beside it

Forty winks: The adorable snaps shared on social media show dogs will sleep anywhere 

Flat out: This dog prefers to take a snooze while spread-eagled on its owner's bed

Check out that view: This dog is way too tired to notice the action outside the window 

Dog-tired: A sleepy pooch lets it all hang out while taking a much-needed nap 

Wake me up when it's over: This gorgeous pooch covers its eyes with its paws as it snoozes 

Let's hope this family just has one dog - there's no room for another pooch to sleep here  

Long day? This knackered pooch was snapped while conked out on the sofa  

This adorable puppy was so exhausted after his walk that he passed out on his owner's shoes 

It's safe to say that this litter of sleepy bulldog puppies are not morning dogs 

This sleepy French Bulldog decided that her bed was just too far away and found a perfectly good spot on the floor instead

This pup looks incredibly uncomfortable in his bizarre position on the sofa

This bulldog looks surprisingly comfortable in this cardboard box he found in the kitchen 

This pup figured he could get the best of both worlds and a midnight snack could never be far away  

This golden retriever was asleep on the pillow but rolled off into this twisted heap 

This sleepy puppy couldn't quite make it to his bed before passing out like the rest of his brothers and sisters 

Quite possibly the strangest place to find a sleeping dog. But despite the nature of this, the pooch looks very snug 

This dog is so out of it that he has no idea that he's rolled off and is pressed against a very uncomfortable looking table leg

This puppy has found a very strange place to sleep, hidden away behind a stack of DVDs 

This dog surely can't be comfortable at all in this ridiculous position

Playing with this tennis ball was just so exhausting that he fell asleep with it still in his mouth 

This pooch decided that a 'flower bed' would work just as well as his soft, warm bed inside 

This little guy surely can't be comfortable in this position on the sofa 

This adorable little puppy somehow climbed into his owner's shoe and  fell asleep

This pooch had a bed but found pressing his head against the gear stick more comfortable 

For most dogs the vets is a scary place, this dog couldn't be any more relaxed

This dog is going to wake up with a very sore neck after falling asleep in this position 

This pooch passed out with his head on the side table, which will be covered in dribble in no time 

This little guy was so tired from a long day that he ended up in this unusual position 

Flat-pack pooch! This husky looks like he's been folded up into this strange position 

This pooch was dreaming about tucking into a tasty sandwich and got things a little mixed up 

Surely this can't be comfortable! This lab has somehow slipped off the sofa whilst staying asleep 

This dog looks furious, but in actual fact he's fast asleep in a very bizarre position 

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People love sleeping with their dogs, and it’s safe to say the feeling is mutual.

Often considered part of the family, the chemistry between dogs and people is undeniable. That’s why of dog owners report sleeping next to their dogs.

Cuddling up with your four-legged pal feels good, but it’s not without problems, including sleep interruptions.

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping with your dog, plus tips for getting a peaceful night’s sleep together.

Potential benefits of sleeping with your dog

Pets benefit their people in many ways. Whether sleeping with your dog or cat enhances those benefits is up for debate and may depend on your personal circumstances.

May not decrease sleep quality

Having a dog in bed can affect your sleep. Of course, there are other contributing factors, such as the number of people and pets, pet size, and bed size. It all has to sync up.

A small study of adults found that people sleep just fine with a dog in the bedroom but less so when the dog is actually in the bed. A good solution may be to keep a dog bed beside your own.

Other research found that when compared with cats and other people, dogs in bed were perceived to be less disruptive to sleep.

If you wake up refreshed and aren’t fatigued during the day, your dog is probably a good sleeping buddy.

Provides comfort and security

A 2018 survey of adult women showed that a dog in bed is associated with comfort and security more so than sleeping with another person or a cat. It’s a feel-good thing, particularly if you’re lonely or separated from your dog most of the day.

Boosts mental health

Pets help relieve stress and anxiety. They foster social and emotional connections, which can affect mood and overall mental health.

A showed that human-animal interactions may benefit stress-related factors, such as:

• cortisol
• heart rate
• blood pressure

There’s showing they may help:

• reduce stress-related factors such as epinephrine and norepinephrine
• lower aggression
• enhance empathy
• improve trustworthiness and trust in others

A 2016 study suggests that for people with long-term mental health problems, pets should be considered a main source of support.

Sleeping next to your furry friend may help reinforce those benefits.

Potential side effects and risks of sleeping with pets

While dogs can make good sleep companions, there are other factors to consider.

May decrease sleep quality

Dogs are always on the alert, so they’re light sleepers.

One shows that having a dog in bed increases human movement. This can potentially disturb sleep, but those people rarely remember waking up due to dog movement. This research was conducted on a very small sample of women and may not apply to a wider population.

A dog that snores, slobbers, or overheats the bed is probably not an ideal sleep mate. You may wake up still tired or longing for a daytime nap.

Cats are nocturnal, so they can be challenging nighttime sleep partners. They may want to play or even purposely wake you up.

May aggravate allergies

Pets can carry allergens like dust and pollen into your bed. This can aggravate severe allergies and asthma.

May spread disease

Bacteria, parasites, and fungi can all spread from dogs and cats to humans. Germs can spread through:

• touching feces
• licking the face or an open wound
• scratches
• bites

In the United States, the risk of disease from sleeping with your pet is low, with most risk coming from:

May cause injury

A dominant or aggressive dog in the bedroom is a significant risk for dog bites, especially for children.

Does your dog sleeping in bed give them dominance over you?

There’s no evidence to support the theory that allowing your dog in bed will make them feel dominant.

Some dogs growl or bark when you approach the bed because they may view their sleeping spot as territory to be guarded. Consistent training can break this habit.

Should dogs sleep in children’s beds?

Kids and pets make wonderful companions, but children are more susceptible to germs than adults, particularly if the pet tends to lick.

Aggressive dogs may be especially dangerous to children, and it’s more difficult for a child to get quality sleep with a pet in the bed.

Pets shouldn’t sleep with an infant. If you’re not sure your little one is old enough to have a pet in bed, talk to your child’s doctor.

How to sleep with your dog in bed

If you share a bed with someone else, it’s important that they agree with the sleeping arrangements. Here are more tips for achieving nighttime harmony:

• Walk your dog before bed.
• Train them to wait for permission to get on the bed.
• Be consistent with rules. If you don’t want your dog on your pillow or under the blankets, make no exceptions.
• Discourage aggressive behavior by removing your dog from the bed.
• Visit the veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.
• Use preventive flea and tick treatments.
• Deworm as advised by your veterinarian.
• Wash your hands after cleaning up after your pet.
• Change your sheets and bedding regularly.

When things hit a snag and a good night’s sleep can’t be had, have your dog sleep elsewhere until you work things out. Get advice from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.

When you shouldn’t let your dog in your bed

Even if you enjoy having your pet in bed, it’s not always a good idea. In some cases, you’ll need to put a temporary hold on bed sharing. In other cases, it’s best avoided altogether. If you have serious health issues, ask your doctor if it’s safe for your pet to sleep in your bed.

Consider sleeping without them if your pet:

• is a new addition and hasn’t had a checkup or vaccinations
• isn’t potty trained or has diarrhea
• has worms, mites, fleas, or ticks
• bites or scratches
• moves around a lot
• snores
• is a big drooler
• is very large

Or if you have:

• a sleep disorder or are a light sleeper
• severe allergies
• a compromised immune system or serious health issues
• an open wound

Takeaway

Many people look forward to snuggling up with beloved animal companions. Pets have been known to affect sleep. But for many people, the emotional benefits balance any negatives. It all comes down to personal choice.

When weighing pros and cons, consider your health, your dog’s health, and quality of sleep. Take up problems or concerns with a doctor or a veterinarian.

If your dog is well-behaved and you wake up feeling refreshed, then roll over and let them hop in.

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