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Should you share your bed with your pug?
This question has been debated for several years. A few years ago, doctors and veterinarians both said it is not healthy to let your pet sleep with you. However, today, they are saying the opposite.
Latest Research
The latest research shows us that slightly less than 1/2 of all pet owners let their pets sleep with them. That is a lot of pet owners. Look at this chart. It shows the number of dogs that have lived in United States (from 2000-2017). WOW!!! That is a lot of dogs and a lot of dog owners.
Doctors previously thought that the risk of transmission of diseases from dog to human or from human to dog was high, but recent research tells us that such transmission is rare. They also thought that a human’s quality of sleep could be affected because dogs tend to be polyphasic sleepers (they average 3 sleep/wake cycles per night), whereas humans are monophasic sleepers ( we sleep 1 time in a 24-hour period). For some people, this may be true- dogs tend to stay alert and hear sounds when they are asleep and if you are a light sleeper, you may wake easily when your dog wakes.
Here are some benefits of having your dog sleep with you:
*Sleeping in your bed will delight your dog.
*Sleeping next to your furry friend will provide you with comfort.
*Sleeping next to your dog will strength the dog-owner bond.
*It will give you and your dog companionship.
*It can ease anxiety.
*Sleeping next to your dog can provide feelings of safety and security.
*Your dog will provide protection and will alert you to anything out of the ordinary so you can get a good night’s rest.
*A dogs body temperature is three to six degrees higher than our body temperature, so they can keep you warm when it’s cold outside.
*There is nothing like waking up to a wagging tail.
*You can be happy because “Dogs only sleep with people or dogs they trust.”
*Dogs love their humans, are drawn to their scents and love to be next to them- your dog will be content in your bed.
Sleeping next to our dogs raises our levels of Oxytocin
*According to recent research, sleeping next to a dog is good for our brain chemistry. Research has found that touching our pets or sleeping close to them raises our levels of oxytocin in our bodies. Oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle chemical,” can increase feelings of trust, relaxation and psychological stability.
A recent survey shows us what percent of different sized dogs sleep with their owners:
(62% of small dogs, 41% of medium dogs and 32% of large dogs
Pet allergies? Don’t sleep with your dog
Doctors do say that people who suffer from pet allergies or asthma should not sleep next to their dogs. Also, a dog that is aggressive or dominant should probably not be allowed to sleep in your bed.
The benefits of sleeping with our dogs definitely outweighs not sleeping with them… so cuddle, cuddle, cuddle with your pugs!!! It will make you happy and it will delight them!!
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
