Most pet owners love to sleep alongside their pets, especially dogs. While bed-sharing with your canine companion comes with many health benefits, some vets warn that it can get risky sometimes, especially during the chillier months in winter. Here are a few potential dangers that may arise from this seemingly adorable practice.
Overheating
This is one of the main concerns of bed-sharing with dogs during winter. In colder months, your pet dog likely loves to snuggle in your bed with you, under warm covers. But according to some veterinary researchers, multiple layers of weighted blankets, thick duvets, and electrically heated blankets may pose a risk for the dog. Especially puppies, very small dogs, elderly dogs, and dogs suffering from arthritis or other mobility problems may find it difficult to have a safe exit point and may struggle to get out if the bed gets too hot. The situation poses risks of burns, at the least. Also, the electrical cord of a heated blanket can be dangerous for a dog, especially those who have a biting and chewing tendency.
Sleep Quality
There is some evidence that shows that bed-sharing with a dog can negatively impact the quality of sleep. A 2020 study found that sleeping with a dog in bed caused uneasy movements throughout the night by the owners. Few other studies also have suggested that sharing a bed with a dog might affect sleep quality, though the impact is usually very mild. On the contrary, a 2018 study concluded that bed-sharing with pet dogs delivers stronger feelings of security and comfort, especially for women. Sharing sleeping spaces with pets has been practiced by mankind throughout history. So, some psychologists argue that this human-animal co-sleeping habit is beneficial for both parties. Nevertheless, be cautious while snoozing alongside your pet dog under a blanket.