Should you let your dog sleep on your bed? We ask a vet
For many pet parents, their furry companions are more than just pets — they're family. Whether it's celebrating birthdays, planning vacations around them, or even sharing a bed, dogs have carved a deeply emotional space in households. But that last bit — letting your dog sleep on your bed — remains a much-debated topic among pet parents.
According to Dr Umesh Kallahalli, Small Animal Consultant at Mars Petcare India, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all. 'It's a personal choice,' he explains, 'but it also depends on your dog's health, hygiene, and behavioural patterns.'
In homes where dogs are well-groomed, well-behaved, and emotionally secure, co-sleeping can be a beautiful way to strengthen the human-animal bond. 'Sharing your bed with a dog can actually provide emotional comfort for both pet and parent,' says Dr Kallahalli.
In fact, the Mars Global Pet Parent Survey found that nearly half of Indian pet parents report feeling fully satisfied with pet parenthood. One of the top reasons? Stress reduction. 'Dogs offer emotional security. Their presence in bed can lower anxiety and help people sleep better,' adds Dr Kallahalli.
Many pet parents even report that the rhythmic breathing or snuggling of their dog helps lull them to sleep, making bedtime a more comforting experience.
However, not every dog is suited for co-sleeping. If your dog exhibits behavioural issues like resource guarding, restlessness, or becomes overly territorial about your bed, it might be healthier — for both of you — to establish a separate sleep space.
Dr Kallahalli warns, 'If your dog disrupts your sleep or reacts aggressively when asked to move, it's better to have them sleep in their own designated area.'
He also points out the importance of hygiene and allergies. 'If someone in the home has respiratory conditions or skin sensitivities, sleeping with a pet could aggravate these issues,' he says.
Ultimately, what matters most is ensuring that your pet has a safe, consistent, and comfortable place to sleep — whether that's your bed or their own. 'Every household is different. The goal is to respect both your dog's emotional needs and your own health and rest,' Dr Kallahalli concludes.
So, the next time your pup hops onto the bed and curls up beside you, remember — it's okay, as long as it works for everyone involved.
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