Should My Pet Sleep in My Bed?

By Dr. Justine Lee, PetMD

Did you know that an estimated 14 to 62 percent of pet owners let their dogs or cats sleep on their beds? In my book It’s a Dog’s Life … but It’s Your Carpet, I explain why this is OK…

Don’t worry — you’re not the only one out there who lets that muddy-pawed monstrosity jump on your bed. Over thirty-one million people in the US do it, too. That’s almost 56% of pet owners! So why do so many otherwise sane and clear-headed adults let their hound-dogs have their way? Well, while Cliffy, Fido, and Fluffy may shed, hog the covers, drool, dream, and snore while in bed, they’ll never leave your bedside or cheat on you! And I’ve got to say, dogs can be awfully snuggly, like a full body pillow with a built-in heater, which helps during long Minnesota winters. And I’m speaking from experience here.

Well, now we’re getting some grief on why we shouldn’t sleep with our pets. Emerging Infectious Diseases, in conjunction with the CDC, released an article called “Zoonoses in the Bedroom.” Zoonoses are diseases that animals can spread to people. In this article, they give a few scary examples: A man developed meningitis, which was possibly due to him allowing his dog to sleep under the covers with him and lick his hip replacement wound. In another case, a young boy got plague after having his flea-infested cat sleep him.

While this article appropriately discussed the risks of sleeping with pets, it’s important to keep in mind that some of these diseases are extremely rare … especially when you think about some of the 30+ million people who do so without any problems.

While I think it’s important to acknowledge these zoonotic risks, your danger lies more with that 2-legged person next to you! Personally, I love sleeping with my pets. They add more warm to the bed, they bond to me while I’m sleeping, and I simply feel closer to them when they are snuggling with me. I’m aware of therare risks of sleeping with my pets. In fact, as we speak, my body is in the process of healing some 10-15 ringworm lesions… (but more about this horrible fungus in a later blog). Point is, if in exchange for pet-lovin’, it means that I have to smear tough-actin’ Tinactin on my ringworm lesions every few decades, I’ll take the risk.

What I do love about the article is this: First, it’s written by veterinarians who are experts in the field, and they admit that “the risk of getting sick from sleeping with, kissing, or being licked by pets is real, but the risk can be reduced by keeping pets healthy. Regular veterinary care is key to having a healthy pet and enjoying the benefits of pet ownership.” Agreed!

Bluntly: don’t exchange bodily fluids with your pets! Letting them lick at your wounds? Let’s use common sense here, folks!

Next page: situations where I don’t recommend sleeping with your pet

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Melissa F.

11:29AM PDT on Apr 15, 2012

of course =]]

WARNING: If they sleep with you, it DOES make it harder to get up in the mornings to get the day started!!!! =P hahaha

send a green star

Pat W.

10:32PM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

OOPSY..too late for me sleeping w/my critters!

Joe R.

11:58AM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

Interesting article. (No pets.)

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Penny C.

5:35AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Our 18 year old kitty lies on our feet & keeps us warm.Shes a little hot water bottle!

Kim S.

5:32AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

I think with a bit of common sense, allowing pets to sleep in bed is alright for healthy individuals. However, I can't imagine being a parent and allowing my child to sleep in bed with a flea infested cat... that's just unsanitary!

Shalvah L.

11:19PM PST on Feb 22, 2012

Always use common sense, upps, sorry forgot Americans have their brains polluted by GMO foods....

Nanette A.

11:49AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

I have always let my poochies sleep on the bed. The little ones (chihuahua's) like it under the covers and the bigger ones on top. It's the family bed and they are family! Also as pack animals our fury ones like to be together with their pack :)

Isabel G.

9:27AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

One of the great pleasures in life!!

Kathleen Marie C.

8:30AM PST on Feb 22, 2012

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As for this article, I welcome my cat to cuddle with especially in winter or rainy afternoons of reading and hot tea or soup. It can be quiet time or play time. She is cared-for and healthy and the stress relief she gives me is a part of what keeps me healthy, too. Thank you, Willow!