Is Sleeping With Your Dog Healthy? The Surprising Benefits and Risks

The Comfort of Sleeping with Your Dog

If you're like me, your dog probably spends most of the night curled up next to you, offering comfort, warmth, and companionship. But is it healthy for both you and your furry friend? Well, there’s a lot to consider. Some studies suggest sleeping with your dog can have mental health benefits, like reducing stress and increasing feelings of security. But, there’s more to the story, and not all experts agree that it's a perfect idea. Let’s dive into the pros and cons.

Emotional Benefits: Feeling Safe and Cozy

First off, let’s talk about the emotional perks. When I snuggle up with my dog, I feel more relaxed and at ease. And guess what? There’s research backing this up! Studies have shown that having a pet close to you at night can reduce anxiety levels and even help with sleep quality. Dogs, being social animals, can create a calming environment. Their steady breathing and warmth can lull us into a deeper, more restful sleep.

I remember a time last year when I was dealing with some personal stress, and just having my dog beside me helped me feel less alone. It was like a natural anti-anxiety pill, but without any side effects (other than a few dog hairs here and there).

Health Concerns: Could Sleeping with Your Dog Affect Your Sleep?

While there are emotional benefits, we can’t ignore the practical side of things. Is it really all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to your health?

Allergies and Breathing Issues

For some people, sharing a bed with a dog can trigger allergic reactions, especially if they suffer from pet allergies. It’s not just sneezing that might be a problem, but even asthma symptoms could worsen. If you wake up feeling congested, itchy, or have trouble breathing, this might be something to look out for.

I had a friend, Claire, who started waking up with a runny nose after adopting a new puppy. At first, she thought it was just a cold, but after a few weeks, she realized it was her dog causing the issue. She made the tough decision to move the dog to a separate bed, and sure enough, her symptoms improved. So, while it’s cozy to sleep with your dog, you really need to assess if it’s negatively impacting your health.

Sleep Quality: Can Your Dog Disturb You?

Dogs can be unpredictable sleepers. They might kick, scratch, or even get up and down throughout the night. This could potentially disrupt your own sleep cycle. For example, last night, my dog decided it was playtime at 3 AM. Not ideal. If your dog is particularly fidgety, it could actually make it harder for you to get a full, restful night’s sleep.

On the other hand, if your dog is calm and relaxed, you may find that their presence actually enhances your sleep, helping you to feel more grounded and less restless.

The Risks of Sharing a Bed: Is It Right for Your Dog?

We’ve mostly focused on how it affects you, but what about your dog? Could sleeping in your bed affect them?

Dog Behavior and Training

Some experts argue that allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can affect their behavior. Dogs are pack animals, and by letting them sleep in your bed, you might inadvertently send them the message that they are the “alpha” of the household. This can lead to behavioral issues, like increased dominance or territorial behavior.

Honestly, I’ve always struggled with this. My dog is a sweetheart, but sometimes, when I let him in my bed, I notice that he starts getting a bit too possessive of the space, growling when anyone gets too close. It’s small stuff, but I’ve been wondering if my letting him into the bed is reinforcing this behavior. So, I’ve started setting boundaries, and honestly, it's been working.

Hygiene Concerns

There’s also the issue of hygiene. Dogs can track dirt, bacteria, and even parasites into your bed. If your dog spends a lot of time outside or has been rolling in something questionable, you might want to reconsider allowing them on your bed. It’s not about being overly cautious but just ensuring that you’re keeping your sleeping environment as clean and healthy as possible.

So, Is It Healthy to Sleep with Your Dog?

Ultimately, the answer depends on your specific situation. For many, sleeping with their dog can offer emotional comfort, reduce anxiety, and enhance feelings of connection. If your dog is calm and doesn’t disturb your sleep, it could be a win-win for both of you. But, if you’re struggling with allergies, poor sleep quality, or behavioral issues, it might be time to rethink the sleeping arrangement.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is your best sleep companion, then you're not alone. But take some time to weigh the pros and cons for both your health and your dog's behavior. Whether or not you share your bed, the most important thing is that both you and your dog are comfortable and healthy.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.