Dogs in the Bed Won’t Disrupt Your Sleep, but What About Those Germs?

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My husband and I share our bed with our dog—a border collie/lab mix named Abbey. Shortly after we brought her home, Abbey realized that the most comfortable sleeping quarters were our own. So, that’s where she joined us.

Still, though, we wondered if having a panting, drooling, 60-pound ball of fur on our bed would disrupt our sleep?

It turns out, no—if anything, my husband and I sleep more soundly than ever.

And a recent study cited in the New York Times confirms this: Researchers at the Mayo Clinic who monitored the sleep patterns of 40 dogs in bed with their owners found that these dog lovers got just as much shut-eye as folks who exile their pooch to a doggy bed or the floor. So if you love snuggling with your fur baby, go for it!

This is the fur baby I get to snuggle with. Meet Miss Abbey.

Natalie Way

“This goes against the lore that you should have the dog sleep elsewhere,” study author Lois Krahn told the Times. “Today, many pet owners are away from their pets for much of the day, so they want to maximize their time with them when they are home. Having them in the bedroom at night is an easy way to do that. And, now, pet owners can find comfort knowing it won’t negatively impact their sleep.”

But that got me thinking: Even if having a dog in your bed isn’t detrimental to your sleep, might it be detrimental to your health? After all, Abbey loves pawing through garbage; I was once horrified to catch her chomping on a dried, dead squirrel. Might having her lounge on our bed increase the odds that my husband or I could catch … something? Let’s look at the facts.

Can you get sick from a dog sleeping in your bed?

Experts agree that the average healthy owner of a dog has nothing to worry about.

“The likelihood of someone getting sick is extremely rare, as is the risk of transmission of diseases,” Dr. Justine Lee, a veterinary specialist from Minneapolis, tells realtor.com®. “Ninety to 95% of the time, it’s very safe to sleep with your pets. Most vets even let their dogs sleep on their bed.”

There are, however, a small percentage of people who won’t benefit from being in close quarters with their dog. That includes individuals with compromised immune systems (due to AIDS, cancer, lupus) as well as those with allergies or severe asthma.

What types of diseases can humans get from dogs?

Although the risk of getting a disease from your dog is staggeringly low, ringworm and mange are two types of skin diseases dogs can carry that are transmitted through contact. But even if you are infected, Lee assures us these diseases are easily treatable.

Fleas and ticks can also hop a free ride on your dog’s coat and into your home. And according to research conducted at Harvard Medical School, these parasites can transmit germs that can cause Lyme disease, the malaria-like infection known as babesiosis, and even plague. That’s why it’s important for your dog to be on a monthly preventive flea and tick regimen.

How dog owners can stay healthy

Common-sense hygiene will keep dog owners healthy and reduce their risk of getting sick from anything Fido brings in. This includes washing your hands after walks or playtime, taking your pup in for routine vet exams, and making sure vaccinations are current.

Lee also recommends that owners with severe allergies or asthma look into getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clear the air of allergens that come from pet dander. While an air filter can make living with a dog better for allergy sufferers, Lee says it’s wise to keep your four-legged friend out of the bedroom if your symptoms are particularly bad.

While all dog owners like to show affection for their animal, Lee shared one final tip that should go without saying: “It might sound gross, but open-mouth kissing with your dog is not OK. Licking your face is fine, but please don’t make out with your dog.”

I can rest easy knowing letting Abbey sleep on our bed is A-OK.

Natalie Way

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