Health - Wellness
When You Sleep With Your Dog, This Is What Happens To Your Body
By ANNE TAYLOR
Many pet parents let their dogs sleep in bed with them, but there has been a long-standing debate about this practice's health benefits and risks. Fortunately, dog owners who enjoy sleeping with their pets don't need to worry too much, as there are more benefits than risks.
The most common negative consequence of sleeping with pets is interrupted sleep, as dogs are light sleepers and often move around at night. Like humans, some dogs can snore and get hot in bed, which can also negatively impact sleep.
Dogs can transmit bacteria, parasites, and fungi to humans, they can bring allergens into bed, and there’s a small risk that pets will spread diseases like ringworm, fleas, and ticks. However, this risk is present for all pet owners, whether they let their dogs sleep in bed with them or not.
However, according to science, this practice increases the flow of oxytocin, the love chemical, to the brain and is a great way to improve the bond with each other. It can also help pet parents relax, may reduce depressive symptoms, make them feel safer at night, reduce insomnia, and even reduce nightmares.