Should I Let My Dog Sleep in My Bed?

Pros, cons, and personal experiences – should the dog sleep in bed or not?
Many (new) dog owners ask themselves this question and are met with countless myths, prejudices, and contradictions. PunkRockPudel sheds light on the real advantages of dogs in the human bed, where the downsides lie, and what can help you make your decision.

Letting Your Dog Sleep in Bed – Myths and Misconceptions

Whenever the debate about dogs sleeping in bed arises, plenty of myths and assumptions come up. At first glance, some of them may seem logical. But on closer inspection, there are many flaws in the reasoning.

So, let’s take a closer look.

“Dogs Claim Ownership”

If dogs are allowed in the bed, they’ll try to take over the world! The same nonsense is said about dogs being allowed on the couch.

But dogs don’t develop a superiority complex just because they’re lying higher up. Your dog also won’t consider your bed to be their property – as long as you set clear boundaries. You should always be able to send your dog away from the bed if necessary.

This applies to all aspects of life, not just the bed. If your dog won’t let your new partner into bed or even defends it against you, then yes, there’s a real problem to address. But the issue isn’t caused by sharing a bed.

Are Dogs in Bed a Health Risk?

Dogs in bed are still seen by many as germ carriers. They’re said to drag all sorts of bacteria into the sheets that wouldn’t be there otherwise. Let’s take a closer look:

There Are Fewer Zoonoses Than You Think

Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Possible causes include:

Bacteria
Parasites
Fungi
Viruses

Compared to human-to-human infections, zoonoses make up a tiny fraction of all contagious diseases.

In other words:

The Risk of Illness Is Higher With Multiple Humans in One Bed

Co-sleeping with children is on trend. Parents often sleep with their babies or young children in the same bed. The shared bed for couples is a longstanding tradition in many cultures. In fact, not sharing a bed is still seen by many as a sign of an unhappy relationship or imminent breakup.

What never gets mentioned about co-sleeping or couple beds is the significant infection risk from one person to another.

Colds, flu, stomach bugs, lice from school or camp — all of it spreads easily between humans. Unlike with dogs, germs don’t have to cross a species barrier.

So, objectively speaking, you’re more likely to get sick (or pass something on) by sleeping with your partner or children than with your dog. Or even just by cuddling them.

Germs Are Everywhere

Have you already cuddled with your dog today? Did they lie on the couch next to you? Lick your hand? Walk across the floor? Did you maybe clean their food and water bowls with the same sponge as your dishes?

Living with a dog isn’t germ-free — just like living with people isn’t. Whether your dog sleeps in your bed or not, potential germs are part of the environment.

Is It a Hygiene Issue?

Another myth is that dogs in bed are a hygiene nightmare. Mud, ticks, fleas, and a truckload of sand are said to be inevitable.

Whenever I hear this argument, I wonder: What condition are your dogs in??? How do you let your dogs walk around your home???

Still, let’s take a closer look at hygiene:

Paw Care

Paw care is important year-round. Dirty paws don’t just bring messes onto carpets or tile floors. If the dog licks them clean, that’s also a health risk.

Keep paw fur short, wipe their pads after walks, or rinse them with water – and no more dirt in the bed.

Coat Care

Ticks, fleas, dander, burrs, and loose fur aren’t just unpleasant in bed — they’re bad for your dog in general.

No flea thinks: “I could’ve jumped onto the human during the walk or while we were cuddling earlier, but I’ll wait until bedtime.”

Regular brushing — even if your dog hates it — removes debris, loose fur, and helps detect parasites early. It should be part of daily care, regardless of where your dog sleeps.

More Frequent Bedding Changes

Worried about hygiene? Just change your sheets more often. Regularly washing your bedding reduces germs, dander, sweat residue, pollen, and other contaminants — from both humans and dogs.

It actually improves your overall sleep hygiene, which many people ignore even in dog-free beds. Allowing your dog to sleep in bed and cleaning more often might even raise your hygiene standards.

Letting Your Dog Sleep in Bed: The Benefits

The question wouldn’t come up if there weren’t any benefits. So what are they — and are they even proven?

It Strengthens the Bond

Dogs are pack animals. (Yes, I can already hear experts saying: “They live in social groups, not packs!”)

Whatever you call it, most dogs seek closeness to their group — especially while sleeping. Physical contact gives them security and strengthens their bond.

This applies to humans, too. Cuddling releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone — and that’s scientifically proven.

It Promotes Relaxation

Being close to animals and simply petting them can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress.

Can’t sleep? Try a cuddle session with your dog. It’s effective, free, always available, and has no side effects.

Sleep Quality Improves

Feel safer when your dog sleeps next to you? You’re not alone. Many people (and dogs) sleep more deeply and restfully when they feel safe through physical closeness.

You Notice Problems Sooner

My grandma had dogs all her life. She adored them — but was against letting them in her bed.

Her reasoning: If the dog ever got sick, with vomiting or diarrhea, they’d have to leave the bed and might feel punished.

That sounds logical at first. But in practice, it’s not that simple:

A sick dog often wants to be near their human more than ever.
If your dog starts smacking their lips or seems restless at night, you’ll notice health issues much sooner if they’re close by.
Even with an upset stomach, most dogs can either leave the bed or jump into it — depending on where they were before. A bed ban doesn’t really help.

Rhythms Align

Did you know dogs don’t sleep like humans? They don’t sleep for 7–8 hours straight — instead, they nap throughout the day in shorter phases.

They have to learn to stay still for long periods and adjust to your sleep schedule. It helps if they’re comforted by physical contact and your rhythms start to sync.

Potential Downsides

Despite the advantages, sleeping with your dog isn’t always a snuggle party. There are real downsides too — beyond just fur on your pillow.

Not Enough Space

“There’s room in the tiniest hut!” — Until it’s a hot summer night, you’re both sweating, your dog’s paw is in your face, and you can’t move.

Too little space can ruin all the benefits.

Restlessness

Does your dog obsessively lick their paws at night? Walk around? Snore into your ear? Twitch in their sleep and kick you?

Two living beings in one bed always carry the risk of disturbed sleep.

Less Privacy

Romantic time with your partner — while your dog’s on the pillow or worse, trying to join in?!
Sexual intimacy can suffer when your dog always shares the bed.

But this is easy to fix. (More on that below.)

Real-Life Experiences

A friend of mine recently broke up with her partner. She was heartbroken — but one big relief came immediately: “Finally, my dogs can sleep in my bed again!”

She had stopped co-sleeping with them because her (now ex) boyfriend was against it. Once the dogs were back in bed, everyone slept better and seemed happier.

Another friend was excited to sleep with her first puppy. She imagined it being cozy and relaxing — but didn’t sleep a wink. She kept waking up, afraid she’d roll on him.

As for me — I’ve always slept with dogs and cats in my bed or at least in the same room. If they’re not there, I get restless. Just hearing them breathe helps.

Bottom line: Individual preferences vary, and so does what you’re used to. Some people thrive with dogs in the bed, while for others it’s a disturbance — at least at first. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives.

Not Sure Yet? Try These Alternatives

Still unsure if your dog should sleep in bed? Trial and error helps — and there are lots of ways to keep your dog close without the downsides.

Quiet Space in the Bedroom

Cuddle before bed, then everyone to their own spot? Dogs also sometimes find beds too hot or crowded. If they can retreat to their own bed or sleeping den, you get the best of both worlds.

Let’s bust a common myth here: “Once you let the dog in the bed, sending them away is punishment.” That’s not true.

Sure, if your dog has only ever slept in your bed for years, a sudden switch will be confusing. But asking for space is always allowed — even in dog packs.

Sometimes mom or siblings just don’t want to cuddle. That’s normal — and so is gently asking your dog to move.

Bedside Dog Bed

Can’t decide if you want them in bed or not? Here’s a great compromise:
Place a sturdy box or bench next to your bed, put a dog bed on it — and you’ve got a dog co-sleeper.

You’ll be on the same (or similar) level, enjoy cuddles and closeness — without being cramped.

Designated Spot in the Bed

Is there room at the foot of the bed? Lay down a blanket and declare it your dog’s spot. It allows closeness and calm, without being too tight. Works best with small dogs and big beds.

Should the Dog Sleep in Bed or Not?

Only you can decide that. What’s clear is:

If your dog is clean and well-groomed, hygiene isn’t a valid argument.
If your dog carries germs, they’re already in your home (and on you), whether your dog sleeps in your bed or not.
And no, letting your dog sleep beside you won’t lead to world domination.

You might benefit from co-sleeping — or not. The only way to know is to try it. Don’t let outdated myths decide for you. Do what works for you and your dog.