It might be tempting to share your bed with your dog as the weather starts to get colder, but one doctor has said you should never do it – as it could pose a health risk
After a balmy start to September, temperatures finally seem to be cooling and autumn as we know it is beginning to settle in. This means it’ll soon be time to swap to your winter wardrobe and cosy pyjamas, and many of us might even feel tempted to allow our furry friends to cuddle in bed with us – which we would never cope with in the sweaty summer nights.
But according to one doctor, you should actually never let your dog into your bed, as it could pose a serious health risk. Experts claim that shedding fur can set off allergies in humans, while animal dander – which is tiny flakes of skin shed by humans or warm-blooded animals with fur, hair, or feathers – can cause problems with your breathing if inhaled.
Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained to RSVP Live: “Pet dander is a common cause of allergy in children and adults. Encountering pet dander can cause allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, hives and asthma symptoms. When you breathe the animal dander particles into your lungs, your body’s immune cells recognise the dog or cat antigen as a foreign substance posing a threat to your health.
“As a result, an inflammatory reaction is initiated, and an antibody called Ig E is released. Cells called mast cells release histamine, which causes smooth muscle contraction, causing the airways to constrict, meaning you cannot get so much air into the lungs. Histamine also causes an increase in bronchial secretions and swelling. This is why pet-induced asthma gives you all those unpleasant asthma symptoms – cough, wheeze and feel chest tightness and shortness of breath.”
On top of the issues caused by animal dander, experts at Happy Beds stressed that if your pet has fleas, it can pose a risk if you allow it into your bed as these bloodsucking creatures can end up feasting on you instead of your pet. According to a recent survey, almost one in four (23%) dogs were found to have fleas, so it’s important to check your animal regularly and use a flea treatment or flea prevention product where needed.
What’s more, 86% of dogs and 32% of cats tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria that includes salmonella, E. coli, and shigella, which are common causes of gastroenteritis in humans. These bacteria are passed on more easily when you cuddle with your pet in bed, so the best way to avoid them is to keep your furry friends away from your sleeping area.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at [email protected].