Vet Tom Mason says it’s ‘understandable’ but there are potential complications that are often overlooked
Many people develop a close bond with their pet. Whether it is a cat, dog or some other animal they can often be part of the family.
However there is one common habit that not only poses a risk to you but to your pet as well. Many people allow their pet to join them in their the bed but it might not be as harmless as you might think.
Vet, Tom Mason says it can not only disrupt sleep but can also spread of parasites. The in-house vet at Perfect Pet , says that while it might be understandable, owners need to be aware of the very real health implications for both themselves and their animals.
He said: “Many owners don’t think twice about letting their pet into bed with them, but it’s worth understanding what that close, prolonged contact can mean for everyone’s wellbeing.”
He warned the risks vary depending on the pet, its health history and the owner’s own circumstances. However he said there are four key reasons he would not recommend sharing a sleeping space with your animal.
Parasites and infection
Tom said: “Pets can carry a range of external parasites including fleas, ticks, mites and lice, and sharing a bed gives these unwanted guests easy access to their next host. The risk does not stop there.
“Internal parasites such as,Toxocara canis, a roundworm found in both dogs and cats, can also be transmitted to humans via poor hygiene measures. Microscopic eggs shed by infected animals can survive on bedding and, if accidentally ingested, may cause infection that is difficult to detect and slow to treat.”
Disturbed sleep
Sharing a bed with a pet almost inevitably means interrupted sleep. He said. “The movements, restlessness and changing positions of an animal throughout the night can repeatedly break a human’s sleep cycle, even if the owner is not fully aware of it happening.
“What is often forgotten is that the disruption runs both ways. Owners can just as easily disturb their pet’s rest, and dogs and cats require good quality, unbroken sleep for their own physical and mental health.”
For owners whose pets like to stay with them at night, Tom has a “middle ground” solution. He suggested placing a dedicated pet bed in the same room.
Accidental injury
He said there is also a practical risk of accidental scratches or knocks during the night, particularly with smaller and more delicate animals falling off a high-up bed. He advised that the constant physical closeness overnight can, in some cases, contribute to separation-related behaviours in pets who struggle to cope when that contact is removed during the day.
Boundary confusion
Tom said: “For dog owners in particular, allowing a pet to share a sleeping space can gradually blur the boundaries of the owner and pet relationship. Dogs are instinctively attuned to hierarchy and routine, and consistently sharing the most personal space in the home can lead to confusion around boundaries, which may in turn contribute to behavioural problems over time.”
Tom added: “There are plenty of ways to maintain a close bond with your pet without sharing a bed. A comfortable bed in the same room gives them reassurance and proximity without the risks that come with co-sleeping.
“Getting a good night’s sleep and keeping both owner and pet healthy does not have to mean sacrificing the bond between them. It simply means being thoughtful about where that bond plays out.”
