In an online survey of about 2,000 American adults published 4 years ago, almost half said that they slept in the same bed as their pet. If you are one of them but you’re not sure whether it is the right thing to do, here are some crucial things to consider.
1. Pets Can Transmit Disease:
In case you did not know, pets can actually expose you to all kinds of bugs and germs such as ticks, fleas, parasites and bacteria. And having them in the bed will only increase your exposure to sickness.
For example, an 81-year-old woman was hospitalized in Finland with a fever and signs of a bacterial skin infection in her leg. She had an ulcer between her toes and was infected with a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats.
Investigations later revealed that she regularly slept with her cat, who had a habit of licking her feet and toes.
2. Protect Your Kids:
Ensure your children can handle the responsibility involved before allowing a pet to share the same bed with them. It is not wise to have a child of 6 or younger sleep alone with a pet.
Parents must monitor their kids to make sure they use good judgment when they feed, water, or walk the pet. Pulling a pet’s tail, rough play, or neglecting his or her needs are all indications that the child is not yet mature enough to sleep with a pet.
3. Convenience:
If you do not mind pet hair on your furniture or you are comfortable sleeping with a pet by your feet, by all means, go ahead.
But if you know your cat’s decision to leave in the middle of the night will disrupt your sleep, avoid starting what you cannot finish.
If sleeping on the bed is not comfortable for the pet parent, simply install a clean pet bed in or close to your bedroom.
