Sleeping with Dogs

There have been a number of articles of late about the virtues of and various issues having to do with dogs sleeping with their uprights and Sam wanted to weigh in on the topic. As Sam and Elsa are around 50 lb., that can pose some interesting positioning in a queen sized bed if there are any plans to spread out, but mostly with regard to who gets the pillows. But that’s another issue. Some people think dogs are just too dirty to sleep in bed with their owner. Have you ever had a toddler sleep with you? You suddenly wake up from a dead sleep and gasp…’Oh my gawd, what the heck is THAT smell?” That theory doesn’t hold much water with me. Besides I brush the dogs frequently (even if they may object at the grooming they sure strut their stuff afterwards). Frankly, they’re probably cleaner than me some nights and rarely drool.

And while they don’t sleep with me every night, I enjoy it when they want to cuddle. “Cuddle” being the operative word. Notice I didn’t say “hog,” guys?

So why do dogs and people like to sleep together? I can think of a number of reasons. First, who doesn’t enjoy the comfort of a warm body next to you in the middle of the night? And the sweet rhythmic breathing makes the pawfect white noise if you need it. It’s all good until a certain Ninja starts snoring, but I digress.

Their presence promotes calm and a feeling of safety. It’s also a great stress reliever. If you’re into meditation, it’s easy to listen to the deep breathing of dogs. When you concentrate on the breaths, it’s easier to fall and stay asleep. Who isn’t in need of a little stress relief? Besides, don’t you just love those little puppy sighs and dream whimpers.

Soon enough winter will be upon us and that means it’ll definitely be a two-dog night. Sure there are down comforters, but there’s nothing quite like a dog next to you for staying warm on a cold winter’s night.

Finally, the unconditional love dogs provide can help ward off depression. Many of our patients ask if Sam can get up on the bed with them and if there aren’t lots of tubes or wires, we’re happy to accommodate their request. Plus your dog enjoys it too when they’re hogging the pillows lying next to you. It’s a safe guess you probably figured out I’m definitely in the “it’s fine and dandy” category. Which camp are you in?

Live, love, bark! ❤︎