Should You Let Your Dog Sleep With You?

For many dog owners, bedtime isn’t complete without their four-legged companion curled up at their side. Sharing a bed with your dog can feel comforting and natural — after all, dogs are part of the family. But is it a good idea to let your dog sleep with you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your health, your lifestyle, your dog’s behavior, and what kind of sleep experience you’re looking for.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your dog, what the experts say, how it can affect your sleep (and your dog’s), and how to create a sleep routine that works for both of you, whether that’s sharing a bed or not.

The Bond Between Humans and Dogs

Humans and dogs have shared their lives for thousands of years. Dogs are naturally social animals who thrive on companionship, and that includes being close to you, even at night. A study from the Mayo Clinic found that many people actually enjoy improved feelings of security and comfort when their dog is nearby during sleep.

Dogs are pack animals, and sleeping close to members of the “pack” (you!) is instinctual. It helps build trust and affection and reinforces the bond between dog and owner. If you’ve ever noticed your dog snuggling up to you or following you around the house, it’s likely because they feel safer and more connected when you’re together.

The Case for Letting Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed

Many pet owners love sleeping with their dogs — and not just because it’s cozy. There are real emotional and psychological benefits to it.

1. Comfort and Emotional Support

Cuddling up to your dog can provide a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. For those dealing with stress or depression, your dog’s presence can offer a nonverbal source of emotional reassurance. The physical warmth and rhythmic breathing of a dog can help some people fall asleep faster.

2. Stronger Bonding

Letting your dog sleep next to you might deepen your relationship. Dogs that sleep near their owners often display more attachment and obedience during the day. It’s a constant, quiet reminder to your dog that they’re part of the family.

3. Feeling of Security

Some people report feeling safer when their dog sleeps nearby. Even small breeds tend to be alert and responsive to sounds. If something’s wrong, chances are your dog will notice it before you do — and let you know.

4. Improved Sleep Quality (For Some)

This might sound counterintuitive, but some people sleep better with their dogs. According to a study published in the journal Anthrozoös, women reported sleeping better with dogs than with human partners. Dogs tend to move less and snore less than people (though that’s not always true!).

The Case Against Letting Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed

As cozy as it may be, there are valid reasons to think twice before inviting your dog under the covers, especially if you’re a light sleeper or have health concerns.

1. Sleep Disruptions

While some people snooze more soundly with their pups, others wake up multiple times due to a dog’s movement, scratching, snoring, or getting up during the night. Dogs don’t always follow human sleep patterns — they nap often, and sometimes they’re up sniffing or repositioning at 3 a.m.

If you already struggle with insomnia or are sensitive to sleep disturbances, sharing a bed with your dog could make things worse.

2. Allergies and Asthma

Even if you’re not allergic to dogs, your pup can carry allergens like pollen, dust, or dander into the bed. This can aggravate allergies or asthma and may lead to more nighttime sneezing, itching, or congestion.

3. Hygiene Concerns

Let’s be real — dogs go outside, roll in the grass, dig in the dirt, and sometimes step in things they shouldn’t. Even if you regularly bathe and groom your dog, they can still bring bacteria and grime into your sheets. If you’re a clean freak or immunocompromised, this may be a dealbreaker.

4. Territorial or Behavioral Issues

Dogs that sleep in their owners' beds can sometimes develop guarding tendencies, growling, or snapping when someone approaches. This can create tension, especially if you share your bed with a partner or children. Establishing clear boundaries can help, but if your dog shows signs of resource guarding, it may be better to let them sleep elsewhere.

What the Experts Say

Veterinarians and pet behaviorists generally agree that co-sleeping is okay, as long as it works for both you and your dog. According to many animal hospitals, it’s important to consider your dog’s health, age, behavior, and size. Puppies, for instance, may benefit from crate training at first to develop independence and house-training habits.

Behaviorists recommend that if you do allow co-sleeping, your dog should still respond to basic commands and respect bedtime boundaries. If they growl, disrupt your sleep, or act possessively, you may want to reassess.

For some dogs, especially those with anxiety or a strong attachment to their humans, being close at night can be therapeutic. Others might be happier — and more secure — in their own space.

Alternatives to Co-Sleeping That Still Keep Your Dog Close

Not ready to let your dog share your bed, but still want them nearby? You’re not alone — and there are great options that balance closeness with comfort and personal space.

Use a Modern Dog Crate

A stylish, well-ventilated crate placed in your bedroom can provide your dog with a cozy, secure den to rest in while still being close to you. Crates are especially helpful for puppies, senior dogs, or those still learning nighttime routines.

With a modern dog crate, you don't have to sacrifice style for function. Many crates today are designed to look like elegant furniture pieces, blending in seamlessly with your decor while giving your dog a personal, comforting space of their own.

Try a Dog Bed Beside Yours

A plush dog bed placed near your bedside is a popular choice for people who want to maintain sleep quality while still giving their dog proximity. This allows your dog to feel included without actually being in your bed.

Use a Pet Gate for Safe Boundaries

If your dog tends to wander or gets up often during the night, consider using a pet gate for stairs or hallways to keep them safely in one area. This can help establish nighttime boundaries and provide a sense of security, especially if your bedroom isn't dog-proofed or you live in a multi-level home.

Special Considerations

Puppies

Puppies may cry or whimper at night, and you might feel tempted to bring them into bed. However, experts usually recommend starting with crate training. Not only does this support housetraining, but it also helps puppies develop confidence and independence. Once they’re older and have consistent bathroom habits, you can revisit the idea of co-sleeping.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs may have mobility issues or incontinence that make bed-sharing tricky. Giving them a comfortable sleeping space on the floor or in a crate can be a gentler option. Keep in mind that as dogs age, they may become more sensitive to movement and noise, just like us.

Multiple Dogs

Got more than one dog? Things can get crowded fast. In that case, consider allowing one dog on the bed and giving the others separate sleeping areas nearby. Monitor behavior closely — dogs can develop jealousy or start guarding spots if they don’t feel secure.

Can Sleeping With Your Dog Improve Your Mental Health?

Emerging research suggests that dogs may actually help some people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. A study published in Sleep Health found that sleeping with dogs in the bedroom — not necessarily in the bed — was associated with better perceived sleep quality.

This may be due in part to the psychological comfort and routine that dogs provide. Dogs help regulate our daily structure, including bedtime. Knowing your dog is with you can reduce nighttime anxiety and feelings of loneliness, especially for people who live alone.

Creating the Right Sleep Routine for You and Your Dog

Ultimately, there’s no universal right or wrong answer — it depends on your lifestyle, your dog, and your personal preferences. Whether you’re in favor of cuddling up or prefer to keep nighttime boundaries, here are a few tips for establishing a healthy sleep routine:

• Be consistent: Dogs thrive on routine. If you allow them on the bed one night and not the next, they may get confused or anxious.

• Create a wind-down ritual: Dogs can pick up on cues that it’s bedtime. A short walk, some quiet cuddle time, or dimming the lights can help signal sleep.

• Make sure your dog has options: Even if your dog is allowed on the bed, provide other cozy spots so they can choose where they’re most comfortable.

• Don’t be afraid to change things: If co-sleeping isn’t working for you, it’s okay to transition your dog to a separate space — just do it gradually and lovingly.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Whether your dog sleeps in your bed, beside it, or in their own modern dog crate, what matters most is that both of you get the rest you need and feel secure. Sleep is personal, and the best arrangement is the one that works for you and your dog, not what a trend or article says you “should” do.

If co-sleeping makes you feel more connected and doesn’t interrupt your rest, go for it. If you’re more comfortable with your dog nearby but not under the covers, that’s perfectly fine too. With options like stylish crates and a pet gate for stairs, you can strike the perfect balance between comfort, design, and practicality.