Co-sleeping with pets is a personal choice, but there are particular situations in which it’s a good idea for your animal companions to keep “four on the floor,” according to Sandi Sawchuk, primary care veterinarian at UW Veterinary Care
Pets have literally gone from the barnyard to the bedroom. Although co-sleeping with a pet (or, in my case, two snoring English Bulldogs, a cat, and a husband) is a personal choice, there are some situations in which I try to convince owners to do as I say, not as I do. And here they are.
- Pets who sleep with their owners won’t necessarily develop separation anxiety, but if the dog already suffers from this behavior problem, all of that nighttime closeness won’t help the dog learn how to be comfortable when left alone.
- Dogs with unpredictable episodes of aggression, who startle easily, or are in pain may pose a danger to the sleeping human next to them.
- Humans with animal or environmental allergies will be more comfortable spending a third of their life in a room free of pet dander and pet-transported outdoor allergens.
- Pets with orthopedic or spinal issues who may aggravate existing problems or cause new ones by jumping up onto the bed and down from it are better off keeping four on the floor.
- Probably the number one reason to limit co-sleeping is that it is difficult to stop once it is started. Relationships change, pet populations change, and teaching an old dog a new trick can result in sleep deprivation for the entire household.
Sandi Sawhcuk, DVM, MS