For many dog lovers, few things feel as comforting as curling up with their pup at night. About half of all dog owners do it, and most wouldn’t dream of changing that bedtime ritual. But is letting your dog sleep in your bed actually a good idea?

It depends—on your health, your dog’s health, your sleep habits, and your household dynamics. Co-sleeping with dogs has strong pros and real cons. And while the idea might warm your heart, it’s worth looking at both sides of the pillow.

Nearly half of dog owners allow their pets to sleep in their beds.

The Emotional Benefits of Sharing a Bed

Dogs offer comfort. That’s not just a feeling—it’s backed by chemistry. When humans and dogs cuddle, both bodies release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. According to Vital Essentials, this “love hormone” helps ease anxiety and can even lower heart rate and blood pressure.

For people living alone, dealing with depression, or struggling with sleep disorders, a dog in bed can be a grounding presence. Some studies cited by the American Kennel Club link co-sleeping with better mental health outcomes, including fewer symptoms of PTSD and night terrors.

Dogs benefit too. Puppies crave proximity, and sleeping in the same space mimics the security of their litter. Older dogs may feel more connected and secure sharing a bed. As AARP notes, dogs are scent-driven animals, and our beds often smell most like us—something that makes dogs feel safe and happy.

Dogs sleeping in beds can disrupt human sleep due to frequent movement.

Health and Hygiene Considerations

Despite the emotional upsides, co-sleeping has hygiene risks. Dogs can carry parasites, including fleas and ticks, and transmit illnesses such as ringworm or Lyme disease. These risks are small but rise with close, prolonged contact, especially for immunocompromised individuals or young children, VCA Hospitals reports.

Allergies are another factor. Even if you aren’t allergic to your pet, they can track in pollen and dust that build up on your bedding. Wiping down your dog before bed and using HEPA filters and washable sheets can help manage this, but it’s not foolproof. For some, sleeping separately is the healthier option.

Co-sleeping increases exposure to pet dander, which may trigger allergies.

How Sleep is Affected

There’s a stereotype that dogs wreck your sleep. The truth? It varies. Research cited by the Mayo Clinic shows most co-sleeping pet owners report minimal sleep disturbance. In fact, some say they sleep better with their dog than with a spouse.

Still, dogs are polyphasic sleepers, waking and shifting positions often. If your dog barks at shadows or stretches out like a furry log, that could mean lost sleep for you. Light sleepers, in particular, might fare better with their pup nearby—but not under the covers.

Behavioral Impacts: Myths and Realities

Some people worry that letting a dog on the bed will make them feel dominant. But the “alpha dog” myth has been debunked repeatedly. As Vital Essentials reports, dogs live in the present. Behavior issues like guarding the bed are less about entitlement and more about anxiety or insecurity.

That said, if your dog starts growling to defend “their” spot, it’s time for a reset. Resource guarding should be addressed with training or professional help, regardless of sleeping arrangements.

Puppies sleeping in beds may slow down housetraining progress.

Mobility, Age, and Injury Risk

Older dogs or those with joint pain may find bed access challenging—or even harmful. Jumping down from a high bed can worsen arthritis or lead to injury, particularly in breeds like dachshunds or corgis. According to AARP, about 20% of all dogs suffer from arthritis. Pet stairs or ramps can reduce the strain, but some seniors are better off in a comfy orthopedic bed nearby.

Puppies are another exception. Until they’re fully housetrained, having them in bed risks accidents and undermines crate training. Once they’re mature and reliable overnight, the invitation can be extended—if you still want to.

Finding the Right Balance

What works for one household might not work for another. If your dog kicks, snores, or overheats the bed, you may sleep better solo. If your partner doesn’t enjoy the dog in bed, you’ll need to find a fair compromise. And if your dog prefers the tile floor to your duvet, don’t take it personally.

The key, as VCA Hospitals suggests, is consistency. Flip-flopping the rules confuses dogs. Whether you choose to co-sleep or not, be clear and stick with it. And if the decision ever needs to change, make the transition gently.

As the American Kennel Club puts it: “For a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog, it’s quite unlikely that sleeping in your bed…will do anything except delight your dog, comfort you, and enhance the dog-owner bond.”