Let’s take a vote… should you co-sleep with your canine? I think just about every paw was raised. While most dogs would certainly vote yes to the co-sleeping, it is really your comfort factor that tips the vote.

As with most any decision, there are positives and negatives to inviting your pup into your bedroom and even bed, so here are a few things to weigh before you let your pooch make the move from crate to cuddle.

Does the decision fit? – Even a small dog can crowd the bed, but large breeds in particular may not be the best fit for you. Fido might be great at rolling over for a treat, but if you have to ask him to rollover in bed to give you more room, he may be less inclined to accommodate your request.

What else is joining you in bed? – Your indoor dog still goes outside several times a day so you may be bringing more than your mutt to bed with you. Make sure flea and pest control measures are in place regardless of your sleeping arrangements. But creepy crawlies aside, you will still need to wash your sheets and comforters more frequently to prevent accumulation of dirt and pet hair.

How does your spouse feel about the dog in the bed? – Bringing a dog to bed can come between you and your spouse – literally. Three Great Danes or one toy poodle… both scenarios have the potential to paw their way right to the center of the bed and between you and your spouse. If you plan to co-sleep with a canine and a spouse then the sleeping layout needs to be discussed and decided upon prior.

What else are you compromising on? – My best friend loves that her dog sleeps under the sheets next to her feet keeping her toes cozy and warm all winter long. Yet, she eyes the fluffy bright white linens in the stores. She knows that they would be no match for her pup’s paws and shedding. And even if she did devote to the extremely frequently cleaning that would surely be required, how well would those luxury linens hold their fluffiness with the constant visits to the washing machine.

How did it happen? – Hopefully your pooch found his way into your bed with invitation after his family carefully weighed the options and impacts of such a decision. However, the truth is that many canines begin – and as a result continue – to sleep in their owner’s bed because the puppy howls from the crate were just to shrill to tolerate.

What about the emotional bond? - Yes, the cuddle connection cannot be denied. There is a certain comfort factor for the dog – and human – when co-sleeping. Aside from the extra warmth in the bed, it is nice to keep our loved ones near. Whether you choose to co-sleep with your canine or keep the bedroom and furniture off limits, make sure you express plenty of love to your canine.

Sweet Dreams!

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