Being a bonafide germaphobe, sleeping with my dog makes little to zero sense. From my view, the world is just a vortex of bacteria and viruses; on her end, she’s literally bred to root out disgusting critters. Sharing the same sheets, cheek to cheek, borders on masochism.
But for whatever reason, it just feels so right. Lilly hops into my (twice weekly laundered) sheets, and my typical germ angst somehow melts away. Whether she’s cuddled up next to me, or sprawled out on my pillow, for whatever reason, it doesn’t bother me.
But lately, it’s got me thinking: a) just how bad can it be and b) how can a textbook-case hypochondriac be okay with this?
The Ancients Did It So…
According to the AKC, canine/human co-sleeping is not a modern pastime. Moreover, some traditional cultures considered co-sleeping with animals as beneficial. The Aboriginal Australians, for example, often slept beside their dogs for warmth and protection from evil spirits. At just 14 pounds and not exactly a fur ball, I’m going to say Lilly’s better at providing the latter.
Germ Risk Next to Nil
Allergies, eh – apparently they’re at a higher risk of aggravation with the pup in the bed. But regarding transfer of zoonotic diseases, according to canine researcher Bradley Smith of Central Queensland University in Australia, “The [risk] is so low, it’s ridiculous. If your dog is healthy and vaccinated, there is basically no risk.” Okay, check!
But…Best Night’s Sleep? Maybe/Maybe Not
My (super scientific) research showed this one to be a bit of a toss-up among the 56% of pet parents who co-sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Researchers and dog-owners alike all agree that quality of sleep is at risk with co-sleeping: previous studies have shown greater sleep disturbances in owners sharing a bed with their pet. Nothing really that surprising there.
But here’s the interesting part that may explain it: dogs are polyphasic sleepers and have multiple bouts of sleep/wake cycles throughout the day/night, whereas most humans are monophasic sleepers (one period of sleep over a 24-hour cycle). Moreover, dogs also stay attentive to sounds, even when asleep, which may render them lighter sleepers than humans. Well, at least I’m learning something.
Love Wins
In the end – germaphobe, light sleeper, whatever – I just love having Lilly in the bed. It’s part of a daily routine that brings us both joy, starting with her waking me up, me placing her off the bed for her morning scramble and ending with me swooping her up to her spot, turning off the lights, and saying goodnight. And if she wakes me up during one of her poly-whatever sleep cycles, so be it.
What’s your pup’s sleep routine? We want to hear it! And have any other How Gross Is It Really…? topics for us to explore? Let us know at whatthepup@spotandtango.com
