Many consider pets to be members of the family, but is spending the night cuddling a pet the healthiest thing you can do?
Sharing a bed with a pet is a common practice. Research conducted in 2015 found that 56% of participants who owned pets indicated that their pets slept in their beds, while a survey conducted in 2022 found that 46% of respondents agreed.
“There are a number of risks and benefits associated with sharing a bed with a pet, experts say. However, there is no rule or single answer as to whether you should allow your pet to sleep in bed with you,” Jamie said. Whittenburg, DVM, veterinary director of Senior Tail Waggers and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital. Health in a sentence.
“This practice can carry some health risks, such as the transmission of parasites,” Whittenburg said. On the other hand, there may be mental health and bonding benefits for both pet and owner.
According to Whittenburg, this practice carries certain health risks, such as the spread of parasites. However, there may also be advantages for the owner's mental health and for the bond with the cat.
“The decision essentially comes down to personal preference, as well as the pet's behavior and any health considerations,” he explained.
“No matter how much we love our pets, sharing a bed with them isn't always the healthiest option,” said Purvi Parikh, MD, clinical assistant professor and allergy and infectious diseases expert at NYU Langone Health. Health in a sentence.
Despite having allergies, millions of Americans live with pets. According to Parikh, sleeping with a pet can cause allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, sneezing or itchy eyes in the case of a person who is allergic to pets.
“Sleeping in the same bed as your pet could also expose you to parasites, which can be external, such as fleas or ticks, and internal, such as worms,” Whittenburg said.
Additionally, pets can harbor zoonotic diseases, such as bartonellosis, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis, which they can contract in contaminated habitats or from other sick animals.
