The prospect of cuddling up in bed with your canine friend and dropping off to dreamland with him by your side is an irresistible one for most pet parents. Between work, errands, and social obligations, there often isn’t enough time in the day to spend bonding with your pup. Though it’s perfectly okay to take your dog to bed, here are a few things every pet parent must keep in mind before hitting the hay.
Start With Training
First and foremost, your puppy needs to be potty trained. Puppies can’t hold their bladders and bowels as long as adult dogs can, so, before you let them sleep in bed, you must be sure you won’t be waking up to any unexpected accidents. The best place to start is to crate train your puppy overnight. They may whine and cry a little, but this is normal. Dogs instinctively don’t want to go to the bathroom in their hangout spots, so your pup will learn to hold it while he is crated. Over time, he will be able to go longer periods without going potty; once your pup has gone about six months without an accident, it’s pretty safe to take him into bed.
Find The Right Temperature
There’s nothing worse than waking up on sweaty sheets next to a dog radiating heat like a mini fuzzy furnace. Sleep temperature is more important for a good night’s sleep than most people realize, so it’s imperative to properly set yourself up before bed. To achieve an optimal sleeping temperature of between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, be sure to turn your home temperature down a bit before bed. Starting your night with the proper temperature setting will prevent unnecessary wakeups during the night to play with the thermostat. There are also temperature control sheets available that wick away moisture and excess heat to keep your body cool all night long. Remember that your dog will radiate some heat, so be sure to dress in cool comfortable clothing before cuddling up for the night.
Prevent Pests
The last thing you want to worry about while you’re drifting off to sleep is the possibility of uninvited guests in your bed. Most dogs will have fleas and ticks and other critters on them at some point in their lives, but you do not want them to end up under your sheets. There are various tick-borne illnesses, such as Lymes disease, that you definitely do not want to catch. Fleas are itchy and downright annoying, and they can spread like wildfire in a home if left unchecked. Be sure your doggy is on some sort of pest prevention regime. There are collars, special shampoos, pills, and chews that are very effective at combating fleas and ticks on your pet. For extra protection, flea and tick sprays can be used on furniture and carpeting all around your home. Once your dog and home are protected, you can invite him into bed with no worries.
Give Him Space
Your dog should have a special area of your bed that is “his” special space. It is usually at the bottom of the bed by your feet, but it can be next to you as well. The important thing to remember is that dogs should always be on top of the covers. If they are underneath the covers with you, the dog may overheat and start squirming and panting and wake you up. Your dog should feel free at all times during the night which is important for a pleasant night’s sleep for both parties.
Sleeping with your pup can be a rewarding experience for both of you. Pets have a significant positive effect on mental health so curling up with your furry friend and spending the night together is a great way to beat the blues, and bond too. Follow these tips and enjoy the best night’s sleep of your life with your faithful friend by your side.
photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/Y–nH4n-AhA
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