There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to let your dog sleep in your bed. Ultimately, it comes down to how you feel about your dog's behavior and the quality of sleep your get together.  One of the most common concerns is that dogs will spread dander and dust on your bed, which can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. That's why it's so important to bathe your pet regularly and wash your sheets when co-sleeping with them.

The Science

Pet owners often debate whether to let their dogs or puppies sleep in their bed, and there are a lot of factors to consider before making this decision.  Several studies have found that having your dog in your bed may negatively affect your sleep quality, and it might even make you more likely to wake up in the middle of the night when they are moving around.

However, there are also plenty of benefits to sleeping with your dog in your bed.  Some of these benefits include oxytocin release, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote more deep, restorative sleep.  Another benefit is that sharing your bed with a dog can strengthen your bond with them and increase the sense of security and comfort you feel when they are nearby, says Ryan Llera, a veterinarian at Kingston Veterinary Clinic in Ontario, Canada.

While it may be challenging at first, if all parties are on board and your dog is well-behaved, you can get the ball rolling. Be sure to offer mental stimulation and positive reinforcement, like a chewy treat or a playtime toy before bed.

The Bond

Sleeping together is a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog. Sharing a bed with your dog boosts the oxytocin hormone (which is also known as “the love hormone”), which helps you both relax and feel secure.  But if you’re not getting the rest you need, letting your pet sleep in bed with you might not be right for you. Your dog might be a noisy snorer or you may find it difficult to fall asleep because of their constant twitches and movements.

Despite these drawbacks, some vets say that if you and your dog are both on board, co-sleeping is a great way to strengthen the bond between you two. But there are several things you should consider before deciding whether it’s right for your family.

The Allergens

Allergens: Sleeping with your dog can exacerbate allergies you may have to dog dander and other allergens. These can include dust mites, pollen, mold spores and other environmental allergens.  Moreover, sleeping with your dog can introduce you to fleas and ticks. Fleas are not dangerous to humans but they can carry infections, which may be passed on to you.

If you are a pet allergy sufferer and can’t avoid co-sleeping with your furry family member, there are still ways to protect yourself from allergens. For starters, Herman says you should wash your pet’s bedding regularly and invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to eliminate animal dander.

If you do decide to let your dog sleep in your bed, choose a mattress protector that is made of an outer fabric like suede, faux fur, shearling or micro suede. This will trap your dog’s dander and prevent it from getting into the mattress, she says.

The Health Issues

The pros and cons of letting your dog sleep in your bed depend on the health and well-being of both you and your dog. If your dog is a well-adjusted, respectful, and gentle companion, it may be worth sharing the bed.  But if your dog is bossy, bratty, and disrespectful, you might want to keep them off the bed. You should also consider whether they have behavioral issues that can worsen with shared sleep, says certified dog behavior consultant and professional trainer Russell Hartstein.  Dogs that carry allergens like dust and pollen into the bedroom can aggravate allergies and asthma. In fact, a recent study found that people with mild allergies to dust may be more sensitive to it when sleeping with pets.

The best way to avoid a dog's the impact on your sleep is to use a properly sized mattress. This will help reduce disturbances when you switch positions during the night. Depending on the number of dogs and people in the room, as well as their sizes and breeds, bed-sharing can be beneficial or detrimental to your quality of sleep.