Gaby
According to researchers, two-thirds of pet owners share their beds with their animals. However, a recent study revealed that parasites found on dogs’ skin can pose significant risks to humans. This is just one of the many reasons why pets shouldn’t be allowed in the bed.
Dangerous Ticks and Other Parasites
Dr. Alejandra Perotti, a professor of invertebrate biology at the University of Reading in the UK, warned about the potential consequences of this practice.
Sleeping in the same bed with your dog can be harmful, as it may lead to various diseases. Through ticks, fleas, and other parasites, your pet often brings microbes from its skin into your bed.
According to Professor Perotti, microscopic parasitic mites that live in the hair follicles of all dogs “can harm owners with weakened immune systems.” These tiny creatures can be sources of infectious skin or respiratory diseases in humans, which may develop into chronic conditions. These parasites can cause scabies and even Lyme disease.
The researcher provided an example: the most common dog mite, Demodex canis, is a factor in scabies. Typically, these parasites become active in the spring and summer.
Despite this, documented cases of human illness due to the migration of dog mites are relatively few. Dr. Perotti explained that this is largely because “mites are not properly identified.” Diagnosticians often consider these insects as living on human skin rather than transferring from pets.
Other Reasons Not to Let Your Dog in Bed
Many people claim that sleeping in the same bed with their dog is comfortable, pleasant, and safe. However, few realize that it negatively affects sleep patterns, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Researchers from the British company Silentnight found that more than half of the 2,000 pet owners surveyed regularly move to the couch at night because their pets take up too much space.
About 94 percent of study participants reported waking up at night due to their pet’s restless sleeping.
According to study author Hannah Shore, while cats, dogs, and humans have similar sleep patterns, animals have their own peculiarities. “Your pet may wake up in the middle of the night wanting attention, which can be quite annoying when you’re trying to sleep in the same bed,” the researcher added.
“That’s why it’s important to establish rules if you want your furry friend not to disturb you,” Hannah Shore noted.
Interestingly, in 2022, the charity Blue Cross, which advocates for pet welfare, warned against dogs sleeping in the same bed with humans. The reason is that it can lead to overheating for the animal, especially if it’s covered with a down comforter.
