Sleeping with Cats or Dogs, Is it Safe for Health?

Are you a cat or dog lover, and have a pet at home? Do you often sleep with your pet cat or dog? You are not alone. A survey conducted in the United States noted that 50% of domestic dogs sleep with their owners, and 63% of domestic cats have a habit of sleeping in their owners' beds.

Benefits of sleeping with a pet cat or dog

A study from the Mayo Clinic in 2015 explains why many people love sleeping with their pets. Sleeping with pets raises a sense of security in some people. Pets make the bed warmer and more comfortable, making the owner relax and feel safe. People who live alone, or those who can not sleep with their partner for work reasons, get a great benefit when sleeping with a pet.

But be careful, pets can be a source of disease

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals are called zoonoses. According to the CDC website, before you allow your pets to sleep together, it's good to make sure that your pet is vaccinated with the necessary vaccines such as rabies. Schedule your pet to regularly clean the lice and worms to the veterinarian. Thus, you can be free from the threat of diseases that can be transmitted by animals and can sleep with your pet calmly.

In addition to the parasites that exist in animals, your pet's habits can also be a source of trouble. Pets usually love to lick you. While it feels nice and adorable, their lick can spread the germs. If you are injured or resting at home after surgery, keep yourself away from your pets even if your wound is tightly closed with a bandage.

You should also not sleep with a pet while having flu, ear infections, or other respiratory infections. Licks made by pets can spread your germs everywhere. Also avoid sleeping with animals when your immune condition is weak,

Do babies and children sleep with cats or dogs?

You just gave birth to your baby? Although it looks adorable to see your baby playing with your beloved pet, it's good if you get rid of your pet from the baby's bed. This action is one of the measures to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Animals such as dogs can smother your baby by rolling onto it.

Larger children should also not be left alone with pets. While you are very confident that your pets are benign while sleeping, the animals can have nightmares, and when they are touched, they can bite and attack suddenly. This can lead to very serious circumstances. If your child wants to sleep with his favorite animal, it's good if you let your pet sleep on the floor of his room only.

Can you sleep with a cat or dog if you're allergic to it?

If you do not have allergies, then sleeping with pets will not make you allergic. However, what if you have allergies and still want to sleep along with your pet? You may be able to try taking antihistamine at night to prevent you sneezing when you wake up the next day.

However, if your allergic reaction is so severe that it leads to a tightness or asthma attack, you may have to succumb to your love for animals. Take your pets out of the room, and clean every corner of your room from the plumes.

So, is it safe to sleep with a pet?

The answer depends on the circumstances. Young children should not be allowed to sleep with their pets. Some medical conditions also make adults not allowed to sleep along with pets. However, by taking some precautions, many animal owners can share their beds with their favorite cats or dogs.