Do you sleep with your dog?

I went out the other day with some friends, and as well as us all having grown up children we were all dog owners. 

To my surprise, I was the only one out of four of us, who doesn’t sleep with my dog … which got me wondering … am I in the minority or majority of dog owners?

Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend. Not only do they provide companionship and loyalty, studies have shown that having a dog around provides huge health benefits.

For dog lovers, the reasons why dogs should sleep in their bed far outweighs the occasional sleepless night.

Apparently, they make you healthier. Having a dog around, even while you sleep, will make you a healthier, happier person. Studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Health show that dogs lower your risk of heart disease. How? Both organisations believe dogs help minimise stress which will lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels. If you recently suffered a heart attack, dogs can help you recover faster too. Remember, an apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a dog will keep your stress at bay.

People suffering from insomnia have reported that having a dog in their bed helps them fall asleep. The presence of slumbering dogs can chase away the stress accumulated through the day, and the rhythmic sound of their breathing works better than a lullaby. During cold nights, snuggling against your dog feels warm and cosy, because their body temperatures run several degrees hotter.

Also having a dog sleep in your bed will help you feel safer, especially if you live alone.

However, what about the dog hair, dirt and germs, not to mention the excess gas!? Where does that fit into the equation?

Would love to hear your views, so feel free to vote in our poll and express your views below. ‘On your bed!’ or on yours? Where do you draw the line? Is it a size thing? Does it depend on the breed of dog, or are all dogs welcome?