Is It Safe for Kids to Sleep with Their Dog? Experts Weigh In on When and How to Do It

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There are countless benefits that dogs bring into our lives. When it comes to children, they play a crucial role in their mental health. But how good is it for the little ones to share their bed with their furry friends? Experts have the answers.

While sleeping with dogs can offer many benefits to children, such as providing security and boosting self-confidence, experts have pinpointed the best times to do so.

Sharing a bed with a dog can bring calm, security, and a positive emotional bond to children, but specialists recommend following key guidelines to ensure the well-being of both.

Having a pet as a sleep companion can offer significant emotional benefits for children, especially at night when feelings of vulnerability increase. However, experts in animal behavior and child health emphasize that not every moment is suitable for kids to sleep with their dogs. Factors like the child's age, the animal's temperament, and adult supervision are crucial before considering this type of co-sleeping.

For families, especially for mothers who lead active and affectionate parenting at home, knowing professional recommendations can make a significant difference. Ethologist Miriam Pérez warns that “co-sleeping with pets should be done under conditions that prioritize the physical and emotional safety of both.” Psychologist Helena Bat adds that this type of nighttime contact can foster healthier and more empathetic bonds if done correctly.

Benefits of Safe Co-Sleeping with Pets

The practice of sleeping with pets—especially dogs—has been shown to improve sleep quality in some children. According to experts, this companionship can have a calming effect, reducing nighttime anxiety. “Animals can be a source of emotional security; their presence can help a child fall asleep more easily and feel less alone,” says Pérez, who also highlights the importance of the maternal role as an emotional guide in these contexts.

From the animal's perspective, sleeping next to their human also strengthens the bond. “ The dog learns that the child is not a threat , and feels part of the family unit,” notes Bat. This type of nighttime interaction, if handled with mutual respect, can enhance affective skills like empathy and care. “Children understand that animals also have emotions, needs, and deserve dignified treatment,” the specialist emphasizes.

This form of interaction can also strengthen respectful parenting models in which women play a fundamental role as caregivers, educators, and advocates of the human-animal bond , reinforcing their positive influence in family environments.

When to Avoid Letting Kids Sleep with Their Pets?

Despite its benefits, not all scenarios are suitable for co-sleeping between children and animals. Experts recommend avoiding it in the following cases:

Children under one year old : The physical fragility of babies and the risks of accidental suffocation make sleeping with animals unsafe at these ages. There is also a danger if the puppy falls off the bed or gets trapped in the bedding.

Pets with health issues : Animals with difficulties controlling their bowels, nighttime vomiting, or reduced mobility should sleep in their own space to ensure their well-being.

Behavioral problems : If the animal shows signs of aggression, fear, or excessive emotional dependency, co-sleeping can worsen the bond or foster unhealthy habits.

Lack of adult supervision: Sleeping with a pet should be a supervised decision, especially in homes where mothers or responsible adults lead the nighttime routine. Their active participation is key to establishing safe boundaries.

Recommendations for Healthy Co-Sleeping Between Kids and Dogs

For families who decide to allow their children to sleep with their pets, it is essential to follow certain recommendations:

• Constantly supervise the interaction , especially at young ages.
• Allow the animal to choose whether it wants to sleep on the bed or not , avoiding forcing it.
• Ensure a spacious and clean area for comfortable rest.
• Place the animal at the foot of the bed, if possible, to minimize sudden movements or disturbances.
• Ensure frequent veterinary check-ups to prevent allergies or potential zoonotic infections.

Moreover, fostering this coexistence from a perspective of mutual respect is also part of empathetic and conscious parenting, in which many women lead with wisdom, intuition, and responsibility.

Conclusion

Co-sleeping between children and dogs can be an enriching experience if implemented with responsibility and care. Far from being a simple display of affection, it is a practice that should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the child's age, the animal's character, and the capacity for adult supervision. Women, as central figures in parenting , have a key role in promoting human-animal relationships based on respect, empathy, and shared well-being.