Is it bad to sleep with my pet? Experts weigh health risks and sleep effects

For many pet owners, sharing a bed with their furry companions is a source of comfort and joy. A 2022 survey revealed that nearly half of U.S. adults sleep in the same bed as their pet. However, sleep psychologist Shelby Harris notes that while not everyone experiences sleep disruptions, it's important to consider the potential downsides.

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The first thing they say to me is: ‘I have a dog. You’re going to tell me not to sleep with the dog.’

Veterinarian and microbiologist Dr. Josh Daniels highlights that pets can carry various germs, including ticks, fleas, parasites, and bacteria, increasing human exposure when sharing a bed. While rare, documented cases show transmission of bacterial infections, plague via fleas, and Lyme disease from ticks. These risks are amplified if the pet has recently been in a shelter or is a young animal, potentially carrying skin issues like ringworm.

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Pets can expose us to a variety of bugs and germs, like ticks, fleas, parasites and bacteria. Having them in the bed only increases your exposure. And in some cases, they can make us sick.

Despite these risks, experts like Bruno Chomel, a professor emeritus at the University of California, Davis, emphasize that the likelihood of a healthy individual becoming seriously ill from sleeping with a pet is generally low. He advises pet owners to weigh their appetite for this small but real risk. For those concerned, consistent flea and tick prevention, along with routine deworming, are recommended measures to mitigate potential health hazards.

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Such cases are rare, however. And unless you’re susceptible to infection or have a weakened immune system, the risk of actually getting sick from sleeping with a pet is generally low.