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Entry 43Filed under Breeding

Dog Bed vs. Human Bed: Which Is Better for Your Dog’s Sleep?

A dog can sleep on your bed or in a nearby dog bed if the arrangement is safe and comfortable. Here’s how to weigh sleep, health, mobility, and behavior.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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Neither a dog bed nor your human bed is best for every dog. Sharing can work if both of you sleep comfortably and there are no relevant health, safety, or behavior concerns. Choose a separate dog bed if bed-sharing disrupts sleep, creates hygiene or allergy concerns, or makes it harder for your dog to rest safely and comfortably. It can stay in your bedroom, so your dog can be close without sleeping on your mattress.

How to decide where your dog should sleep

Consider the effect on both sleepers, along with safety, health, and your dog’s ability to settle in the space. A human bed may suit a dog who can get on and off safely, is comfortable with the temperature and room, and does not disturb the person sharing it. A separate bed may be better if either of you sleeps poorly, your dog prefers a cooler or quieter spot, or climbing onto the mattress is difficult.

Consideration Sharing the human bed may suit A separate dog bed may suit
Human sleep Your dog settles without disturbing you, and you both prefer the closeness. Your dog’s movement, snoring, or size disrupts your sleep. A small study found lower human sleep efficiency when the dog was on the bed rather than in the room.
Dog comfort and access Your dog can safely get on and off, is comfortable with the space and temperature, and settles there. Your dog overheats, prefers a cooler or quieter place, changes sleeping spots, or struggles with climbing.
Health and hygiene Allergies and parasite concerns are managed, and you are comfortable with the cleaning involved. Allergies or a household member’s health vulnerability make less close exposure preferable.
Behavior and safety Your dog shares the space safely and does not guard the bed or react dangerously when startled. There is guarding or a bite risk, an infant in or near the bed, or a young puppy who needs safe confinement.

What the sleep evidence says

A 2017 study by Lois E. Krahn and colleagues objectively assessed 40 healthy adults without sleep disorders and their dogs over seven nights. Participants and dogs wore accelerometers. Human sleep efficiency was lower when the dog was on the bed than when the dog was in the room (P=.003). The authors concluded that the adults maintained good sleep efficiency with one dog in the bedroom, while the dog’s position on or off the bed made a difference. Read the study abstract on PubMed.

This finding describes the study group, not a guaranteed result for every household. It also compared dog location, not canine welfare across different dog-bed types. If you wake often or feel less rested with your dog on the mattress, trying a bed beside yours can preserve proximity while giving both of you more space.

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EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Extra Large Dog Bed, Waterproof Washable XL Pet Bed 44"
  • Polyurethane Foam: The EHEYCIGA orthopedic dog bed features memory foam and egg crate foam to provide even support and pressure relief. It offers a good balance of softness and support, making it particularly suitable for elderly dogs to alleviate joint pressure.
  • SOFA BED DESIGN: This bolster dog bed is designed with 3-sided bolsters to offer additional support for your pet’s neck and head, promoting restful sleep. The surrounding sides encourage your dog to snuggle in and enjoy a comfortable night's rest.
  • WATERPROOF COVER: A waterproof film is positioned between the fleece surface and the bottom fabric, ensuring the dog bed remains dry. However, the sides are not waterproof.
  • EXTREME COMFORT & MULTIPLE SIZES: The sleeping surface is covered with cozy fleece, creating a soft and inviting sleeping area for your pet. Whatever the size of your dog, we have a dog bed suitable for medium, large, and extra-large breeds.
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Remove foam, machine wash cover separately in cold water only, on a delicate cycle.Do not bleach, tumble dry low, and reshape as needed. Do not machine wash or dry the foam core. Allow the bed to expand for 24-48 hours after unpacking.

When a separate dog bed may be more comfortable

Some dogs get too hot in a human bed, prefer a cool floor, or move between sleeping places. A restless person may disturb the dog just as the dog’s movement can disturb the person. For a dog with arthritis or mobility problems, low-to-the-ground padding may be easier to reach than a raised human bed. If you continue sharing the mattress, a ramp or steps may help with access. VCA’s guidance on dogs sleeping in human beds discusses these comfort and mobility considerations.

Choosing a bed for your dog

Match the bed’s dimensions to your dog and consider how much cushioning and support the dog needs. For an older dog or one with joint concerns, look for supportive construction; a removable, washable cover can make cleaning easier. These are selection criteria rather than a guarantee that a particular material or bed is right for every dog. The American Kennel Club’s dog-bed guide covers support and washable covers.

Rank #2
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EHEYCIGA Orthopedic Dog Beds Large Sized Dog, Waterproof Memory Foam Pet Bed with Sides, Non-Slip Bottom Large Pet Bed with Washable Removable Cover, Grey
  • MEMORY FOAM: The EHEYCIGA orthopedic dog bed features memory foam and egg crate foam to provide even support and pressure relief. It offers a good balance of softness and support, making it particularly suitable for elderly dogs to alleviate joint pressure.
  • SOFA BED DESIGN: This bolster dog bed is designed with 3-sided bolsters to offer additional support for your pet’s neck and head, promoting restful sleep. The surrounding sides encourage your dog to snuggle in and enjoy a comfortable night's rest.
  • WATERPROOF COVER: A waterproof film is positioned between the fleece surface and the bottom fabric, ensuring the dog bed remains dry. However, the faux linen sides are not waterproof.
  • EXTREME COMFORT & MULTIPLE SIZES: The sleeping surface is covered with cozy fleece, creating a soft and inviting sleeping area for your pet. Whatever the size of your dog, we have a dog bed suitable for medium, large, and extra-large breeds.
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Our dog bed features a removable and washable cover with a zipper closure, making it easy to clean. Remove the foam insert, and the cover can be washed in a machine. Please note that the foam insert is not washable. Allow the bed to expand for 24-48 hours after unpacking.

Health, allergies, and cleaning

Dog bedding can retain dander, dust, and pollen, and sharing a bed increases close exposure to fleas, ticks, and certain parasites. People who are very young, very old, or immunocompromised may be at particular risk from infection, according to VCA. If these concerns apply, discuss year-round parasite control with your veterinarian and consider whether your dog should sleep on a separate, washable surface. Washing linens is one cleaning measure VCA describes.

Safety and behavior: when bed-sharing is a poor choice

Bed guarding or aggression

Do not dismiss growling, snapping, biting, or guarding around a bed as harmless. If your dog reacts dangerously when disturbed or protects the sleeping space, use a separate sleeping area and consult a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional about the behavior.

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Comfort Expression Waterproof Orthopedic Dog Bed for Extra Large Dogs
  • Cradled Comfort & Support: This orthopedic dog bed is built with CertiPUR-US certified egg crate foam that conforms closely to your dog's body, delivering soft yet supportive cushioning to help dogs relieve joint and muscle pressure. Designed to offer optimal orthopedic comfort and help dogs to seek deeper sleep, especially suitable for senior dogs with anxiety and large dogs with arthritis.
  • Waterproof & Machine Washable: This dog bed cover features a waterproof inner liner that prevents liquids from soaking into the foam. The soft outer cover is fully removable and machine washable. Cleaning is simple: unzip and remove the bottom foam and bolsters, zip the cover closed, then machine wash it on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low. Two cover designs ship at random - removable and unremovable bolster covers. For the unremovable bolster cover, you don’t need to remove the bolster for cleaning (the bottom foam still needs to be removed). Same great quality!
  • Safe & Cozy Dog Sofa Design: Crafted with your pet's daily comfort in mind, our orthopedic dog bed features OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric for a soft, gentle surface.The 3-sided bolster design provides a secure nest and extra support for your dog's head and neck, promoting a cozy resting posture and deeper sleeping. Additionally, the non-slip bottom keeps the xlarge dog bed firmly in place during naps and play, ensuring it stays where you put it.
  • Size for Pet, Style for Home: Available in a range of stylish colors to complement your home. This dog couch bed comes in a full spectrum of sizes to fit all breeds pets from Mini to XXL, from small kittens to giant breed dogs. Our XL size dog bed (42"L x 30"W, with a 34"L x 26"W sleeping area) features a 3.5" thick supportive base and 5" bolsters, a suitable choice for dogs up to 32" long and 90 lbs, such as labradors, golden retrievers, and german shepherds.
  • Built to Last, Loved for Years: The doggy bed arrives vacuum-packed. After opening, gently tap the bolsters and lay out the foam base, then allow 48 hours for the dog bed to reach full shape and loft. Designed for daily life and favored by pet owners, Comfort Expression dog bed maintains its dependable support through years of lasting comfort. More than just a cozy pet bed, it's a lasting companion for your pet's comfort, delivering enduring value.

Puppies and safe confinement

A young puppy may need safe confinement when unsupervised, and a fall from a human bed can cause injury. The American Kennel Club advises having a young puppy sleep in a crate until housebroken and mature enough to get on and off a bed without injury risk. See its guidance on whether a dog should sleep in your bed.

Infants

An infant should not share a bed or nearby co-sleeper with a dog because of the risk of accidental suffocation or injury. Tufts veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman identifies this as an exception to otherwise acceptable bed-sharing for many dogs. Read Tufts’ guidance on dogs sleeping in their owners’ beds.

Rank #4
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Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Beds Large Sized Dog Washable Original Design
  • Orthopedic Support: Our orthopedic dog sofa is designed to give your pet unparalleled support for a deep, dreamy sleep. High-density egg-crate foam helps distribute weight evenly and provides the perfect amount of pressure relief and joint support.
  • Enhanced Comfort: The 4-sided bolster design promotes ultimate comfort and security, offering your pet a variety of cozy positions to snuggle. The cushioned bolster shape is deeply filled to support your pet’s head and neck for a more restful sleep. And the lowered entrance protects your pet's knees and promotes accessibility.
  • Waterproof & Easy Care: The cover features a laminated waterproof layer that helps protect against spills and accidents. Simply unzip and remove the cover for quick machine washing and easy care.
  • Tested & Dog Approved: This supportive dog bed is wrapped in our velvety soft flannel fabric, offering soothing comfort that your furry friend will find cozy and relaxing.
  • Pet Safe Materials: This standard 100 by OEKO-TEX(24.HCN.46956) certified pet bed consists of CertiPUR-US certified foam and luxurious flannel, creating a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend to rest and recharge. The non-skid bottom reduces slips and protects your dog.

Clear household rules

Allowing a dog on the bed does not, by itself, make the dog dominant. Tufts recommends making the household’s rule clear and consistent: access can be allowed all the time, by invitation, at selected times, or not at all. Inconsistent access can make the expectation harder for the dog to learn.

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Keeping your dog close without sharing the mattress

If you want your dog nearby but need more room, place a separate bed in the bedroom. That gives your dog a familiar sleeping spot without requiring bed-sharing. If pain or mobility problems influence the choice, or if allergies, medical vulnerability, guarding, or aggression raise concerns, ask a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional for advice suited to your household.

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Sunheir Washable Orthopedic Large Dog Bed with Removable Cover, Pet Bed Mat
  • WARM PLUSH SURFACE - The dog bed is designed with a luxury plush Sherpa top and a slip-resistant bottom, providing extra coziness for dogs to sleep comfortably
  • WATERPROOF & MACHINE WASHABLE COVER - This removable cover is constructed with a three-layer fabric design for ultimate comfort and protection. The top layer is made of soft, luxurious plush to keep your dog cozy. Sandwiched in the middle, a TPU waterproof barrier effectively blocks liquids from seaching the inner foam, ensuring it stays dry. The sides are reinforced with durable, scratch- and bite-resistant technical fabric for long-lasting use. It is recommended to clean up in time to protect the health of the dog
  • RELIEVE STRESS WITH EGG-FOAM - The orthopedic dog beds filled with 3 inch thick High-Density egg foam, to help dog relieve pressure on the spine, muscles, and joints when resting and relaxing on the pet bed
  • DESIGNED FOR PETS - Rectangle shaped mattress is perfect for pets to stretch out when its sleep. It also can be placed on living room, any elevated dog bed & dog bed trampoline or in a crate & pet house
  • ABOUT PACKAGING - PLEASE NOTE that the pack was compressed,we suggest putting it for 48 hours to best status after openning

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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