I’m a doctor…why you should never share the bed with your dog – and it’s not just because of germs
A DOCTOR has spoken out on why you should never allow your dog to sleep in your bed – especially during the winter months.
The topic is like Marmite: you’re either completely for it and can’t imagine your furry friend sleeping in a crate or absolutely against it and can’t think of anything worse than snuggling up to your dog.
But it’s bad news for those who love cuddling their pets at night as experts from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy have warned this could cause both you and your dog more harm than good.
Dogs tend to shed their lighter coats to make room for their protective winter coats, which means there will most likely be an excess of fur on the bed.
According to Dr Deborah Lee, this can last up to three to four weeks and usually ends in November.
“The loose hairs in the bedding can cause a lot of irritation to not only yourself as the owner but your pet too,” they told happybeds.co.uk.
She explained the dander can harbour a lot of germs and bugs that you could be exposed to at night.
Animal dander can cause serious health issues as the doctor shared: “This protein is found in the pet’s hair, saliva, skin, and waste and is made up of minuscule particles which are where the risk lies.”
Because dander is so small, it can be inhaled and, as a result, can cause irritation to the lungs.
The doctor said it can even lead to asthma in severe cases.
She said: “Encountering pet dander can cause allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and asthma symptoms.”
People who are immune-compromised, including cancer patients, newborn babies and the elderly, are more at risk of struggling with dander.
In a recent study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, 58% confessed to allowing their pets to sleep on the bed.
Of these, a whopping 86 per cent of dogs tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on their fur or foot pads.
This group of bacteria includes salmonella, E. coli and Shigella – all of which can cause harm to humans.
There are some steps you can take to combat pet shedding though, including adding an air purifier to your room.
You can also use a lint roller to remove fur from the bed and sofas and brush your dog daily to remove the excess fur that’s being shed.
Meanwhile, a dog groomer has revealed the 11 breeds they wouldn’t own – including doodles.
And a pet expert has shared the three steps you need to take to stop your dog barking all the time.