Why Your Dog Shouldn't Sleep With You (And When It Might Be OK)

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed November 18, 2025

A Medical News Today report looked at how pet sleeping habits affect people. Some owners slept better with a dog in the bedroom, while others slept worse when the dog was under the covers.

These mixed results raise an important question about why your dog shouldn't sleep with you. For some, bed-sharing feels natural. For others, it feels risky.

To understand what is truly best, we need to look at the health and safety concerns involved.

Why Your Dog Shouldn't Sleep With You: Dogs and Disease

Sharing a bed with your dog feels comforting, but it does come with some health considerations. Any infection that passes from pets to people is called a zoonosis, and while these infections are uncommon, they are still important to understand. Learn more about zoonotic risks here To keep it simple, zoonotic risks may involve: Parasites that move between species Bacteria living on the skin or in the mouth Germs transferred from dirty paws or fur

Most of these risks are rare, but they are more likely when a dog carries a bacteria or parasite without showing symptoms. A dog may look perfectly healthy while shedding germs into the environment or onto bedding.

Theoretical Health Risks to Be Aware Of

These concerns are considered theoretical risks, but they still matter when evaluating why your dog shouldn't sleep with you. Learn more about hygiene related risks here.

Some of the issues pet parents should keep in mind include: Fleas or ticks that may transfer to people

• Intestinal worms that spread through accidental contact
• Bacteria that move through licking or close contact
• Contaminants carried in on a dog's coat after outdoor time

Recognizing these possibilities helps you make a more informed decision about co sleeping, especially if someone at home has a weaker immune system.

Parasitic Problems

Frightful Fleas

No one wants to wake up with itchy bites or spot a tick crawling across their pillow. Fleas and ticks are two of the most common parasites found on dogs, and they can easily become a problem if your dog shares your bed. A few key points to understand:

• Fleas feed on your dog, then jump off and lay eggs in the environment
• If your dog naps on your sheets, your bed can become a flea breeding ground
• Ticks can attach to people during close contact or shared bedding

If you want to understand proper tick removal, read our guide on the safe way to remove ticks. For help preventing infestations, see our article on the best ways to treat fleas

A particularly extreme historical example involved a 1974 case of a man who contracted bubonic plague from infected fleas. The source, however, was a cat rather than a dog. You can read about the disease here: bubonic plague.

Regular flea and tick control is the simplest way to reduce these risks. When asking why your dog shouldn't sleep with you, parasites are one of the most important considerations.

Wiggly Worms

Parasites are not limited to the outside of the body. Intestinal worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms can also pose a risk.

These infections are less likely to occur in a bedroom setting, but they can still happen in unusual circumstances:

• Tapeworm infections can occur when a person accidentally swallows a live flea
• Hookworm or roundworm infections require contact with infected feces
• Dogs with unclean fur can transfer microscopic particles without you noticing

Learn more about how these parasites spread here: worms in dogs and cats.

While the risk is low, it reinforces the importance of good hygiene and regular deworming.

Campylobacter Caution

Internal parasites and bacteria like Campylobacter and giardia can spread through contact with contaminated fur. Transmission often requires ingesting the bacteria, usually through: Eating in the bedroom Touching your mouth after petting your dog Contact with unclean fur or paws

Basic habits such as not eating where your dog sleeps and washing your hands after petting can reduce these risks. Learn more about this condition here: Campylobacter infection in dogs.

Bacterial Concerns

Menacing MRSA

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA, raised major concerns when it first became widely recognized. This bacterium is difficult to treat because it does not respond to many common antibiotics. A few important points to understand:

• Dogs can carry MRSA on their skin or in their noses
• Transmission can occur when a dog licks open sores or healing wounds
• Bed sharing may increase opportunities for close contact

This is not a bedroom specific problem, but when you are lying down, your dog has easier access to exposed skin. That increases the importance of asking why your dog shouldn't sleep with you, especially if someone has wounds or a weakened immune system.

For more on this bacteria, see resources from the CDC on MRSA and our guide on staph infections in pets.

There is also an interesting twist. Early studies found that people who worked around hospitals were much more likely to contract MRSA and then pass it on to their dogs, rather than the dog being the original source of infection.

Dental Disease

Bad breath in dogs is more than a mild annoyance. A dog's mouth contains many bacteria that can cause serious infections in people under the right conditions. This becomes relevant when deciding why your dog shouldn't sleep with you, since close contact increases the risk of exposure.

One of the most concerning bacteria found in dogs is Pasteurella multocida. This organism has been linked to: Skin infections Soft tissue infections Rare cases of meningitis in humans

Illness can occur when people are kissed or licked on the mouth by a dog carrying the bacteria. While rare, zoonotic transmission has been documented.

You can learn more about this bacteria here: Pasteurella overview.

Good dental hygiene, regular veterinary cleanings, and avoiding face licking significantly reduce risk.

Another potential problem with letting pets on the bed? They may not want to leave:

What to Do for the Best

Is It Always Unhealthy to Sleep With Your Dog?

The answer is not completely yes or no. Sleeping near your dog can provide comfort, security, and emotional support. At the same time, it can create risks related to hygiene, parasites, and bacteria, especially if your dog is not on a consistent preventive care routine.

To keep things simple, the decision comes down to managing the risks and understanding your own health situation.

Simple Ways to Reduce the Risks

You can safely reduce most health concerns by following a few basic habits: Keep your dog's coat clean and well groomed Maintain regular flea, tick, and worm prevention

• Stay on top of routine dental care, or try these at home tips: dog dental care
• Avoid letting your dog lick your face or mouth
• Change and wash bedding frequently

These steps make a significant difference, especially if you are unsure about why your dog shouldn't sleep with you or whether the risks outweigh the benefits.

When Extra Caution Is Needed

Some people should be more careful about sharing a bed with their dog: Anyone with a weakened immune system People recovering from surgery or open wounds Infants, young children, and elderly individuals

For these groups, keeping the dog out of the bed, or even out of the bedroom, is the safest option.

Conclusion

Sleeping with your dog can be comforting, but it is not without risks. Parasites, bacteria, and poor hygiene can create problems that many pet owners overlook. Understanding why your dog shouldn't sleep with you helps you make a more informed decision about your nighttime routine.

The good news is that most risks can be minimized with simple preventive care and good habits. By keeping your dog clean, healthy, and well maintained, you can enjoy their companionship while protecting your own health.

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