Before owning my first Chihuahua, I saw movies about dogs and all the fantastic stuff they did as owners and pets. To have dogs who sleep in bed with you sounded very dreamy. However, at home, dogs were not allowed in beds. But should Chihuahuas sleep with their owners? And what does science say about it?
In the last years, attitudes such as bed-sharing with dogs have changed. That is funny. Most friends know I prefer to sleep with my dogs rather than their boyfriends.
Even though times have changed, some people still do not accept their dogs to sleep with them. On the other hand, many spend every night with a dog. But what's the right course of action?
Should Chihuahuas Sleep with Their Owners?
AKC's survey on sleeping with pets has shown that 45% of people sleep with their dogs.
This is not new for humans. Stone age men used to sleep with their dogs to feel protected and warm their dogs when winter arrived.
Another study on how puppies keep warm has demonstrated that these four-legged friends were not just hunting friends, but also valued for their warming qualities.
So, next time you ask why does my Chihuahua sleep so close to me (and other weird things Chihuahuas do), think about their evolutionary instincts.
The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Chihuahua
It is known that living and sharing your life with a dog brings many benefits to the owner, whether you sleep with your dog or not.
Mental Health
Sleeping with your Chihuahua enhances the bond between you. That's your best option if you spend the whole day working and want to share time with your Chis.
Sleeping with a dog also helps you be more relaxed. And, depending on how long do Chihuahuas sleep at night, you will also sleep better when cuddled next to them.
Physical Health
Moreover, petting and having close contact with animals also improves your physical health. For example, it improves survival rates after life-threatening surgery.
Scientists still don't know how much has to be in contact between dogs and humans to have positive effects. But if something is needed, it's close contact.
A dog in the garden or outdoors in the kennel will probably not help you improve your blood pressure or reduce your risk of a heart attack. However, a Chihuahua you could hug, sleep with, and spend time with, YES.
The Risks of Chihuahuas Sleeping with Their Owners
Infections, sleep deprivation, and behavioral issues in dogs are some of the main concerns raised over sharing the bed.
Many first-time owners showed concerns about infections being passed from dogs to humans, and there were examples of people infected with plagues after sleeping with dogs.
Infections & Plagues
However, 90% of these infections resulted from close contact with these pets, and not necessarily after sleeping with them.
Scientists studying the phenomenon have said that zoonotic infections acquired by sleeping with a pet are uncommon.
So, most infections and plagues humans get from living with pets are not because of sleeping with them but because of a lack of hygiene.
Bathing your Chihuahua, cutting his hair, taking him to the vet, and taking care of their teeth are some things all Chihuahua owners should know. So, yo will not get infected if you take care of your dog's hygiene.
Sleep Deprivation
An extensive survey on human-animal co-sleeping showed that people who sleep with their dogs last longer trying to sleep. They were also more likely to wake up tired than those whose dogs were not allowed in the bedroom.
Despite this, those who allowed their dogs to sleep with them did not report feeling more tired, getting the same number of hours slept as the non-co-sleepers.
So, sleeping with a dog does not cause sleep deprivation, but the last judgment is yours. Ultimately, it depends on your dog's attitude and how well-educated they are.
Aggressive Behavior
People say that when owning a Chi, you shouldn't let them use your favorite chair or sleep in your bed because they'll show aggressive or dominant behavior.
Owners who often ask why do Chihuahuas sleep under covers are afraid that their pups will mark these items, and make their lives harder in the process.
However, this is not true. Letting your Chihuahua sleep on the bed will not put him in charge of the household, but it will keep you asking why do Chihuahuas sleep a lot. Your pup will appreciate the comfort, and you can rejoice in the bond.
Wrapping Up
The answer to whether should Chihuahuas sleep with their owners depends on personal preference and circumstances. Sleeping with your Chihuahua can enhance the bond, provide comfort, and offer potential mental and physical health benefits.
However, it is important to consider the risks of infections, sleep deprivation, and potential behavioral issues.
By maintaining proper hygiene, addressing sleep concerns, and providing optimum Chihuahua training, you can create a harmonious sleeping arrangement that works for both you and your Chihuahua.
Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on your unique situation and the needs of your furry companion.
