As pets gain more and more footing as members of our families,
they’re increasingly allowed into every aspect of our lives –
even our beds. A 2010 Pets Best Insurance policyholder survey
revealed that 27% of dogs and 8% of cats sleep on their owners’
beds all night, every night – with another 40% sharing sleeping
space at least part of the time. The image of multiple species
curling up together as a source of warmth and comfort is a
delightful one, but is it a good idea? Here are three points to
consider before you open your bed to your fur family. Zoonotic
diseases are those that can be transmitted between species,
specifically from pets to humans. Any time close spaces are
shared, the risk of spreading diseases is greater. If your pet
is in bed with you, please be sure to have them up to date on
deworming, flea prevention, and free of illness. Pets can
transmit ringworm and scabies and even be a source of bacteria,
to name a few examples. People with compromised immune systems
and small children probably sh