Sharing a bed with dogs could be dangerous in winter, experts warn

After a cold winter day, what could be better than snuggling up under a blanket with your dog that no electricity provides heat? In fact, many dog ​​owners share a bed with their four-legged friends. And not for nothing: it turns out that the body temperature of dogs is a few degrees higher than that of humans. However, animal experts have warned about the dangers of leaving a dog under the duvet.

One of the main concerns is overheating. During cold snaps, you are more likely toand the dogs curl up in the bed under sheets to keep warm. However, extra thick or even thicker blankets can ensure your dog can’t get out of bed if he suddenly gets too hot in the middle of the night.

“Very small dogs, puppies, older dogs, and dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues may have difficulties finding a way out safe if they get too hot,” he explains to Telegraph Katy Alexander, Head of Veterinary Research for Blue Cross in the UK.

Owners of flat-faced breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs, They must “extreme vigilance”Alexander added, as these brachycephalic dogs are at greater risk of overheating if placed under the duvet.

He also warned about electric blankets, used especially in cold areas or in winter seasons. As he explains, this could cause burns. In addition, the power cord is also a danger if the dog tries to handle it, Alexander explained.

For her part, Karly Smith, Blue Cross animal behavior specialist, advocates taking into account the wishes of the animal and do not force them to stay in bed for the simple fact of warming their owners.

“All pets should be treated with dignity, kindness and respect, and should only be placed in situations that are safe, appropriate and that they like,” Smith tells the Telegraph. “There will be dogs that like to snuggle under the duvetand if that’s what they want to do, that’s fine, but it’s important not to force our dogs to do things that they’re unfamiliar with or that might scare them,” he added.

Thus, if the necessary caution is exercised, and we consider the wishes of our faithful companions, there is really no objection to letting the dog lie on the bed.

“Throughout history, human beingss have shared their sleeping spaces with other human beings and with other animals,” says Bradley Smith, a psychologist at Central Queensland University (Australia), who published a study on the subject in 2017.

“We propose that co-sleeping between humans and animals and between adults and children be considered a legitimate and socially relevant way of co-sleeping.” “Also, a comprehensive understanding of human-animal co-sleeping has significant implications for human sleep, human-animal relationships, and animal welfare.”

Edited by Felipe Espinosa Wang.