Are you wondering whether letting your Chi sleep in your bed is a good thing or not?
Angel and Rommel are the pet parents of Bella. She’s a one-year-old Chihuahua.
Bella’s parents were arguing on whether they will allow her to sleep in their bed or not.
Angel said allowing Bella to sleep with them is beneficial to both of them. Besides, they own an Alaska king bed. Rommel thinks it’s a bad idea.
Who’s side are you on? Do you also believe it’s bad, or do you crave some Chihuahua snuggles in bed?
Read on to find out:
- Whether you should let your Chihuahua sleep with you.
- 7 dangers when your Chihuahua is sleeping in your bed.
- The 5 benefits when you let your Chi snuggle in bed with you.
- And way more…
Should you let your Chihuahua sleep with you?
You should let your Chihuahua sleep with you if they’re parasite-free, and both of you’re healthy. However, be careful because they’re more prone to injury. Plus, Chihuahuas could become aggressive when awakened.
7 dangers when your Chihuahua is sleeping in your bed
#1: Your sleep quality may decrease
A study shows that sharing a bed with your Chi can lead to sleep disturbances. This could cause a decrease in your sleep efficiency.
Chihuahuas sleep a lot, but they’re very active. So you may encounter problems sharing a bed with them when you have a different sleeping schedule.
They may wake you up at 3 am by licking your face or mini biting your ears.
Other Chihuahuas may snore or overheat your bed that makes it uncomfortable to sleep.
How to avoid this?
Only you and your Chi must share a bed. Chihuahuas prefer a broad environment. Thus more bed space.
You can also put them in their bed. Only allow your Chi to sleep in your bed for one or two days per week. This way, you can minimize your sleep disturbances.
#2: Your Chi can develop separation anxiety
Your Chi and you have stronger bonds. They think you are the best human in the entire world.
Allowing them to share a bed with you creates stronger bonds. Having a powerful bond with your Chihuahua may be a wonderful thing, but it has a downside.
It will make them very dependent on you. Or your Chi will have separation anxiety.
Symptoms of separation anxiety include:
- Pacing.
- Escaping.
- Coprophagia.
- Howling and barking.
- Digging, chewing, and destruction.
You can visit the vet’s office if you see these symptoms in your Chihuahua and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Also, allow your Chi to become independent. Giving them their own space and bed is the first step.
Check out also: 7 Weird Reasons Why Chihuahuas Like To Be Held + 5 Signs
#3: You can injure your fur, baby
You’re 5 to 10 times bigger than your Chihuahua. There’s a possibility that you might injure your Chi by accident.
Also, they might end up biting you if you roll over them the wrong way.
You may squeeze their legs while cuddling them. As a Chi parent, you need to be mindful if you want your Chihuahua to sleep with you.
Swelling and fractures are common injuries when sleeping with your dog.
Having a splint and bandages ready could come in handy.
You need to observe your Chi if you injure them. Place the splint on their leg and wrap it with bandages. Plus, talk to your fur baby while holding them.
Note: You can always visit the vet to make sure there are no severe injuries. Until then, you can use anything that can hold the limb together like a wooden stick if a splint is unavailable.
#4: Your Chihuahua may spread disease on you
According to PetMD, up to 56% of dog owners in the US sleep with their pets in bed.
Your canine can spread infections and diseases to you, which is especially dangerous for kids. So if you’re planning to sleep with your Chi, it’s important to know the danger you might be facing.
Heartworms, distemper, and canine parvovirus are illnesses common amongst pets. But it’s not contagious to you. However, your pet carries certain viruses, parasites, bacteria, and fungi that can cause illness if transmitted to you.
You can get these animal-borne diseases through:
- Bites.
- Saliva.
- Dander.
- Scratches.
- Canine’s waste.
Infection and diseases your Chi can carry:
- Rabies.
- Scabies.
- Ringworm.
- Toxocariasis.
- Salmonellosis.
- Dog-bite septicemia.
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis.
- Campylobacter infection.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever or RMSF.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA.
Thus it’s important to bathe and clean your Chihuahua from head to toe. That includes their ears.
Warning: Some of these infections and diseases are often deadly.
#5: It may worsen your allergies
You shouldn’t allow your Chi to sleep in your bed if you’re already allergic to canines or you have asthma.
It’s best if you have a high-quality air purifier. You can use it to reduce your exposure to pet dander.
Chihuahuas can also carry allergens like pollen and dust to your bed. This can cause severe asthma or allergies. Plus, it can lead to irritation if you have sensitive skin.
VCA Hospitals says that people who don’t have pet allergies can still suffer increased allergic symptoms when a dog parent sleeps with their dog.
Signs and symptoms of severe allergic reaction from a Chi include:
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sneezing and a runny nose.
- Red, itchy, and watering eyes.
- Skin rash that is red or raised bumps.
- Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
Visit your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
#6: Your Chi might soil your bed
It makes you happy that your dog is potty trained. Now you can share your bed with your Chihuahua. You get super excited.
But all of a sudden… your Chi soils your bed. Now, you’re wondering how this could happen.
Well, your canine suddenly pooping your bed is not just a coincidence. They may have an underlying health condition. The first step you should take is to bring your Chi to the vet and have them checked.
There are also reasons like stress or anxiety.
Your Chi could also soil your bed as a reaction to pure fear. It can be because of hearing a loud or upsetting sound from outside.
Or your Chihuahua may consider your bed as a safe and comfortable spot to defecate.
#7: Jealousy and discord to your family
Chihuahuas can be a significant part of your life and or marriage. They may bring couples or families together.
Not to mention that your stress response is better than those people who do not have a Chi.
It’s normal for a relationship to run into a few bumps in the road of life. And having a dog can reduce the stress between spouses. Canines make you calmer and provide entertainment.
As much as they give these advantages to your relationship, they can also create marital discord. One of many reasons is when one of the Chi’s parents shares their bed with the dog.
After all, a bed is a private space for you and your spouse. Having a Chi in it can lead to an argument.
You must check with your spouse if you want to sleep with your dog. Asking for your better half for an opinion is always a good idea.
You must set expectations and let them know what things they may encounter. You can avoid stress and headaches by doing this.
If your spouse agrees, ask them again the following day after the first night. This is to check whether they’re comfortable with it.
5 benefits when your Chihuahua is sleeping in your bed
#1: It provides security and comfort
When you’re sleeping with your Chi, it feels safer.
You get the assurance that someone will protect you. The size of your dog doesn’t matter.
A Chihuahua may not be a killer guard canine, but they sure make one hell of a watchdog.
Chihuahuas are light sleepers. So they can alert you if something’s off.
#2: You will make your dog happy
Dogs are man’s best friends. You’re so precious to them they become anxious when you go out. Allowing them into your bed is one way to make them happy.
You’re closer to them, and they can get unlimited cuddles from you.
Canines in the wild always sleep with their pack. Your fur baby’s pack is you. So sleeping with you makes them feel better.
Continue reading: 9 Cute Reasons Why Chihuahuas Like To Cuddle + 5 Signs
#3: It may improve your sleep quality
Pet experts and researchers have different opinions on this.
The research claims sharing a bed with your dog may improve your sleep as long as they’re not under your covers.
When you feel secure and safe, the quality of your sleep improves.
#4: They will keep you warm
Want someone to cuddle with on cold nights? Your Chihuahua can be your hot pack when you need one.
Chihuahuas are best at keeping themselves warm. Not only that, but they’ll also keep you warm throughout the night.
Your fur baby can warm up your bed. It will give you a cozy and constant temperature.
You should make sure that they’re not overheating while keeping you warm. That’s why you shouldn’t allow them to go under your covers.
You might also want to know: Why do Chihuahuas shake?
#5: It will boost your mental health
Your Chi comes with some powerful mental health benefits.
Sharing your life and bed with your dog can give immediate joy to you. But only a few are aware of the mental and physical health benefits that a Chi brings to your life.
Your Chihuahua can encourage playfulness and exercise like walking. They can ease your loneliness and help you improve your cardiovascular health.
Effects of human-animal interaction include:
- Anti-stress.
- Better empathy.
- Reduction of aggression.
- Stimulation of social behavior.
- Increased trust and trustworthiness.
- Increase positive social attention from others.
- Reduce depression and promote a positive mood.
- Reduction of fear and anxiety and promotes calmness.
Your canine gives you a reason to live a better life. It makes you feel you need to take care of yourself again. The only way you can take good care of them.
Having your Chi also adds routine and structure to your daily life.
Your fur baby always makes you feel you’re the most precious and wonderful thing in this world. It makes you happier and more fulfilled.
Conclusion
Allowing your Chi to sleep in your bed is not a bad idea as long as you’re comfortable with it. This may have pros and cons but in the end, it’s you who decides whether you allow your fur baby to sleep with you.