Should you share your bed with your pet?

It's one of the great debates among pet owners: should you let your dog or cat sleep on the bed? Some germophobes would never consider it, while others love snuggling up with their pet at the end of the day.

One concern, however, has been whether sharing a bed with your pet may disturb your sleep. Many sleep specialists advise against it. But a recent study from the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona could help lay those fears to rest.

The researchers surveyed 150 sleep center patients and found that more than half of pet owners allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom. One out of five described their pets as disruptive, but many others -- 41 percent -- said their pets were unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep.

"If having a pet nearby helps them feel relaxed and gives them a sense of security, which permits them to fall asleep with less difficulty, then I think that is something that does deserve attention," the lead author of the study, Dr. Lois Krahn, told CBS News.

Before letting a pet into your bed, Krahn suggested a few things to consider.

"They need to know how well they sleep as a person and how well the pet sleeps," she said. "Take into account the size of the pet."

The size of the bed and the number of pets also play into whether the animals are likely to disrupt a good night's sleep. And of course, before dogs or cats climb up on the covers, it's important to make sure the animals are clean and free of fleas.

This study did not look at whether different types of pets, or different breeds, were more disruptive than others. Krahn and her colleagues say they hope to investigate that in the future.

Source : CBSNews

“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...

Protect Our Waters: Say No To Plastic Waste!

Plastic garbage. It’s something we all see everyday. Don’t be fooled to think that these plastics are merely an eyesore. We’ve become so accustomed to using plastic utensils, straws, water bottles and bags that it’s easy to forget the impact this has on our environment and climate. My name is Tyler and I’m in my fourth year of university in Canada, where I’m earning a degree in Environmental Studies. I'm also an environmental activist. Even for someone like me, it’s hard to avoid using plastic at places like fast food restaurant, and that needs to change. I’ve started this movement to highlight calls to action happening around the world, and to grow a community of everyday citizens pressing governments and companies to get serious about cleaning up our rivers, lakes and oceans . When we work together, and keep the pressure on, we really can make an impact. I know this firsthand, after collaborating with activists across Canada to successfully urge th...

Speak out against the cruel dog meat trade

Much of the world sees dogs as their trusted companions, but in parts of Asia they suffer terribly as victims of the trade in dog meat for human consumption. In some Asian countries, dogs used for this industry are mostly stolen pets and they are sometimes tortured before being slaughtered. The dog meat trade is not only cruel, but is also linked to the spread of rabies and other diseases. HSI is working with local organizations in South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to sensitize the public about the harmful dog meat trade that thrives in these countries. We actively shut down farms in South Korea, assist farmers as they transition to more humane livelihoods, support our local Chinese partners in intercepting dog meat traders’ trucks, fund the care of confiscated and rescued animals and lobby for better laws throughout Asia. Take the pledge to fight the cruel dog meat trade >>> SIGN PETITION HERE <<<

Animal Lovers

Search This Blog