It’s a cold winter night and Fido is snuggled up with you under the blankets. You love having your pet in bed with you and it brings you comfort that helps you sleep. As Fido gets into his senior years, he seems to enjoy the comfort as well.
But is sleeping with pets safe, especially in their golden years?
Only you can decide what is best for your situation. But if you want your furry friend to stay with you through the night, it’s important to make sure that everyone stays safe. Here are a few ways to make sure your sleep with dogs or cats stays safe and restful.
Stay Up to Date on Care
You know that veterinary care is important for Fido. This is especially true if you enjoy sleeping with dogs. Flea and tick prevention keeps those nasty bugs out of your bed and off of your skin.
Staying up to date on vaccinations keeps your furry friends healthy and disease-free, which protects your family as well.
Wash Your Sheets Regularly
Pet hair and dander stay behind on sheets after a night of sleep. If you have problems with allergies, those little particles can cause itchy eyes and runny noses. Allergies that act up prevent you from getting a good night of sleep.
It’s also important to keep dirt and grime that sticks to Fluffy’s fur out of your bed. No one wants to sleep with kitty litter!
Create a Safe Spot for Fido
If you want your pet to sleep with you, encourage him to sleep in a spot that’s his own. Placing a pet ramp, rather than stairs, by the bed can help a senior dog or cat get up and down, and protect them from common injuries.
Maybe you don’t think it’s safest for Fido to be in bed with you. Injuries or surgery recovery might make it unsafe for him to be around someone who might move or roll at night. But you still want to keep him close at night to make sure he’s okay.
If your senior cat has started having trouble seeing, a bed high off of the ground could lead to injuries.
For the safety of an older pet, consider using a pet co-sleeper. This bedside pet sleeper is like the sleepers used for newborn babies. Fido can stay with you in the room safely outside of your bed.
Another option is a pet sleeping bag. Fluffy or Fido can safely sleep in your room while also getting the cozy environment of your bed.
Safe Sleep With Dogs and Cats
Everyone has their own ways of getting restful sleep. If you’ve decided that you want to sleep with dogs or cats in your bed, you can take steps to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.
As your pet gets older, you may find that you need help with staying safe at night. Let us help you find the right products to make sure your senior pet gets safe, restful sleep.