Quick take
- 65% of Aussie dogs sleep in their owners’ bedrooms, according to the Great Australian Dog Survey
- Benefits: bonding, comfort, warmth
- Downsides: disrupted sleep, allergies, behavioural issues
- Hygiene and boundaries make co-sleeping safer
- Personal choice: works if routines are consistent
Co-sleeping with your dog: a growing trend
Many Australians love having their dogs sleep in their beds – and with good reason. Dogs are not just pets; they’re companions, family members, and sources of comfort. In fact, surveys suggest that a large portion of Australian dog owners allow their pets to sleep in the bedroom. According to the 2022 Great Australian Dog Survey, 65% of dogs sleep in their owners’ bedrooms. Of those, 73% are allowed on the bed and 56% sleep under the sheets!
Before you make a decision, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of co-sleeping, as well as a few simple tips for keeping bedtime healthy for both you and your pooch.
Pros of letting your dog sleep in your bed
1. Strengthens the human–dog bond
Sharing a bed can increase feelings of closeness. Many owners say their dogs feel more secure and they themselves feel more relaxed.
2. Comfort and security
A dog at your side can help you feel safe at night, particularly for those living alone. Some owners also find a dog’s presence eases anxiety and helps them drift off more easily.
3. Warmth and coziness
Dogs naturally generate heat, making them perfect cuddle companions during cold Aussie winters.
Cons of letting your dog sleep in your bed
1. Disrupted sleep
Even small movements, scratching, or shifting during the night can interrupt deep sleep, leaving both owner and fur-baby less rested.
2. Allergies and hygiene concerns
Dogs can carry dust, pollen, and dirt into the bed. For people with allergies, this may worsen symptoms. Regular grooming and frequent washing of bedding can help.
3. Behavioural issues
Allowing dogs to sleep in bed may lead to territorial behaviour or make it harder to enforce rules elsewhere in the home. Dogs with anxiety or dominance issues may find it confusing if boundaries aren’t consistent.
Tips for healthy co-sleeping
If you decide to share your bed with your dog, here are some tips for a harmonious sleep arrangement:
- Set boundaries: Teach your dog to get on and off the bed on command
- Keep the bed clean: Wash bedding regularly and maintain your dog’s grooming routine
- Monitor behaviour: Make sure your dog is calm at night and not showing aggression or anxiety
- Provide alternatives: Even co-sleeping dogs should have their own comfy sleeping space available
Related: Everything you need to know about dog shedding
When it might be better to avoid bed-sharing
- Puppies or untrained dogs who haven’t learned boundaries
- Dogs with aggressive tendencies or behavioural problems
- Owners who experience poor sleep due to pet movements
- Homes with allergy sufferers
Final thoughts
Whether to let your dog sleep in your bed is a personal choice – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For many Australians, the bonding and comfort outweigh the downsides, as long as good hygiene and clear boundaries are maintained.
The key is understanding your dog’s behaviour, monitoring your own sleep quality, and creating routines that work for both of you. After all, happy pets make happy pet parents – even at bedtime.
Help keep your fur-baby covered with Buddy
Bedtime routines are just one part of keeping your best mate healthy and happy. Buddy Pet Insurance can help protect your dog and cat with great cover when you need it most.
Get a quick quote today and protect your four-legged family member with Buddy.
Please note that unless mentioned on the certificate of insurance, grooming and bathing of your pet, non-medicated grooming products, regular nail clipping, preventative dew claw removal and routine anal gland expression are not covered.
FAQsFrequently Asked Questions about dogs sleeping in bed
Snuggling with your pup at night sparks plenty of questions. Here are the most common ones Australian pet parents ask when deciding if bed-sharing is the right fit.
Is it bad to let my dog sleep in my bed?
It’s not necessarily bad to let your pet sleep in your bed. For many owners, the comfort and bonding outweigh the downsides. But it can cause sleep disruption or allergies, so consider what is best long term for both you and your pooch.
Can sleeping with my dog cause behavioural issues?
It can cause behavioural issues if boundaries aren’t consistent. Some dogs may become territorial or anxious. Training and routine help avoid this.
How do I keep my bed clean if my dog sleeps in it?
Regular grooming, washing bedding, and wiping paws after walks can help minimise dirt and allergens.
What are good alternatives to bed-sharing?
Provide a comfy dog bed nearby, so your dog feels close without being in your bed.
7 Nov 2025