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For many healthy adults with a healthy, veterinarian-cared-for dog, sharing a bed is a personal choice—not automatically unhealthy. The risk of catching an infection from sleeping with a pet is generally low, but it is not zero. Your health, your dog’s health and behavior, and whether you sleep well together all matter.

What are the health risks of sharing a bed with your dog?

Dogs can carry germs even when they look healthy. People may be exposed through contact with an infected animal, its waste, or contaminated items in its environment. Fleas and ticks can also spread diseases to pets and people. The CDC describes infections acquired by sleeping with a pet as uncommon, while noting that rare cases have been documented.

A 2011 CDC review, “Zoonoses in the Bedroom,” discusses reported infections and possible routes of exposure, including close contact, bites, and parasites. Its examples show that transmission is possible; they do not establish a current, population-wide estimate of risk for an ordinary household dog.

For perspective, the review reported that 4 of 9 plague survivors and 3 of 30 controls in a 2008 case-control study said they slept in the same bed as a pet dog. The review described an association in that specific study. Its small sample and outbreak setting mean those figures are not a general estimate of the risk of bed-sharing.

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PetAmi Waterproof Dog Blanket, Leakproof Pet Throw, Twin 60x80 Taupe Beige
  • 100% WATERPROOF & LEAKPROOF PET BLANKET: This liquid leak pee proof blanket is plush, soft and warm and works as a cover to keep your bed, couch, sofa moisture free. Perfect for small, medium, large dogs and cats for indoor and outdoor. The fleece microfiber blanket is reinforced with a protective layer that stops any liquids, water, or urine from leaking. The water resistant function of this dog blanket means your pet will stay dry, calming and comfortable throughout the day.
  • EXTRA COUCH COVER PROTECTION: This dog blanket is tough, waterproof and stain resistant, with edge stitching design adding extra durability. The pet throw can protect sofa, couch, bed, furniture from chewing, clawing, spills, animal hair, unwanted wet spots, stains and splash. This cat blanket also works great as a cover pad, rug, mat, towel, sheet or comforter for bed, crate, kennel, cars where you want to provide an extra layer of protection and comfort for pets.
  • SOFT COZY REVERSIBLE DOG BLANKET: Featuring textured waffle patterns on both sides that gives it a unique modern look, this waterproof dog throw has warm fleece on both sides, making it a super comfortable cushion or pillow for your furry friend to snuggle with when sleeping or taking a nap. Cover your couch, sofa, pet bed with this fuzzy blanket. Use this as an essential supply while traveling in dog carriers, cars, and flights. Keep your doggie, kitten, cat cozy all day!
  • EASY TO CLEAN, MACHINE WASHABLE: This puppy blanket can be machine wash cold and tumble dry low. Lightweight and quick dry, it can be conveniently packed and folded, making this the perfect accessory for going to the beach, travel, weekend camping, and hotel. Makes a nice gift for new pet owners who want to protect their furniture and cover up their bedding and flooring.
  • IDEAL FOR LARGE SIZE - 60x80 inches, perfect for large size dogs boy and girl, such as Samoyed, Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Alaska, Collie, Mastiff, etc. It is also a great gift for dog dad, mom, parents, owners and trainers.

Who should take extra care?

Some people are more likely to become seriously ill from infections that animals can transmit. The CDC identifies children under 5, people with weakened immune systems, adults 65 and older, and often pregnant people as higher-risk groups. The CDC guidance does not establish a universal rule that everyone in these groups must avoid sharing a bed with a dog.

If someone in your household is in one of these groups, discuss the household’s circumstances with a healthcare professional and the dog’s veterinarian. The appropriate precautions depend on individual health and the dog’s care and exposure risks.

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Bedsure ComfyFleece® Waterproof Dog Blankets for Large Dogs,50x60 Cream
  • Pure Sherpa Softness:Stay ahead of your snuggle game with one of our most iconic pet essentials. Made with comfort and coziness in mind, our blanket provides the ultimate lounging experience that provides ample warmth. Crafted with fully lined Corduroy & Sherpa(Contains no animal-derived materials), a fabric renowned for its unmatched comfort and long-lasting durability.
  • Waterproof & Spill Resistant Lining:The interior lining of our dog blanket boasts a waterproof design that effectively prevents and protects any spills from leaking from the sherpa fabric into its corduroy fleece. When it comes to your cozy vibes, we are dedicated to not only design pet essentials that are cozy and stylish but functional and effortless to maintain.
  • Double-Sided Comfort:Our pet blanket doesn’t just feature one cozy side, but dual layers of coziness. Crafted with reversible options, the blanket features two unique textures and colors. While its neat and tight edge stitching ensures the pet blanket’s long-lasting durability and strength. Note: sherpa and corduroy are not waterproof.
  • Protects Home Furniture:Acts as an additional layer of protection for your furniture and décor by shielding your home from spills, pet hairs, stains, and so much more. Rest assured your couch, bed, and floor will stay fresh and tidy for a longer duration of time thanks to our corduroy fleece pet blanket.
  • Easy Care & Portable:For a squeaky-clean finish, simply machine wash in cold water and dry at low temperature. This means guaranteed freshness even for the messiest and scruffiest of furry creatures. While its intuitive lightweight design is effortlessly portable – easily take the blanket to the beach, hotel, camping, or to your next pet adventure.

How to make bed-sharing safer

  • Keep veterinary care current. Maintain regular check-ups and vaccinations. Ask your veterinarian which flea, tick, heartworm, and other parasite-prevention measures suit your dog and local risks. The CDC recommends routine veterinary care and discussing prevention with a veterinarian: Healthy Pets, Healthy People.
  • Clean up promptly. Pick up urine, feces, or vomit promptly, and wash your hands after handling your dog, its waste, or its supplies. The CDC’s pet-health guidance covers hygiene and prevention.
  • Keep sleeping areas clean. The CDC recommends providing pets with clean bedding. If your dog sleeps separately, a washable dog bed is one practical option; separate bedding is not established as a way to prevent infection. See the CDC’s guidance on keeping pets healthy.
  • Let a sleeping dog rest. Do not startle or disturb a dog while it is asleep. The CDC includes this as dog-safety advice; it is a bite-prevention measure, not evidence that sharing a bed causes aggression. See Dogs: Healthy Pets, Healthy People.

Does sleeping with a dog affect sleep quality?

Sleep quality is a separate consideration from infection risk. The CDC says sufficient sleep and good sleep quality are essential to health, but the available guidance here does not establish how much a dog in bed affects a person’s sleep. Pay attention to your own experience: if the arrangement regularly disrupts your sleep, try having your dog sleep in its own clean bed. For persistent sleep problems, speak with a health professional; see the CDC’s sleep guidance.

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How to decide what works for your household

There is no clinical score or universal threshold for deciding whether a dog belongs in your bed. Consider these factors together:

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gogobunny Waterproof Blanket, Couch Covers for Dogs, Reversible Protector
  • Home Defender Pro - Keep your furniture protected from scratches, chewing and potty accidents - absorbs way more moisture than regular throws. Trusted by multi-pet households, from teething puppies to incontinent senior dogs
  • 24/7 Waterproof Barrier - Never replace furniture again! Save furniture with 3-layer TPU armor (3x stronger). Blocks accidents, mud & drool. Gentle on sensitive skin. Perfect for messy play or family adventures
  • Go Anywhere, Do Everything - From road trips to picnics, vet visits to backyard naps - this lightweight blanket folds instantly. Waterproof backing stays dry even on damp grass. Adventure-ready for you and your furry crew
  • 2 Blankets in 1 - Reversible design = double the style. Flip between neutral plaids and solid colors to match any décor. Poof! Dual-color protection - hides coffee stains on dark, grass stains on light
  • 30-Minute Fresh Start - Toss it in the wash - dries faster than your morning coffee. Use dryer balls to maintain fluffiness - no fancy detergents needed. Pro tip: Buy 2, always keep one ready
  • Your health: whether you or someone sharing the home may be more vulnerable to serious infection.
  • Your dog’s care: whether veterinary visits and parasite prevention are up to date.
  • Your dog’s behavior: whether it can rest undisturbed and be handled safely.
  • Your sleep: whether you wake rested or are regularly disturbed.

In a CDC podcast accompanying its review, public health veterinarian Heather Bair-Brake said, “In this country, the risk of acquiring a disease from sleeping with your pet is generally low.” That statement refers to the United States and describes the risk as generally—not universally—low.

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gogobunny Waterproof Pet Blanket for Bed, Washable Couch Cover for Dog Cat
  • Home Defender Pro - Keep your furniture protected from scratches, chewing and potty accidents - absorbs way more moisture than regular throws. Trusted by multi-pet households, from teething puppies to incontinent senior dogs
  • 24/7 Waterproof Barrier - Never replace furniture again! Save furniture with 3-layer TPU armor (3x stronger). Blocks accidents, mud & drool. Gentle on sensitive skin. Perfect for messy play or family adventures
  • Go Anywhere, Do Everything - From road trips to picnics, vet visits to backyard naps - this lightweight blanket folds instantly. Waterproof backing stays dry even on damp grass. Adventure-ready for you and your furry crew
  • 2 Blankets in 1 - Reversible design = double the style. Flip between neutral plaids and solid colors to match any décor. Poof! Dual-color protection - hides coffee stains on dark, grass stains on light
  • 30-Minute Fresh Start - Toss it in the wash - dries faster than your morning coffee. Use dryer balls to maintain fluffiness - no fancy detergents needed. Pro tip: Buy 2, always keep one ready
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Ameritex Waterproof Dog Bed Blankets Cover for Bed Couch Sofa Reversible
  • WATERPROOF - This premium protector prevents almost all types of moisture and liquids from leaking through. Perfect for those with dogs and cats!
  • APPLICATION -Suitable for all types of furnitures,especially for sofa and bed.The super soft and luxurious blanket can surely make you share happy time with your pet
  • TWO LOOKS IN ONE - Ameritex waterproof furniture cover is reversible and provide two colors to match your furniture
  • MACHINE WASHABLE - Easy to clean. Machine wash cold and tumble dry low

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