National Pet Month: Should your child sleep with a pet in their room?

National Pet Month takes place from 1^st April 2019 to 6^th May 2019. It is hosted by the charity of the same name whose key aims are; to promote responsible pet ownership, make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets, increase public awareness of the role of pet care specialists and to raise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animals. During National Pet Month thousands of people across the UK will be celebrating life with their pets by spreading the word about responsible pet ownership and raising money for their favourite UK pet charity.

As it is national pet month, it seems like the perfect opportunity to discuss a topic which often has parents across the globe divided. Should children sleep with a pet in their room? It has been reported that up to 79% of pet owners allow pets to share beds with their human family members. By pet, we mean any pet from a dog to a hamster. If you are one of those parents debating whether you should allow your child to have a pet in their room, we’ve put together a list of the pro’s and con’s, so you can make an informed decision.

Pro's

• Companionship – For children who have problems getting to sleep at night, are prone to nightmares or are scarred to sleep alone. Having a pet in their room can provide a sense of reassurance and safety. Having a dog or cat, especially, in their room could help your child fall asleep as they know someone is watching over themselves.

• Better Sleep – Some sleep studies actually show that having a pet in ones room can help insomniacs sleep more deeply.

Con's

• Allergies– If your child has pet allergies or asthma, sleeping with a pet in their room is a no go. It can cause breathing difficulties and generally speaking night-time should act as a break for children with allergies.

• Disturbed Sleep– Loud pets, such as hamster running in a wheel or a dog snoring or moving around a lot in the night can cause disturbed sleep, which could lead to poor sleep quality in children.

• Pattern– If you allow your child to sleep with a pet in their room, they may become accustomed to having them there and not be able to sleep without them. This can then cause problems when you go away without your pet.

• Germs – Even pets with all their vaccinations can still pass on disease or germs; this is why professionals advise you don’t sleep with a pet in your bed. If you do want to have them in your bed, it’s best not to allow them under the sheets. But ideally, it is best to have them in their own bed, even if they sleep in yours, or your kids bedroom.

When it comes down to it, the choice is personal and dependant on the situation, the pet and the child. There are a few things you can do to optimise the environment for both the pet and the child. Beds such as cabin beds and high sleeper beds are great if your child wants to sleep with their pet in their room as it provides extra space for their cage or bed, whilst making it less likely they will jump onto the bed.