Do you let your dog sleep in your bed? The answer to this question is closely tied to where you live, as opinion polls reveal sharp cultural differences around the world on this matter.
In Germany, data from YouGov indicates that one in three pets gets the chance to sleep in its owner’s bed, a ratio that clearly surpasses countries like Switzerland, France, Austria, and Italy.
Germany topped the list at 29%, while Switzerland recorded the lowest ratio at around one-fifth. Beds or special cages remain the most common choice for pets to sleep in Europe.
In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the numbers jump to 44% and 45% respectively. A Dutch study even noted that half of pet owners allow their animals to lick their faces. The generational factor also plays a significant role; an American survey showed that 53% of Generation Z share their bed with their pets, compared to only 36% of Baby Boomers.
Between Hygiene and Companionship: Expert Opinion
Researchers and animal welfare experts have varying opinions on this phenomenon. While the German Animal Welfare Association sees it as an individual choice that does not necessarily harm or benefit the animal, a spokesperson for the association emphasizes the need to meet hygiene conditions, such as regular deworming and ensuring the animal is free of fleas and ticks.
The danger lies in the potential transmission of parasitic or fungal diseases from the animal to humans, such as Giardia, which causes intestinal problems. A 2022 Dutch scientific analysis concluded that sharing a bed significantly increases exposure to pathogens, posing a particular risk to the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems.
Red Lines: Infants and Small Animals
Experts warn of “red lines” that cannot be crossed. Dogs and cats are completely prohibited from the beds of infants and young children to avoid the risks of scratching or biting, or even the danger of suffocation if the animal lies on the child’s face.
As for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, experts confirm they are “not plush toys” and should under no circumstances be placed in bed, for fear of crushing them during sleep, in addition to their innate need to stay in their own environment.
The Price of a Peaceful Sleep
Beyond the health aspect, the impact of this habit on sleep quality is prominent. In Britain, data revealed that one in three people cannot fall asleep completely due to their pet waking up at night.
In the United States, 19% of owners feel that having a pet makes their sleep worse, while 46% feel more comfortable with their “loyal friend” by their side, making the bed a battleground between the quality of psychological comfort and the quality of sleep.
Germany
Germany is a country in Central Europe with a complex history, having been a collection of states for centuries before unifying in 1871. It was a central power in both World Wars, was divided into East and West Germany during the Cold War, and reunified in 1990 to become a leading economic and political force in the European Union.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked European country known for its long history of neutrality, which was formally established by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. It is renowned for its Alpine landscapes, political stability, and its unique system of direct democracy and federalism.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich history shaped by Celtic, Roman, and Frankish influences, evolving from a medieval kingdom into a centralized absolute monarchy before the transformative French Revolution of 1789 established it as a republic. Its global cultural influence is profound, exemplified by iconic sites like the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower in its capital, Paris.
Austria
Austria is a Central European country with a rich history as the heart of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its cultural landscape is renowned for classical music, historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and Alpine traditions.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the Roman Empire, which was one of the largest and most influential civilizations of antiquity. It later became the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of immense artistic and intellectual achievement centered in cities like Florence and Rome. Today, Italy is renowned for its historic landmarks, artistic treasures, and profound influence on Western culture, law, and art.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a history of formation through successive political unions, most notably the 1707 union of England and Scotland. Its long and influential history includes the development of parliamentary democracy, the Industrial Revolution, and the former British Empire, which profoundly shaped global politics, culture, and economics. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy with a rich cultural heritage evident in its historic landmarks, literature, and institutions.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, a country in Northwestern Europe, is historically known for its extensive water management systems, including iconic windmills and dikes, which have been used for centuries to reclaim land from the sea. Its rich cultural heritage includes the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, a period of immense wealth, artistic achievement, and global trade dominance led by the Dutch East India Company.
German Animal Welfare Association
The German Animal Welfare Association (Deutscher Tierschutzbund) is Germany’s largest and oldest animal protection organization, founded in 1881. It advocates for animal rights, operates shelters, and has been instrumental in shaping national animal welfare legislation.
