Grim reason you should never let your dog sleep in your bed

They might be your best friend, but experts are saying that you should never let your dog sleep in your bed.

If, like me, you're a bit of a pushover with your precious pooch, this might not be the news you want to hear (although, my dog claims the sofa and three of her own beds as hers instead).

When you head to bed for the night, it can be hard to say no if presented with the puppy-dog eyes asking to join you as you drift off to the land of nod.

Everyone has their preferences, from bedsheets to duvets, one pillow or two, whether pets are allowed or not - it's all personal.

It turns out, though, that if you do decide to let your dog have a luxury sleep in your bed with you, they might not be the only one joining you under the duvet...

How could you say no to that face? (Getty Stock)

According to furniture experts JYSK, allowing your dog under the covers might mean you get more than you bargained for.

They warn: "You risk getting more than just soft fur under the covers. Dogs and other pets can bring fleas, ticks and in rare cases pathogenic bacteria to bed, such as ringworm, tapeworms, Campylobacter, parasites and bacteria from urine and faeces in their fur."

Lovely! Rushing to throw your bedding on a hot wash now, and your furry friend into the bath? We thought you might be.

Apparently, it can also worsen your sleep, as dogs have a different sleeping pattern to us and frequently wake multiple times during the night.

They are what is referred to as polyphasic sleepers, meaning they average three sleep/wake cycles per night time hour.

Pet bedding manufacturer Bronte Glen recommends a compromise: "For dogs who like to be near their humans, placing their bed in your bedroom can be a comforting option that also respects your personal space."

Allowing your dog in your bed might have bad repercussions (Getty Stock)

According to the American Kennel Club, just under half of us share their bed or bedroom with their pet.

A study published in the Scientific Reports journal found: "Co-sleeping with pets was associated with poorer sleep characteristics—specifically, poorer perceived sleep quality and greater insomnia severity."

Cat lovers can prepare to be smug, as the journal also found that 'the negative impact of co-sleeping with pets on human sleep was associated with dog ownership but not cat ownership.'

It was also increased by the amount of pets you have, so more dogs usually equals worse sleep.

The study did also say that it can decrease anxiety around home security, having your dog in your room or own your bed because they are much lighter sleepers and likely to hear anything alarming.