Sleeping With Your Pet Can Be Good For Your Health: Safety Tips When Sharing Bed With Your Dogs, Cats

15 February 2016, 4:25 am EST By Rina Marie Doctor Tech Times

Experts said sleeping with pets may be good for health. Here are some helpful tips to ensure sharing bed with dogs or cats become a beneficial and safe experience.  

Previous studies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that sleeping with pets may be good for the health.  Despite this, it is still important to practice certain measures to ensure that the unconventional sharing of bed with dogs or cats remain beneficial and ultimately, safe.

In a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings in 2015, 41 percent of pet owners reported that sleeping with pets does not create negative issues and is in fact, advantageous.  Study subjects said that sleeping with pets allows them to feel a sense of companionship, security and relaxation. Such reports cannot be ignored because quality sleep is defined by relaxation of both the physical and mental states.

CDC also said that having pets in the household have an array of benefits. This includes lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels and feelings of loneliness. Aside from that, it can also increase opportunities for physical activity and socialization.

Although pets are recognized to have an overall positive effect, these furry animals may carry germs that cause what experts call zoonotic diseases. Spotting pets that carry these germs is hard, especially because carriers typically look normal and healthy. People may allow these pets to sleep on their beds without knowing the risks. Therefore, it is very important to take caution.

Here are some safety tips when sharing bed with dogs and cats.

• Take pets to the veterinarian for regular check-up to ensure that it is free of diseases.
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• Subject pets to monthly preventive interventions against fleas and other parasites.
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• Ensure that pets' vaccination is up-to-date.
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• Always practice good hygiene to prevent transmission of germs that owners may acquire from pets.
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• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water every after contact with pet's saliva.
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• Contact veterinarian if pets exhibit unusual signs and symptoms of illness.
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• Clean up stool, urine or vomit on bed or in the bedroom immediately. Disinfect the area and be sure to don gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
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Not all pets are meant to sleep with its owners on bed. In fact, not all pets for adoption or for sale are suitable for every family. CDC recommends checking the breed and the type of dog or cat before getting one. Most importantly, it is a must to consider household members who have weak immune systems, very young, very old and those with diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

Knowledge is key hence, pet owners must ask their pet's veterinarian about the type of environment, food and specific care that their pets need. Some dogs are better left outside of the house while cats are typically more suitable inside. Those specific pet needs and wants are important to consider before owning a pet, and ultimately, before letting them sleep on the bed.

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Dogs and Cats in Bed?

Does your Dog and Cat sleep with you?  There are many of us who wouldn't think of going to bed without our furry friends, usually they get more of the bed than we do!  But...


In the next few posts, we're going to look at the pros and cons of letting your pets sleep with you. We're going to present different views and let you decide.  Today's article comes from Ceaser's Way. We hope you'll take a few minutes to read it, it's short I promise!  Follow the link to the article,  To Cuddle or Not?

While I have been doing research for this blog, I have been amazed on how many studies have been done, and also, that there doesn't seem to be a right answer.  After we post a few stories and studies, we are going to do a poll on facebook.  Follow along here and on our facebook page

 Dames and Sires Beauty Spa is happy to announce the addition of a second groomer.

Samantha, the owner of Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, which is located at Tails to Remember Pet Services, is pleased to announce the addition of a second groomer, Michelle.  Combined, the two have over 26 years of grooming experience. In fact, Michelle was very instrumental in training Samantha when she first began grooming.

"With the addition of a second groomer, we will be able to bathe and groom an increased number of animals, while maintaining our relaxed, caring, safe and clean environment for your pet," says Samantha.

I have been very impressed with the work I have seen from both groomers.  It really is fun to watch them work together, they both really care for you and your pets.  They make sure your furbabies have an enjoyable time while visiting.  Many times you catch them playing fetch (with the dogs, not each other) and keeping your "kids" comfortable.

Samantha and Michelle will be answering grooming questions for you here on our blog.  If there are any particular questions you would like to ask, let us know here or send us an e-mail at info@tailstoremember.com.   

Please call 217-361-5733 to schedule your appointment with Dames and Sires Beauty Spa, or book online at damesandsires.com.  Their regular hours are Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., but you can call anytime and they will get back with you as soon as possible.

Dames and Sires Beauty Spa opened in March of 2016.  They can be found inside Tails to Remember Pet Services, 3036 Peoria Road, Springfield, IL 62702.  They care for a variety of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and certain reptiles. Regular hours are Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

How Pets Help You!

You can find a complete list of local shelters needing volunteers at the bottom of the page at, TailsToRemember.com

With the flurries this morning, I thought this would be appropriate.  Nothing more fun than spending a few minutes outside with your pets and playing in the snow.

After your done playing in the snow, splashing through the mud, rolling in a dead squirrel or before company comes over, stop out and get a bath at Tails To Remember's 

Self Service Pet Wash.

We have a variety of shampoos and skin treatments, blow dryer and complimentary towel service to get their paws and behind their ears dry before jumping in the car to go home.

$5.00 for 10 minutes, plus you can add another $1.00 or some quarters for extra time.  While your out, stop in and grab some Gifts for your Pets and Pet Loving Friends.

How many can relate to this?

Christmas Safety Tips for You and Your Pets

Holiday Safety Tips from the ASPCA

The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

• Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
• Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
• Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
• That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
• Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

• Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
• Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
• Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
• Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.

Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information.

Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering

• House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
• Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
• A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Please visit The ASPCA's website to learn more.