Your dog in bed may boost happiness—but there’s a hygiene catch

Should you let your dog share your bed? While the love and affection are undeniable, hygiene is a significant concern. Pet nutritionist Anjali Kalachand finds that snuggling with her dog is incredibly relaxing, thanks to the release of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Mental wellness expert Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh agrees, stating that spending time with animals can boost feel-good hormones and decrease stress hormones like cortisol.

However, it's essential to maintain proper hygiene: clean your pet, check for parasites, and wash bedding regularly. For healthy adults, sleeping with pets generally poses more benefits than risks, but individual cases should be assessed. Those with allergies, light sleepers, or compromised immune systems may want to avoid this arrangement.