Dog Days and Nights

Courtesy of Jessica Deimler

Have you ever woken up on the edge of your bed, with no blankets and a breeze from the surrounding sleepy air hitting your body? Dogs may take up extra space squeezing you to a sliver of the bed, yet you feel rested, safe, secure, and comforted. Canisius College published research suggesting that, particularly for women, co-sleeping with dogs is deemed advantageous. Researchers have therefore presented a gift to dog lovers and bed hogging canines everywhere, there are vast compelling benefits to sleeping with pups in your bedroom. 

In fact, supporting data and literature indicates that the canine is able to connect on a deeper level with humans often facilitating a symbiotic union. Author Mark Derr recently published a book outlining the relational evolution between dogs and humans. There has been a growth trajectory between humans and canines that is undeniably linked, and has only become more intimate and beneficial over time. 

Doggone Good Reasons to keep your Canine Close: 

Emotional Wellbeing

• Unconditional love 

• Acceptance  

• Curb feelings of loneliness 

Physiological & Mental Health

• Decrease in cortisol (stress) 

• More physically active 

• Better sleep 

• Decrease in symptoms of depression 

• Decrease in symptoms of anxiety