Even though there are warnings of disease transmission by sleeping with our pets, 56 % of dog owners let their pets share their bed and 62% of cat owners let their cats sleep with them, this writer included. I read about one woman who shares her bed with six Rhodesian ridgebacks!

Two prominent California veterinarians concluded that even though sleeping with our pets is a common practice, there is still a risk for transmission of zoonotic agents by close contact between pets and their owners. Life threatening infections have occurred through bed sharing, kissing or licking. There is still a debate whether the study that was done is exaggerated. What is clear is that our pets are bedfellows in many American households. Maybe it would be better to just get your dog or cat a nice, comfortable dog or cat bed!