Sharing a bed with pets is a topic of debate among specialists, as close interactions with dogs or cats can have both benefits and risks. There are around 250 zoonotic diseases, with over 100 resulting from human-animal relationships. Some downsides include cleanliness issues—pets often play outside and may bring in dirt, fleas, or even feces.
Different sleep schedules can also be disruptive, especially with active pets at night. Additionally, breaking this habit can be challenging if a new person enters the household. Sleeping with pets may also expose humans to illnesses such as allergies, hookworm (a parasite that affects the small intestine), respiratory diseases from fungi or dust, and intestinal parasites, which are particularly harmful to children.
