Scientists reveal the revolting reason you shouldn’t sleep with your pets

A new study has revealed the revolting reason why sleeping with your pets could be a hazard to your health.

It can be hard to say no to letting your pet on the bed when they are looking at you with those puppy dog eyes – but a new study has revealed it might be in the best interest of your health to say no.
Dyson released its 2022 Global Dust Study, surveying 12,309 people from 11 countries, and it found when it comes to cleaning, people are less aware of dust and the health implications it can have, especially when it comes to pets.

Scientists said viruses and microscopic dust mite faeces that can’t be seen by the naked eye can reside on pets – and can be transferred into your bed if you let them sleep there. It was a fact a whopping 70 per cent of people surveyed did not know.

“It is a cause for concern if people only clean when they spot visible dust on the floor, as many dust particles are microscopic in size,” Dyson microbiology research scientist Monika Stuczen said. “In fact, by the time people spot visible dust in the home, it is highly likely that there are dust mites in your home.”

Scientists say it’s time to punt the pooch off the bed. Picture: iStock

According to theRSPCA, 61 per cent of Australian households now have a furry friend living with them.

People often think that pet hair triggers allergies. However, some are triggered by allergens that can also be found in pet dander.

“Many people think that pet hair is the biggest problem as it is the most visible,” Ms Stuczen said.

“It is unsurprising that people are unaware of the other particles that may reside on their pets, because these particles tend to be microscopic.”

Pollen can also reside on pets, though the Dyson study found that three out of four pet owners worldwide didn’t know that.

Meanwhile a survey, published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine last week, found almost half of pet owners in the US sleep with their animals in the same bed.
In Australia, over 50 per cent of dog owners let their furry friends sleep on their beds, according to theAustralian Bureau of Statistics.

Microscopic dust mite faeces can reside on pets and be transferred into your bed. Picture: iStock

And with pets sharing our beds and 71 per cent of people not vacuuming their mattresses regularly, it means it can become a “hotbed of microscopic life” according to Ms Stuczen.

“Just because it is out of sight does not mean it should be out of mind,” she said. “Microscopic dust particles like pet dander and dust mite allergens have the largest impact on your health and wellbeing.”

This article originally appeared in theNew York Post and has been reproduced here with permission