The pros and cons of sharing a bed with your pet
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world so it's no surprise that many pet owners also love to share things with their furry family members – especially their bed.
Speaking on Today Extra, veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren revealed an online poll showed 69 per cent of respondents allowed their pet to share the bed.
But there are a few things to be aware of, as Warren highlighted some pros and cons of having your pets in bed with you.
READ MORE: Vet's tips for managing pet hair at home
Dr Katrina Warren talks about the pros and cons of sharing a bed with your pet. Nine
"There are some concerns all around about having your pet in your bed," Warren said.
"It is a hygiene and cleanliness thing, if you have allergies they are likely to exacerbate your allergies as they can bring in pollen and dust.
She also warned the practice could impact your sleep and some relationships.
"There can be issues with sleeping and the quality of your sleep, as pets wake up more often than humans during the night.
"And don't forget intimacy issues. Sometimes pets can cause problems with that."
Host David Campbell shared a simple solution, sharing: "That's what the door is for."
READ MORE: Top tips to keep your cat happy indoors, according to Dr Katrina Warren
There are some negatives to having your pet in your bed. Nine
On the flip side, pet owners report many positives to allowing their pet in the bed.
"They said they fell more comfortable, more safe, and they like making the pets happy and the pets like being in the beds," she said.
"Some pets do find it too hot. Chilli will hop up and we'll watch a bit of Netflix but he would then hop off as he would find being on the bed too hot for him."
Warren also said another thing to be aware of is that we can catch some parasites from pets.
You can watch the video above for more advice.
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Warren has previously shared some tips to help manage pet hair in the home on 9Honey Pets, revealing two ways to help minimise the spread of fur.
When grooming your pooch, it's a good idea to use a dog conditioning spray.
"I am amazed what a difference these make as they really help lift out loose hair," Warren said. "Lift the undercoat if you've got a double coated dog and reduce flyways."
She also suggested using throws to cover couches and your beds to prevent fur from getting stuck to all your furniture.
"Make sure they are easy to wash and dry. This is life changing."