Dog owners have been warned not to let their four legged friends into bed with them this winter. As we move into the colder months, letting them into bed will impact not just us, but also our pets. The season means dogs and cats begin to shed excessive amounts of hair.

Pets who shed seasonally will shed their lightweight coats to prepare for a heavier winter coat. Experts have warned dog owners now to let their pets into bed this autumn (Image: Getty/Iuliia Antonova) Experts at Happy Beds said: “This excessive shedding can last up to 3-4 weeks, usually ending in November and pose health risks if you often share a bed with your pet. “The loose hairs in the bedding can cause a lot of irritation to not only yourself as the owner but your pet too.

This fur can also harbour bugs and germs that can be passed onto you as you sleep. “It’s commonly misconstrued that fur is the main cause of these risks but it is in fact animal dander that can cause serious health problems. “This protein is found in the pet’s hair, saliva, skin, and waste and is made up of minuscule particles which are where the risk lies.

“Dander is tiny and can be inhaled easily through the air causing potential problems with breathing and the lungs. This irritation can eventually lead to asthma in severe cases. “Loose hair in the bed can heavily impact the quality of sleep too as breathing in this polluted air can add strain to the respiratory system causing the body to not fully rest at night.

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