Topics: Prince William, Dog, Animals, Health
A doctor has shared a warning after Prince William made a surprising confession about his sleeping arrangements with Kate Middleton.
The Prince of Wales gave a rare insight into how the couple tend to sleep. It comes after William, 42, reportedly stopped to pet a well-wisher's dog during a visit to Duchy College in Cornwall on 17 October.
Louise Harland told Hits Radio Cornwall that the 42-year-old stroked her dog, Jacks.
She said: "[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was and he's never met one of those breeds, he's a Cocker Jack, so he's a little bit of a unique combination."
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The Prince of Wales has a cocker spaniel puppy called Orla.
Check out a picture of Princess Charlotte with the pooch below:
Louise say Prince William also revealed to her that his family dog, a cocker spaniel named Orla, often sleeps on the bed alongside him and Kate.
"[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate," she said.
However there are several health concerns when choosing to let your dog sleep in your bed with you, as Dr Kate Jameson from Youth Lab Australia explains.
“While letting your dog sleep on the bed can bring a comforting sense of companionship, it’s essential to weigh the potential health implications thoughtfully,” she tells Tyla.
"From a health perspective, many doctors agree that co-sleeping with pets can have some benefits — such as improved relaxation and stress reduction — when done mindfully.
"Pets can bring warmth, a sense of security, and a stronger bond with owners, which in turn can support both mental and emotional health.”
However it’s important to weigh up the potential setbacks when inviting your dog into your bed.
"There are some hygiene considerations to remember, however," Dr Jameson continues.
“Dogs, like humans, naturally carry certain bacteria and allergens, which can sometimes transfer to bedding and potentially lead to minor skin issues, respiratory concerns, or disrupted sleep if not regularly managed.
“But with basic steps, like frequent washing of bed linens and regular pet grooming, the risks can be minimised."
According to the Sleep Foundation, sleeping with a pet can provide a variety of benefits including comfort and security as service dogs can provide emotional support to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when they experience a nightmare.
Dr. Kate adds: "Ultimately, the decision to let a pet sleep on the bed is a personal one, and it can certainly offer health benefits as long as some simple hygiene practices are observed."
