That’s disgusting

By Kirsten Hudson

Thursday, September 3, 2009

You might not let Rover cuddle up next to you before going to sleep if you knew what he was bringing into your bed.

Fleas and ticks attached to your dog can spread to your bedding and to you. If you notice itchy, red bumps on your skin, it may be from fleas or ticks. Pets can also spread skin mites and ringworm. Ringworm will look like a little red circle on your skin, sometimes with fungus inside the circle. “Spreading infections is just a risk you take on if you’re letting critters in your bed,” says Robin Michael, a veterinarian at Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital in Lawrence.

Unless you bathe your pet regularly, chances are Fido is pretty filthy. “If they’ve been outside running around, they’re going to get any beds or furniture they get on dirty,” Michael says. The amount of grime also depends on the pet. “An indoor cat probably isn’t going to be as dirty as an outdoor dog,” she says.

If you’re allergic, letting you pet into your bed isn’t a good idea. Pet fur and dander can accumulate in bedding. Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, if your loveable canine is a drooler, its saliva may be sticking to your bedding and clothes. Yuck!

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