Dog on Guest Bed - WWYD?

[PoochProblem]

I have a dilemma in that a very dear long-term friend (who lives about 1.5 hours away) acquired a large dog during lockdown who sleeps in the same bed as him and won't tolerate being in a dog bed overnight.

My friend recognises that not everyone is comfortable with dogs in beds and, without asking, volunteers to sleep downstairs on an airbed with the pooch when he visits. But I don't think he gets a very good night's sleep, and that's putting him off coming to stay that often.

Whilst I'm pretty dog-friendly and like this dog a lot, he's pretty big, sheds hair, dribbles and - to be blunt - can have a strong odour. Also the guest bedroom is often used by my student son when he is back from uni, and he's not comfortable with the pooch sleeping in there. And of course, other people use the guest room occasionally.

I'd be more than happy if my friend's dog were to sleep in a basket in the bedroom of course. But my friend is a bit of a soft touch and gave into him coming into the bed.

Friend and I are unlikely to fall out about this - he's pretty easy going and we've been mates since student days (we're in our 50s). But he has been a very good friend over over the years, supporting me through a tough time recently, so I feel a bit conflicted about whether I should accommodate letting his dog sleep in the bed. The mattress is new if that makes any difference.

Any practical suggestions welcomed. Dog lovers, please be kind.

Have name changed because details may out me, but long term user (please don't make me say penis beaker or yoni massage).

YABU = suck it up and stop being precious. You should accommodate your friend's preferences.
YANBU = dogs belong in dog beds (when houseguests)

If the dog is used to sleeping on a bed I don’t think it’s as easy as putting him in a dog bed and expecting him to stay there all night. Could friend bring own sheets and duvet/duvet cover or even a mattress topper for when he stayed?
Ultimately it’s up to you but it wouldn’t bother me. Human sweat, skin cells etc are all pretty grim when you think too long about it.

I would say suck it up. You will be washing the bedding when he and the dog leaves anyway, right?

volunteers to sleep downstairs on an airbed with the pooch when he visits. But I don't think he gets a very good night's sleep, and that's putting him off coming to stay that often

Oh well, his choice

Surely you’re washing the bedding after anyway?
I don’t see how it’s massively better having the dog in the room but in a dog bed compared to on the bed for a night or two.

Throw on the bed?

My dogs are the same. I’d be happy to bring my own bedding, perhaps that’s an acceptable compromise?

Extra mattress topper is a possibility I suppose.

Ask friend to bring complete set of bedding which he can then take home to wash. Windows open after they go home.

"Ultimately it’s up to you but it wouldn’t bother me. Human sweat, skin cells etc are all pretty grim when you think too long about it."

Not in comparison to this fella. He really is big, hairy and drools a lot.

Mattress cover and washable duvet and pillows will keep the bed fresh.

Anything else can be hoovered or wiped over.

Absolutely not. How vile.

I’d get a mattress protector if you’ve not got one and stick a throw over the bed . Once you wash the bedding it won’t smell of dog and the room can be cleaned and aired .

Or could you ask him to take the dog to the groomer beforehand? If he’s a bit on the smelly side. And say after that he’s welcome in the bed?

I’m not exactly fastidious but if I’d just bought a new mattress I’d not be keen on having someone else’s unwashed dog on it.

My dog sleeps on my bed. When we go away, he sleeps in his bed in the living room or wherever the host says. I wouldn't dream of imposing where he sleeps on other people!

If your friend chooses to prioritise his dog over a good night's sleep, that's his call.

For those asking, I already have a mattress cover and obviously wash linen when guest stay.

Or if your friend needs to travel light, you could ask him to bring his own sheets and wash them at his own house, but buy a cheap mattress topper that only he uses, if you have enough storage space for it.

Your friend volunteers to sleep downstairs with his dog. Just let them carry on. It’s absolutely not unreasonable not to want a dog on/in your guest bed (& I love a cuddle with my dog in bed!) so just let your friend sleep on the blow-up mattress.

Washable mattress topper and just put it in with the sheets.

If this were a close friend of mine, I would have absolutely no issue buying a cheap set of bedding from TK Maxx used only for his visits.
Hoover and clean after they're gone and it really is a non-issue.

I would say it's upto you. My dog sometimes sleeps on my bed but I would have no problem with her sleeping on her bed in someone else's house. She is a lab, so quite large and sheds a great deal!
For the people trying to be smart about you washing the bedding after he leaves, it's not always easy to get dog hairs off your bedding and then out of your washing machine. I would suggest some sort of extra large throw over the bed to keep as much hair off the covers as possible, and I find the tumble dryer helpful in removing hairs that sneak passed the cover.

So it's basically your son's room that your guests use occasionally? A dog shouldn't be sleeping in there unless your son is happy with it, which he isn't.

I wouldn't have my own dogs on my beds let alone any other dog. It's unfair to other people who use the guest room.

Are those who are advocating just washing the sheets and mattress protector mainly dog owners?

I dont think it's as simple as just washing the bedding - and I say this as a dog lover.
Some dog fur really sticks in to fabrics, and won't come off during a wash. I used to use those sachets that dissolve dog hair, but worry about the damage they might do to your washing machine in used long term.

I would go with a) supplying own bedding and topper or b) sleeping downstairs like he's offered to

Is the dog actually IN the bed, or laying on top? Would a washable cover help if its the latter?

Why not just him to wash the dog or take it to the groomers before a visit? Otherwise, let him stay on the blow up bed. Its the drool that would be a deal breaker for me!