There’s nothing quite like curling up at night with your dog or cat snuggled beside you. Many pet parents cherish this cuddle time as it brings comfort, warmth, and a feeling of safety. In fact, sleeping with pets can come with some surprising health benefits.
Research suggests that having your furry friend close may reduce stress and even strengthen your immune system. Some people with anxiety or sleep disorders find that their pet’s presence helps them fall asleep and stay calm through the night. Simply put, sharing a bed with your furry friends can make bedtime happier and healthier for you!
Common Challenges of Sleeping with Pets
Of course, co-sleeping with a dog or cat isn’t all purrs, tail wags, and belly rubs. Even the best-behaved pets can introduce a few challenges to your sleep environment:
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Shedding fur: Dogs and cats shed hair that ends up all over your sheets and blankets. This can make your bed feel less clean and even trigger pet allergies if not properly managed.
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Pet odors: Pets have distinct smells. Over time, your mattress and bedding can absorb that “doggy” or “kitty” odor. Occasional accidents (like a wet spot or vomit) can also cause lingering odors.
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Dirt and debris: Those cute paws can track in dirt, mud, or litter. It’s easy for soil, dust, or even bits of grass to end up in your bed, which can make your mattress grimy.
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Allergens (allergy and asthma triggers): Pet dander (tiny skin flakes) and saliva can cling to bedding. For people with pet allergies or asthma, this buildup of allergens can irritate the airways and cause sneezing or breathing issues at night.
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Fleas and ticks: If your pet isn’t protected, fleas and ticks might hitch a ride into your bed. These pests bite and can infest your mattress and bedding, leading to itching and potential health concerns.
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Sleep disturbances: Some pets snore, kick, or wander during the night. A larger dog or an active cat might hog the bed or wake you up, causing sleep disturbances. If you’re a light sleeper, a pet’s movements could interrupt your rest.
Don’t worry – none of these challenges mean you have to banish your beloved pet from the bedroom. Instead, a few smart habits and the right products can help you keep your mattress clean and comfy for you and your pet.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Sleep Environment
You can enjoy sleeping with pets while maintaining a fresh, comfortable bed. The key is to set up a pet-friendly sleep environment that addresses those challenges.
Start with your mattress itself. If you’re in the market for a new bed, consider choosing a durable, pet-friendly mattress that is easy to clean. Look for materials and covers that are waterproof or stain-resistant. For example, some mattresses come with removable, washable covers or antimicrobial fabrics. This kind of mattress will stand up to paws and claws and won’t be ruined by an accident or spill.
Plus, keeping your mattress clean isn’t just about appearances – it has real health benefits. A clean, well-protected mattress means fewer germs and allergens, which is better for your sleep quality and overall health.
Always use a mattress protector. This is non-negotiable for pet owners. A waterproof mattress protector is like a fitted shield that covers your mattress. It prevents fur, dander, dirt, and moisture from seeping into the mattress itself. Even a perfectly house-trained dog or cat can have the occasional accident or upset tummy. Using a protector means those little mishaps won’t soak in and ruin your bed.
Another tip for a comfy, pet-friendly setup is to give your pet their own spot on the bed. You might add a pet blanket or a small pet bed on top of your covers in a corner of the mattress. This way, your dog or cat has a cozy zone that’s all theirs. It can help contain some shedding and dirt on that blanket, making cleanup easier.
Giving your pet their own spot also helps train them not to sprawl across your pillow or the middle of the bed. You’ll still be right beside each other, but with some personal space to prevent midnight shuffling. Many pet parents find this compromise useful to manage sleep disturbances while still enjoying their pet’s company at night.
Tips to Keep Your Bed Clean (Even with Pets)
Keeping your bed clean and comfy with a pet is all about consistent simple habits. Here are some easy, actionable tips to maintain a clean space for sleep:
Wash your Sheets Regularly
Make a habit of washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week (and more often if your pet sheds a lot). Regular washing removes pet hair, dander, drool, and any dirt your buddy brought in.
Fresh linens also help get rid of that doggy or kitty smell. This routine is especially important if anyone in the house has pet allergies. Keeping bedding clean will significantly reduce allergens and odors.
Groom your Pets Often
A clean pet means a cleaner bed. Brush your dog or cat frequently to capture loose fur before it ends up on your duvet. Brushing also distributes natural oils in their fur, which can cut down on odor. If your pet enjoys baths, the occasional bath will keep their coat and skin clean (just don’t overdo it and dry out their skin).
Also, always check and wipe their paws when they come in from outside – this keeps dirt from being tracked onto your covers. Regular grooming and flea/tick prevention will stop those fleas and ticks from ever becoming an issue in your bed.
Vacuum the Mattress and Furniture
About once a week, when you strip the bed to wash the sheets, take a few minutes to vacuum your mattress. Use the vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment to go over the mattress surface, seams, and crevices. This sucks up any hair, dust, pet dander, or even fleas that aren’t visible. Don’t forget to vacuum upholstered headboards or the crevices around the bed frame where fur tumbles into and builds up over time.
Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Bedding
Not all blankets are created equal when you have pets. Opt for bedding made from durable, tightly woven fabrics that can handle frequent washing. Materials like cotton or microfiber are good because you can wash them in hot water to kill germs and remove odors. You might also look for stain-resistant or darker-colored quilts that won’t show paw prints or fur as easily.
A Pet-Friendly Mattress with Space for All
Sometimes, a bigger bed is the simplest solution to nighttime pet squirming and crowding. At Bedding Mart, we have the Family Bed mattress, an oversized mattress designed for families sharing their bed with kids and pets. It is huge (up to 12 feet wide), meaning there’s plenty of room for you, your partner, the kids, and the furry friends to all cuddle comfortably.
With such a spacious setup, your pet can sprawl out without kicking you in the ribs or stealing your blanket. It greatly minimizes sleep disturbances because everyone has enough space to find their perfect spot.
Beyond size, our family bed is built with quality and comfort in mind. It’s a pet-friendly mattress made of high-quality foam that contours to each sleeper – human or animal – for excellent support. You won’t feel your 80-pound dog moving at the foot of the bed as much on this mattress because it absorbs motion nicely. The mattress materials are durable enough to handle paws and claws – but you can also add a mattress protector to keep it safe from spills or accidents.
Ready for a better night’s sleep with your pets? Visit The Bedding Mart or browse our website to explore the Family Bed mattress and other pet-friendly sleep products. With the right mattress and bedding, you and your furry family can sleep soundly and wake up happy!
