Pet Owners’ Guide to Large Beds: Accommodating Your Furry Friends

For many pet owners, sharing a bed with a furry friend is one of life’s simple pleasures. From the comfort of a warm body to the bond that’s formed through closeness, pets are often considered family members, and it’s natural to want them close at night. However, for those with large pets—or multiple animals—space in a standard bed can quickly feel limited. Upgrading to a large bed, like a king or even an oversized Wyoming King or Alberta King, can make sharing the bed more comfortable for everyone. Let's go over why we all will end up doing it and offer practical tips for maintaining cleanliness and comfort.

The Benefits of Sharing a Large Bed with Pets Are Clear

1. Enhanced Bonding: Sleeping close to your pets can strengthen the emotional bond between you. There's nothing sweeter than a pet sleeping beside you because they feel completely safe in your presence. The act of sharing a bed gives a deeper sense of companionship and belonging to both you and your pet.
   
   
2. Improved Comfort and Space: A larger bed can provide extra space, allowing both you and your pets to stretch out without crowding each other. Pets can take up a surprising amount of room, especially larger breeds or multiple animals, so a larger bed like a Wyoming King or an Alberta King can accommodate everyone comfortably.
   
   
3. Reduced Separation Anxiety for Pets: For animals prone to separation anxiety, sharing a bed can ease their distress. Being near you at night offers reassurance, helping them sleep better and minimizing stress-related behaviors, like barking or scratching at doors.

The Unfortunate Challenges of Sharing a Bed with Pets

1. Allergens and Fur Accumulation: Pets naturally shed fur and dander, which can build up on bedding over time. For individuals with allergies, this can make breathing more difficult. Additionally, fur and dander can require frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene and prevent the bed from looking messy.
   
   
2. Disrupted Sleep: Pets can be restless sleepers, and sharing a bed with them can lead to interrupted sleep. I've rarely met a cat that's slept through the whole night. Movement, scratching, or even playful behavior in the middle of the night can wake you up, affecting your rest.
   
   
3. Space Management: Even in a large bed, pets sometimes take up more than their fair share of space. Larger dog breeds do love taking up the center of the bed or stretching out across a significant portion, crowding you or your partner. I'm sure all pet owners know that this isn't unique to larger animals though. Anyone with a 10-pound dog or cat knows that if they want half the bed, they'll take it and you'll give it to them without asking any questions. They're asleep, too cute to move at this point and you'd feel bad for being the monster who woke them up.

Comfortably Sharing a Large Bed with Pets Doesn't Have to Be Hard

Sharing a large bed with pets can be a wonderful experience with a few practical strategies to ensure comfort and cleanliness for everyone involved.

1. Invest in a Washable Mattress Protector: A mattress protector is essential for pet owners. Look for one that is waterproof and washable to shield your mattress from fur, dander, and any accidents. Regularly washing the protector will help maintain cleanliness and protect your mattress from wear.
   
   
2. Use Pet-Friendly Sheets and Covers: Durable, high-thread-count sheets are less prone to snags and can withstand pet nails better than lightweight fabrics. Microfiber or cotton sheets are generally pet-friendly options that are easy to wash and less likely to show fur. Consider darker colors or patterns that can hide fur between washes. Larger lint rollers can also help if used regularly.
   
   
3. Establish Boundaries on the Bed: While a large bed provides plenty of space, setting boundaries for where your pet can sleep can prevent crowding. Designate a section of the bed as your pet’s area, perhaps by using a pet bed topper or a specific blanket. This helps train your pet to stay in a particular spot, giving you more space to stretch out.
   
   
4. Provide an Alternative Bed Nearby: If you occasionally need the bed to yourself, having a cozy pet bed near the bed can encourage your pet to rest there instead. Make it comfortable with soft bedding and place it where your pet can still be close to you, giving them the option without occupying the bed. Or if you have a cat just leave a box out for them, it always seems to work.
   
   
5. Brush and Clean Your Pets Regularly: Brushing your pet frequently can help reduce shedding and dander in the bed. Regular grooming sessions, especially during shedding season, minimize the amount of fur that ends up on your bedding. Make sure they haven't gone running through the dirt recently if you can. You'll dramatically reduce the dirt on the bed and potential allergens.
   
   
6. Consider a Mattress with Motion Isolation: If your pet is a restless sleeper, a mattress with motion isolation can prevent their movements from disturbing you. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses are excellent choices, as they absorb motion well, allowing you to sleep soundly even if your pet moves around.
   
   
7. Rotate and Flip the Mattress Regularly: To avoid uneven wear from pets frequently sleeping on the bed, rotate and flip your mattress regularly. This helps distribute weight and extends the life of the mattress, keeping it comfortable for longer.

Sharing a Bed with Pets Is One of The Best Parts of Having a Furry Family

Accommodating your pets in a large bed can be both rewarding and challenging. With a few simple strategies to manage fur, space, and hygiene, you can make sharing the bed a comfortable experience for everyone involved. By investing in the right bedding and establishing boundaries, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your pet's company while ensuring restful sleep and a clean sleeping environment.

For pet owners who want the joy of sharing a bed with their furry companions, a large bed offers the room and flexibility needed for a comfortable night’s sleep. With a little planning and regular maintenance, you can keep both yourself and your pets happy, creating a cozy retreat where everyone can relax together. If you need a new mattress protector for your Wyoming King bed, you can order one online today.