G’day, Domestic Dog Lovers of the 21st Century!
Recent research from Compare the Market in Australia has revealed as many as 50% of you share a bed with your dog or cat in 2024.
That’s a rise from 41.4% last year.
So what’s going on?
Are we kicking out our spouses in favour of our furry companions? Are we buying bigger beds to cater for our growing fur-malies?
Let’s take a look at who’s sharing their beds with their dogs and cats, and debate the question should we share the bed with our pets?
Breaking down the stats
According to the statistics, Gen Z pet parents are the most welcoming, with over 60% claiming to share their bed with a pet.
In contrast, a term coined by Millennials, “fur baby”, finds fewer followers amongst them. Around 42% of Millennial pet owners cuddle up with their pets in bed.
What age group are you in? Do you share your bed with your pets, and why? (There’s a comment section below for a reason!)
Debates like this are best put into bullet points, so here’s the fors and againsts of sharing your bed with your pet:
👉 Warm and Cozy – Pets are natural heaters. They can keep you warm and snug on chilly nights (or hot Aussie nights if you’re happy with a little worthwhile discomfort!)
👉 Bonding Time – Sharing a bed with your pet can strengthen the bond between you and them, making them feel loved and secure. That’s what you want for them, isn’t it?
👉 Security Boost – Pets can provide a sense of security and comfort, helping you feel safer and (for some) sleep better. In turn, they will feel more safe and secure sleeping with you as their pack leader.
👉 Stress Relief – The rhythmic breathing and puppy purring or kitty snores can be incredibly soothing, reducing your stress and anxiety. A bit like listening to the waves crash, but better!
👉 Disturbed Sleep – Pets can move around a lot (it’s not as if they have work in the morning). Some snore, making funny noises, or have midnight zoomies. If that sounds like your pet, expect a less restful night’s sleep.
👉 Allergies – Pet dander and fur isn’t great news if you have allergies. Did you know many pet owners aren’t aware how affected they are by pet hair, so if you wake up with a snuffly nose this may be the reason.
👉 Space Invaders – Pets can take up a lot of space, leaving you cramped and uncomfortable. Did you know a Pug can take up over half the width of a Queen sized bed? (You know I’m right)
👉 Hygiene Concerns – This one is a real concern, as pets can bring in dirt, fleas, or ticks from outside, and you don’t want any of those in your bed.
True story: After a cuddle with my pooch one morning I found a small stone in the bed. I picked it up and placed it on the bedside cabinet. Later, while brushing my teeth, I picked it up to throw it away and realised it was waggling little black tick legs. Not good news, and a lucky escape.
So, if you’re an Aussie letting your dog or cat share your bed, you’re not alone.
While some may argue about potential health risks, disturbed sleep and squabbles among partners, there are others who feel the love and security.
The debate will always continue, but what’s essential is, of course, keeping your dogs and cats happier than anyone else in your family!
#AustralianPetTrends #SharingTheBed #FurryFriends #PetCareInAustralia #DogBed #DomesticPets
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