For many of us, the long, warm days of summer mean extra-long walks with our doggos and refreshing dips in the pool. But if the hot and humid air is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, then it’s pretty tough to enjoy that summer weather. The good news is, getting a good night’s sleep during the height of summer can be as simple as making the switch to summer bedding—no sky-high AC bill required.
But not all sheets are created equal: The best summer bedding features lightweight fabrics that boast cooling properties to keep you comfortable all night long, instead of tossing and turning, drenched in sweat.
That being said, if you’re lucky enough to share a bed with a furry loved one (or three), then you know how difficult it can be to find high-quality sheets that look and feel great, while being durable enough to withstand the nightly kneading, scratching and circling that our four-legged family members like to partake in throughout the night. And since our pets like to enjoy the summer fun (and all the dirt and debris that often comes with it) just as much as we do, pet-friendly bedding should also be tough enough to take on many, MANY wash cycles.
So, given all of these factors, what, exactly, are the best cooling bed sheets pet parents should look for this summer? Keep reading—sweet dreams are ahead!
Consider Percale
“As a fur mom of many with a heavy nightly sleep rotation, having cooling sheets is an all-season necessity!” says Austin-based interior designer and fur mom to four dogs and five cats, Kasey McCarty. “Crisp and cool percale sheets are definitely what I would recommend. Percale holds up to lots of washing, which is critical to sharing with pets and also why most fine hotels use percale.”
As a tightly woven cotton fabric, not only is percale durable, but according to McCarty, it’s also comfortable enough to earn the coveted approval of the designer’s snuggly Chihuahuas. “I have a couple of burrowing Chihuahuas that love a great cool temperature, low-filled down duvet with a percale cover.”
Parachute is a cult-favorite brand that offers a great selection of percale sheets in a wide range of sophisticated hues that’ll match any aesthetic.
Look for Linen
Linen is also a stellar option for summer bedding. Comprised of flax fibers the fabric is highly durable and breathable, featuring natural moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties that’ll keep you from waking up drenched in sweat.
But it’s important to note that some linen fabrics are better than others. You’ll want to ensure that your sheets are sourced from regions with optimal soil conditions and a temperate climate. Why is this important? Because these factors create long fibers that won’t give you that scratchy feeling that some other linen fabrics can. Brooklinen’s linen sheets are harvested from Belgium, for instance, which is known for producing long-fiber linen. Read those product descriptions carefully.
Try Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another fiber that can produce a cooling sensation, thanks to its naturally breathable composition. It can also resist bacteria growth, so pet parents can blessedly skip a laundry day, even if they share their bed with some less-than-fresh pets.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, eucalyptus sheets are also an eco-friendly bedding option, as it takes 10 times less water to grow eucalyptus as it does to produce cotton. Bedding companies like Buffy are taking that sustainability even further, using natural materials, like pomegranate and tea, to dye their eucalyptus fabrics in lieu of bleach and chemical dyes. The result of these natural dyes is nothing short of beautiful, producing sheets in soothing shades of gray, blue and blush that are perfect for a peaceful bedroom.
Don’t Forget Fido
Now that you’ve got your sheets sorted, don’t forget about your pet’s bedding. Even if they spend many of their nights snuggled up with you, they should have a bed to call their own. And, with all that fur, rest assured that they appreciate cooling bedding during the hot summer months just as much as we do.
An elevated bed allows for all-around air flow, resulting in better ventilation that can help regulate your pet’s temperature. Designed with tight, breathable fabric that’s resistant to sagging, the Frisco Steel-Framed Elevated Dog Bed, is a stellar option, as is the Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot Elevated Dog Bed which features a curved back so pets can comfortably snuggle up.
As for cushioned bedding, consider the FurHaven Comfy Couch. This cooling dog bed features an internal layer of micro gel beads, designed to wick away body heat and keep the bed cooler—reportedly a whole 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. And as the name suggests, it’s also incredibly cozy with bolstered sides and medical-grade memory foam.
Now, both you and your pet can spend those hot summer nights comfortably snoozing, not sweating—or panting.
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