Have you thought about a sheepskin dog bed for your dog?
So, your dog loves sleeping in your bed, and you love waking up with it next to you. However, according to experts, letting your furry friend sleep in your bed isn’t good for either you or them.
For one, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed could impact your sleep cycle. That’s because, just like humans, dogs twist and turn while they sleep, which could cause you to wake up several times during the night. This is especially true if you’re a light sleeper. There is also the fact that, no matter how clean your dog is, it still carries dander, pollen and bacteria on their fur. If you’re sensitive, this could trigger allergies or asthma symptoms.
On the other hand, your tossing and turning could also wake or stress out your dog. Plus, being too close to you can contribute to separation anxiety when you’re away.
To ensure your dog enjoys sleeping in a pet bed as much as it does in your bed, you’ll need to provide an option that is as comfortable as yours. That is where a sheepskin dog bed comes in.
Why Dogs Love Sheepskin Beds?
There are a number of qualities that make this bed dogs’ favourite.
It’s Extremely Soft
A sheepskin bed offers a luxuriously warm and plush surface that dogs are naturally drawn to. Its soft, woolly texture feels soothing against their fur and paws, creating a cushioned, cloud-like spot that encourages deep relaxation.
More than just comfort, the gentle feel of sheepskin closely mimics the warmth and security of cuddling next to you. This familiar, comforting sensation helps reduce anxiety and provides a strong sense of safety and calm, making it a favourite resting place for dogs of all ages.
If you already have a dog bed that your pup tends to ignore, you could try adding a sheepskin dog bed rug on top. It’s an easy upgrade that can work wonders, instantly turning a forgotten spot into a warm, inviting retreat your dog won’t want to leave.
It Adapts to Your Pet’s Body Temperature
Sheepskin is naturally temperature-regulating, meaning it keeps your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. This can be particularly beneficial for short-haired dogs and senior pets. They are more sensitive to temperature changes and often struggle to regulate body heat on their own.
It’s Hypoallergenic
Real sheepskin is completely free from synthetic dyes and chemical finishes, making it an excellent choice for pets with allergies, sensitive skin, or existing skin conditions. Naturally hypoallergenic, it resists the growth of bacteria, mould, and dust mites without the need for extra treatments. This not only helps protect your dog’s health but also contributes to a cleaner, healthier living environment for the whole household.
It Helps Relieve Pressure on Joints and Hips
The natural structure and softness of the wool fibres also help relieve pressure on joints and hips. The fibres gently conform to your dog’s body, evenly distributing their weight. This helps reduce pressure on sensitive areas like hips, elbows and joints. This cushioning effect helps minimise discomfort, particularly in older dogs, large breeds or pets with arthritis or mobility issues.
It’s Easy to Clean
Wool fibres contain lanolin, a natural oil that helps repel dirt, liquids, and odours, so most messes sit on the surface rather than soaking in. This makes spot-cleaning simple with just a damp cloth and mild detergent.
How to Know You’re Buying a Real Sheepskin Bed?
Due to its benefits, sheepskin is a very popular material. Its popularity has resulted in fake sheepskin available all over the market. To help you avoid spending your hard-earned money on an artificial knock-off, here is what you need to know.
Take a Look at the Back of the Material
With real sheepskin, the wool is attached to the animal’s skin. Fake sheepskin, on the other hand, has the fur glued or sewn onto a fabric backing. So, one of the easiest ways to tell the difference is by looking at the underside of the fabric.
Gently pull the wool away from the back side. If it’s real material, the wool will stay firmly in place, and the underside will feel smooth, like leather or suede. If it’s fake, the wool may come off easily, and the back will look like cloth with a woven or fabric-like texture.
If It Is Machine Washable, It Could Be Fake
If the bed or rug comes with a tag that says it can be washed by machine, chances are it could be fake. A genuine sheepskin dog bed generally requires more careful maintenance and usually needs to be washed by hand or with special wool-friendly products. Like a pure wool jumper, real sheepskin is sensitive to heat and agitation. This means putting it in a regular washing machine cycle can cause it to shrink, harden, or lose its shape. Real sheepskin needs gentle care to preserve its softness, durability, and natural properties.
Touch It
Another easy way to tell if sheepskin is real or fake is by how it feels. Real sheepskin usually has thick, dense wool that feels silky and smooth to the touch. Fake sheepskin can still feel soft, but it often has a slight plastic-like or rough texture.
Try running your fingers through the wool. Can you feel the material underneath? If so, it might be fake, as imitation sheepskin is usually thinner and backed with fabric you can easily feel. With real sheepskin, the wool is much thicker, designed by nature to keep a sheep warm. So you’re less likely to feel the layer beneath.
How to Get Your Dog Used to His New Bed?
Getting your dog to use his new bed could take a little time and patience. A great place to start is by putting the bed in a quiet, familiar spot where your dog already feels safe.
To encourage your dog to explore the new bed, you can place a favourite toy, blanket, or a few treats on it. When they show interest or lie down on the bed, use positive reinforcement, like praise or a treat, to build a positive connection.
Make sure you don’t force your pet onto the bed – let them approach it at their own pace. With consistency and encouragement, they’ll soon start to see it as their new favourite spot to rest.