If you're tired of having to replace your large dog's bed and spending a lot of money, I suggest you buy a baby crib mattress and a plastic zippered mattress cover. Put a crib sheet over it and you're set, clean up is a breeze and you'll never need another dog bed.
By Gloria Z from Hoffman Estates, IL
Doggie beds can be made out of used fleece robes found at thrift stores. You can usually pick them up for very little and cut them apart to make a nice bed for your little pet.
My dogs are very destructive and manage to tear blanket, cushions, and conventional dog beds by 'digging' to make themselves more comfortable. They have also destroyed 2 lounges, (sofas/settees), and 3 single mattresses I gave them as beds.
Turn a cardboard box (the kind that reams of copy paper come in) into a bed for a small pet by cutting an entrance and lining it with a blanket.
Does anyone have a pattern for a simple and fast doggie bed?
Thanks,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA
I make dog beds out of comforters that I buy and then cut in to 4 pieces. I can buy a queen size comforter at a thrift or discount store for $15.
I took two old pillows, loosely stitched them together, and as above an old comforter folded over the pillows, I used velco on the bottom to keep the comforter on as our little lady likes to find "just the right spot". Easy to come apart to wash the comforter & air dry in the dryer/hang on the line pillows.
I found that the one of our dogs who chooses not to sleep on the bed likes an old towel on the floor next to the bed. I alternate two, one in the wash and the other for Buttons to sleep on.
Not a bed, but she really likes it.
Laine
We use baby blankets for our 5 chi's. They're easy to keep washed up. It would be really easy to take 2 quilted baby blankets (baby comforters), sew them together, and stuff, like a big pillow. Depending on the size of your dog. We like finding baby blankets at yardsales. Cheap, cute, comfortable bed.
I also use the comforters cut into pieces, folded and stitched. Very easy to maintain. But the fastest and easiest dog bed is an old pillow case that you stuff with a blanket or an old pillow. Sew in the stuffing, or put velcro on the ends to remove the pillow when needed. Just stuff and stitch.
Our cat loves to sleep on something that we use or have used. We had a bunch of odd socks and holey socks from years gone by. Originally I was going to make sock puppets but had a better idea.
How do you make a dog bed?
Julie from Indianapolis, IN
I would add some cedar chips to the stuffing. It is a natural way to repel fleas, and it smells good.
My mom uses a pillow with a blanket on top for her dogs to snuggle in. I don't think dogs want anything fancy, only comfy!
Go to thrift store buy child's sleeping bag sew up end that you would slip into . stuff with old pillows also from thrift store and zip up . When it's time to wash it just zip it off hang to dry out side on line.
Go to a thrift store and buy a fom rubber mattress pad. Cut out a size a little larger than your dog when he is reclined. If he is the right size, a good pillow cover or sham will do for a cover. Velcro the end closed. You can wash the cover, and the foam rubber won't flatten out. This is what I use for my dogs, and it makes a good orthopaedic bed for them.
I had to throw out the mattress to our dog's bed. So I used packing peanuts with a freshly laundered cover to replace it with. Works fine!
We have two large dogs - 90 and 120 lbs. that sleep in our bedroom. After going though several dog beds (starting at $40 each times two), because of their size (they literally flattened the beds), I finally convinced my husband to buy a twin mattress.
Recycle your old bed pillows to make your pet a bed. Put the old bed pillows through the washer and dryer to clean and fluff them up.
I make pet beds for rescues and an easy way to make some is to collect 'shaggy' rugs like bathroom rugs, cut a piece of sturdy fabric the same size and zig-zag stitch it to the back of the rug.
If you have ever purchased a pet bed, you will know from experience that the bedding often becomes stinky and needs cleaning. I always look for beds with zippers so that you can wash the cover.
Could I have a few suggestions on how to make homemade dog beds that are durable for a large breed of dog?
By Homeysue
