I want my beloved pet to have all the best: its own place, its own bowls and, of course, its own cozy bed. You can go shopping for a long time and choose houses and bedding - and still not decide. How not to miscalculate what your dog will really like? In fact, nothing is simpler! Dogs feel great love and care, and the best bed for them would be a homemade bed!
Round bed
Small decorative dog breeds are very fond of round beds: they are warm, safe and you can hide from the outside world. You can make it yourself in literally a few hours using the simplest basic pattern. The diameter of the bottom depends on the size of your pet, which can be measured when the pet lies down comfortably - on average, it is 25-65 cm.
Criteria for choosing an ideal model
Veterinarians cite 3 key factors that determine the appropriateness and convenience of products in each specific case.
Size
You should not take a model “for growth”, believing that beds for large dogs should simply be as large as possible. In fact, it is enough to add 15 cm to the pet’s size - these are the optimal parameters for improved bedding. Beds for dogs of small breeds should be very compact; a “platform” that is too spacious will simply frighten the animal and the pet will not sleep on it.
Form
When determining the priority shape, you should be guided by the dog’s habits: if he likes to sleep for a long time, curled up in a ball, a small round mattress will come in handy. If a dog likes to stretch out on its back, a rectangular product with low sides will suit it. Many pets prefer the owner's forbidden beds and sofas, not because of their harmful nature, but because it is cold for them to sleep on the floor - it is worth choosing personal improvised furniture for them on a raised platform.
Material
The upholstery material should be reliable and pleasant for the dog; it is advisable to opt for natural fabrics. Beds for large dogs should be especially strong if they like to chew on everything they come across. A significant advantage will be the presence of removable covers.
Dog sofa bed
This type of bed will require a little more time and skill. Separately cut out parts for the bottom and a long side from thick fabric and fill them with holofiber or any other filler. The bottom can first be strengthened with thick cardboard, and then a pillow can be placed inside.
Lounger with sides: step-by-step sewing instructions
This type of lounger is difficult to make. You will need any waterproof fabric or jeans, holofiber or foam rubber to fill the pillow, and a zipper. Then follow the instructions:
- A large piece of fabric is laid out on the floor and a basin is placed on it, tracing its contours with chalk to form a circle (two more circles are cut out of waterproof fabric, they are necessary for the pillow).
- Cut out the bottom of the lounger from the fabric.
- The jeans are cut at the seams, each leg has 2 halves (long rectangles of equal width are cut out, they will be used to sew the sides).
- Sew the two halves of jeans together from the wrong side and turn them over onto the face.
- Lay out the finished sides and mark with chalk on them the location of the vertical seams necessary to give the product rigidity and maintain its shape (every 20 cm, not forgetting to fill the space with foam rubber before sewing).
- The bottom is attached to the sides, with the seams inward.
- Circles of waterproof fabric are sewn together, leaving room for filling with foam rubber, and turned “on the face.”
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The pillow is placed on the bottom of the lounger and the pet is invited to try it out. You can leave a hole in the side of the pillow by inserting a zipper there. As soon as the fabric becomes dirty, remove the foam rubber and wash the pillowcase.
From a sweatshirt
Bed from a sweatshirt
If you have an old warm sweatshirt left over, you can use scissors and thread to turn it into the perfect dog bed. Turn the jacket inside out and sew the collar, leaving a small hole. Then sew a line from armpit to armpit, sew the sleeves to the side and form the sides. All that remains is to fill the bed, put a pillow inside and sew all the edges.
Benefits of a DIY bed
This is important for proper socialization, prevention of inflammatory joint diseases and simply for the pet’s comfort.
The lounger can be purchased at the store. But if you have sewing skills, you can sew it yourself.
Homemade beds have a number of advantages:
- ideal sizes for the size of the dog;
- significant savings;
- the ability to choose a material whose color matches the interior of the house;
- choosing the shape of a bed for the room;
- the ability to choose the texture of the material based on the pet’s characteristics: coat length, tendency to allergies, heat-loving nature.
When choosing a sleeping place, you are not limited only by the size of the dog; it is important to consider the posture during sleep or rest. Regardless of the breed, your pet (Labrador, Husky, Boxer, etc.) may prefer a soft or hard base. All this can be taken into account when making a homemade bed.
Review of original dog beds
It is ideal if the sleeping bed harmonizes well with the style of the interior - it does not feel like a random thing. You can get creative and create a place for your dog using completely unexpected items.
Plywood bed with legs
To make your pet a real royal bed, you will need a sheet of plywood, several boards, stable metal legs and fasteners. Assemble a box from plywood with boards using self-tapping screws, or immediately take a ready-made pallet. Screw the legs, carefully sand the entire structure, prime and paint on top.
All you have to do is put a suitable size pillow inside - and your dog’s bed is ready! You can complement it with a toy box or decorate it with letters, laying out the name of your pet. To make your pet's sleeping place mobile, use wheels instead of legs.
Widespread model range
In most pet stores you can find the following names:
- sun loungers framed by sides - they are often purchased if offspring are expected, or when elderly pets live in the house;
- rounded wicker baskets with a soft cushion inside are a comfortable sleeping place and protected area for miniature breeds;
- mattresses are the most common beds for large dogs that need open space and prefer to rest with their paws outstretched;
- folding models look like master beds; they will appeal to wayward pets.
Practical plastic variations occupy a special place - they are wear-resistant, will withstand any pet manipulation, they are easy to wash, but it is difficult to call them comfortable; here, in any case, you will need a soft bedding.
Bed from a suitcase
For small dogs, a larger old hard suitcase will do, which will turn into an excellent bed in just 20 minutes. You just need to cut or remove the top and put inside a mattress made from a piece of foam rubber covered with fabric. And further decoration, painting, legs and other little things are at your discretion.
Bed with fringe
An unwanted fleece blanket can be turned into a warm and cozy bed with fringes. This fabric is convenient because you don’t necessarily need to process the edges, so just leave 4-5 cm for the fringe and cut it. Place a pillow or filling inside and tie the fringe ribbons together. You don't even need a needle and thread for this bed!
Bed in a case
If your dog already has a bed, but it is worn out and looks unpresentable, the easiest way is to cover it with a cover. Carpet fabric or other dense and wear-resistant material works well. If you make the cover with a clasp or ties, it can be easily removed for washing.
Dimensions, shapes, material for the product: subtleties of choice
Many people have a question about what size it is worth sewing a dog bed. If you bought your pet as a puppy and don’t know how it will grow up, you should focus on the characteristics of the dog’s breed. In such cases, the rule applies: the dog must be able to turn around and lie down with its paws extended.
Round devices are suitable for miniature breed dogs PHOTO: vipmarkets.ru
As for the shape, square, oval and rectangular models predominate here. For example, for a large adult animal (bulldog, Rottweiler, shepherd), extended beds are suitable. For miniature pets (spaniel, royal Pekingese, pinscher), cozy square houses are ideal.
The fabric with which the bed will be covered must have a durable texture. Any animal can damage the product with its claws. Therefore, the best option is thick fabric (jeans, satin, linen, cotton). It is worth remembering that smooth-haired dogs prefer fleecy beds, for example, made of velor. For fluffy dogs, it is acceptable to use smooth fabrics that are not capable of accumulating static electricity. If a cover is purchased for a sleeping place, it should be made of practical material.
You can sew a sun lounger, which can later be increased in size PHOTO: zoomix36.ru
It is advisable to use artificial filler (sintepon, foam rubber). Feathers and down are unacceptable, as over time they will begin to develop pathogenic bacteria and feather mites.
Bed in the chest of drawers
An old dresser can be transformed into a cozy dog nest with minimal effort. It is enough to remove the bottom drawers, guides, fasteners and other potentially dangerous parts. The bottom and walls can be reinforced with thin sheets of plywood, and then the chest can be sanded, sanded and painted from the inside. All that's left to do is put the right size pillow inside!
Bed from a stool or table
Using the same principle, an upside down stool or bedside table can also be used to make an excellent dog bed. Primer, paint, decoration, pad - all remain unchanged. The peculiarity of such a house is in the long legs that rise up. Complete the design with a light, airy canopy - and you will get a real royal bed!
Dog beds – photos and ideas
There are many more ways to make a dog bed with your own hands, and it is impossible to go through them all at once. So don't limit your imagination! And we offer you some more interesting photo ideas!
Required materials and tools
To pattern the bed and sew it you need:
- any suitable class (type) fabric for the base;
- fabric for the cover (it is wise to sew the cover in advance, it can be removed and washed, the life of the lounger will increase);
- filler (foam rubber or silicone);
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Important! It is advisable to choose natural fabrics for the cover.
For sewing, you also need scissors, thread, an awl, needles and paper to make a pattern for the lounger (optional). Not everyone knows how to sew a dog bed, but you can always learn quickly and easily with the right materials.
Different types of sleeping bags
