How to Build a Dog Bed

Man's best friends rightfully take their place in our homes and lives as valued companions. Dogs are routinely considered "family" by their owners, who insist on their comfort and happiness. As individual members of our households, dogs need spaces to call their own. One item enjoyed by our pets is a cozy bed. Building the dog bed ourselves rather than purchasing one is a simple and rewarding project that illustrates our love for our animals.

Things You'll Need

• Foam
• Fabric
• Plastic tablecloth
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Zipper
• Heavy duty upholstery thread
• Upholstery needle
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure your animal from head to tail while he is stretched out and his width while he is in a curled position with his head and tail in close proximity. You will need these measurements to determine the size of bed you need to build. The dimensions of the bed should be a few inches greater than the length and width of the dog, to provide enough room for the dog to stretch but not too large to eliminate coziness.

2. Purchase a heavy duty piece of foam cut to the dimensions of your measurements. You can choose any shape you wish, such as square, rectangular or oval. Pick a pad with a thickness of at least 3 inches. Foam pads of 7 inches or more are good for creating orthopedic beds for older or disabled dogs.

3. Choose the fabric that will cover the foam pad. Pick a sturdy but comfortable feeling material that can be machine-washed and dried. While the color or pattern is a personal decision, you will probably want to choose a fabric that complements the room in which the bed will be stationed.

4. Cut a plastic tablecloth to twice the size of the foam pad you are working with. Cover the foam with the tablecloth, folding as needed. Use a hot glue gun to adhere the plastic cloth over the pad. Sew the seams made by the overlapping plastic. This layer of plastic will increase the sturdiness of the bed, especially in cases of overzealous pups.

5. Create the outside cover for your dog bed. Measure your fabric to the dimensions of the foam pad with the plastic cover. Sew three sides of the fabric cover using upholstery thread and a sturdy needle. Sew a zipper into the length of the remaining side of the cover. The presence of the zipper will allow for ease in removing the cover for washing.

6. Insert the plastic-covered foam pad into the newly created cover. You now have a simple and comfortable thick bedding for your pet that can be used immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Emboss your fabric with your animal's name or catchy pet saying to further personalize it. Involve your children in this simple and rewarding project.

• Always use clean and hypoallergic materials in the construction of the bed.