Every dog needs a place of its own to rest, get away from the bustle and feel safe. There are plenty of ready-made beds, but you can also make a simple one yourself from an old sweater, a piece of foam or a wooden crate. Below are three methods from easiest to more involved, plus rules that make the bed comfortable and safe.
Size and shape first
Measure your dog from nose tip to the base of the tail while it's lying down and add 15–20 cm. That's the length of the bed. Watch how your dog sleeps: if it curls up, a round or oval bed with bolsters suits it; if it stretches out on its side, go for a rectangular mattress. For small dogs a height of 5–8 cm is enough, for large dogs 10–15 cm, since a thin mattress quickly flattens to the floor under a heavy dog.
Method 1: a bed from an old sweater
Suitable for small dogs and puppies.
- Take a sweater or sweatshirt and sew the neck closed.
- Sew a seam across the chest from armpit to armpit to form a square base.
- Stuff the sleeves and upper part with hollow fibre or an old pillow.
- Curve the sleeves around the base and sew them to each other and to the edges to form a bolster.
- Put a firm cushion or folded blanket in the base.
This bed is ready in an hour and can be washed whole on a delicate cycle.
Method 2: a foam mattress in a removable cover
The most practical option for dogs of any size. Buy upholstery foam of the right size, 5–10 cm thick, and sew a cover from sturdy fabric with a zip on one side. Upholstery fabric, Oxford cloth, heavy cotton or fleece for the cold season all work well. Make two covers so one can be washed while the other is in use. If your dog is older or has joint problems, use firm orthopaedic memory foam instead of regular foam, as it spreads the weight and doesn't flatten.
Method 3: a crate bed
Sand a wooden crate or fruit box of a suitable size thoroughly so there are no splinters or protruding staples. It's best not to paint it; if you want to, use only child-safe water-based paint and let it air out completely. Put the mattress from method 2 inside. The frame lifts the bed off the cold floor and protects from draughts. Keep any legs short so your dog can easily hop in.
Which materials to choose
- Fabric: sturdy, without long pile that collects hair, and washable at 40–60 °C.
- Filling: foam, hollow fibre or old pillows. Not down or feathers — they absorb odours and dry poorly.
- Base: non-slip fabric or a rubber mat so the bed doesn't slide.
- No small parts: no buttons, beads, pompoms or ribbons your dog could tear off and swallow.
When it's better to buy one
A homemade bed isn't suitable for a dog that chews everything: it will quickly rip the fabric and may swallow foam or fibre, which is dangerous for the gut. Such dogs need a bed made of tough fabric with no access to the filling, along with work on the chewing habit — see puppy chews everything: how to stop it. A ready-made bed is also better for large and senior dogs, as an orthopaedic mattress of the right firmness is hard to replicate at home. How to choose one is covered in how to choose a dog bed, and all options are in dog beds.
Where to put the bed
Choose a quiet corner where your dog can see you, but not by the front door or in a walkway. Don't place the bed next to a radiator, under an air conditioner or in a draught. To help your dog get used to the new spot, put its favourite toy or something with your scent there and praise it when it lies down on its own. The rules are similar for cats — see cat beds and houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make a DIY dog bed from?
The easiest is an old sweater (for small dogs) or 5–10 cm foam in a removable cover made of sturdy fabric.
What size bed does my dog need?
The dog's length from nose to base of the tail plus 15–20 cm.
What should I stuff a dog bed with?
Foam, hollow fibre or old pillows. Down and feathers aren't suitable.
How often should I wash the bed?
Wash the cover every 1–2 weeks and whenever it gets dirty, so two covers are handy.
Is a homemade bed OK for a dog that chews?
Better not: the dog may swallow the filling. It needs a tough bed with no access to the filling.
