If you have old blankets you aren’t using, why not put them to good use by making a cozy bed for your dog?
It’s actually quite easy to do, and your pup will love snuggling up in their new bed. Here’s how to make a dog bed out of old blankets.
How to Make a Dog Bed out of Old Blankets
This is a great DIY for any dog owner who wants to make a special bed for their dog. Follow our step-by-step directions to make your own!
Choose the Right Size Blankets
You’ll need two blankets that are big enough to fit comfortably around your dog when they’re curled up.
If you’re not sure what size to get, take a tape measure and measure your dog from nose to tail. Add about 10 inches to that measurement, and that’s the size blanket you’ll need as a minimum size.
Cut the Blankets Into Strips
Using a pair of scissors, cut the blankets into long strips that are about 1.5 inches wide.
Sew the Strips Together
Take two strips of fabric and place them right sides together. Sew along the edge of the fabric, using a seam allowance of about ½ inch.
Do this with all the strips, until you have one big piece of fabric.
Sew the End Closed
Once you have a big piece of fabric, fold it in half so that the two sewn seams are touching each other. Sew along the edge, using a seam allowance of about ½ inch.
This will create a finished edge and will help keep the stuffing inside the bed.
Stuff the Bed with Stuffing
Now it’s time to stuff the bed with stuffing. You can use old pillows, blankets, or even towels. Just make sure that you stuff it firmly so that your dog will be comfortable.
Sew the Opening Closed
Once the bed is stuffed, sew the opening shut using a seam allowance of about ½ inch.
Add a Pillowcase
If you want, you can add a pillowcase to the bed for extra comfort. Just sew it onto the bed after you’ve stuffed it and sewn the opening shut.
Another way to make a dog bed out of an old blanket is to roll it up like a tube. Sew or staple the edges together to keep them in place. This will create a firm bed for your pet.
You can leave a flap of fabric over the pillow part of the bed to make a cozy cave dog bed which is especially loved by small dogs.
No matter which method you choose, your dog is sure to love its new bed.
Read More: Do Dog Shelters Take Old Pillows? See what donations are accepted by shelters here!
Make a Dog Bed out of Old Clothes Without Sewing
Don’t have a sewing machine, or you don’t know how to sew? The great news is you don’t need to sew a thing to make a great dog bed!
Follow these simple steps to make a no-sew dog bed from old clothing.
- Gather your materials. You’ll need an old sweater or two, a pair of scissors, and some stuffing.
- Cut the sweater into strips, about 2 inches wide. If the sweater is knit, you can just cut it along the existing seams.
- Tie the strips together in a knot, making sure to leave about a foot of excess at the end.
- Stuff the bed with the stuffing of your choice (old clothes work great!). Once it’s full, tie off the end of the strip to close the opening.
- Your dog bed is now ready for use! Place it in a spot your dog likes to hang out and watch them curl up and take a nap.
If you’re not sure how to knit, or if you don’t want to use an old sweater, you can also buy a pre-made dog bed.
Just make sure it’s big enough for your furry friend to stretch out in. And there you have it! A homemade dog bed that’s both stylish and comfortable for your dog to enjoy!
Do Dogs Need Blankets at Night?
Many dog owners choose to cover their dogs with a blanket at night. This is mostly due to personal preference, as some people believe that it makes their dog more comfortable.
However, while many dogs do enjoy having a warm blanket to snuggle up with, it’s not actually necessary for them to have one. Most dogs stay warm enough while they sleep without a blanket.
That said, if you do select to cover your dog with a blanket at night, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that the blanket is big enough so that your dog can move around comfortably.
Additionally, check the blanket frequently for signs of chewing. Ingested material can be detrimental to a dog.
If you have a particularly active dog, you may also want to consider using a blanket that is easy to clean in case it becomes dirty.
Ultimately, whether you choose to cover your dog with a blanket at night is up to you. If your dog seems to enjoy having one, then go ahead and give it one.
Just make sure that you take the necessary precautions so that your dog stays safe and comfortable.
We recommend using a dog sweater or jacket to keep a chilly dog warm because it will keep him warm without the risk of entanglement.
How Do You Make a Dog Bed out of Old Pillows?
There are a few different ways that you can make a dog bed out of old pillows.
One way is to fold an old pillow in half, and then sew the edges shut. You can also use a hot glue gun to attach the edges together.
Another way to make a pet bed out of an old pillow is to cut it into a square or rectangle, and then sew or hot glue the edges together.
If you want, you can also add some more stuffing to your pet bed before you sew or glue the edges shut.
Dogs Need These Things to Sleep Well
- A dog needs a comfortable place to sleep, and old blankets can make him feel cozy and sleepy.
- A dog needs to feel safe and secure when sleeping. An old familiar blanket can help provide this feeling of security.
- A dog needs to be able to move around freely when sleeping. An old blanket may restrict the dog’s movements, so it is best made into a bed rather than wrapped around the dog.
- A dog needs to be able to breathe easily when sleeping.
- A dog needs to be able to stay warm when sleeping. A bed made from old blankets can help keep the dog warm and cozy.
The best way to help your dog sleep well at night is to ensure that they are receiving enough daytime exercise and feel secure at night.
Read our related article on How to Keep Dogs Off Beds. Keep your bed clean and encourage your dog to sleep in his own bed with these tried and true tips!
