How to Make a Supportive Dog Bed

Supportive and orthopedic dog beds can be purchased from many retailers, but your dog will especially enjoy one made at home from familiar and favorite fabrics. It's easy to find the material you need to make your dog a bed that will provide support and comfort. Materials can be purchased inexpensively, and you can decide the bed's shape and type of support to best suit your dog's needs. With a bit of sewing, your dog can have a new bed in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

  • Material
  • High-density foam filling
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog's measurements. Measure from head to base of tail while the dog is lying down. Then measure the dog's width. Allow 3 inches more for both length and width of the bed. For a round bed, use the dog's length measurement for the width as well.

    • 2

      Purchase a piece of high-density foam 5 to 7 inches thick at a fabric supply store or online. Buy the best quality possible; the foam provides the support for your dog. Cut the foam slightly smaller than the dimensions of your dog. Leave extra room; you can trim if necessary when the cover is made.

    • 3

      Choose a fabric. Purchase fleece, sherpa or canvas, or use an old quilt or sleeping bag. Use a sheet or old pillowcase for a cooler fabric. Select a different fabric for the top and bottom for a reversible bed. Measure two pieces of fabric using the measurements you took of your dog. Add the width of the foam filling plus 1 inch.

    • 4
      Dogs love a supportive fleece bed.

      Pin three sides of the fabric together with the right sides facing, leaving one end open for an oval or oblong bed. Leave about one-third open for a round bed. Allow for a 1/2 to 1-inch seam. Sew the three sides.

    • 5

      Insert the foam into the fabric. The foam should fit the casing fairly snugly but not strain the seams. Trim a bit off the ends of the foam if necessary. Smooth it inside the fabric until it is evenly fitted.

    • 6

      Match the remaining side and stitch it together, keeping the same seam width as the first three sides.