How to Sew a Heated Dog Bed

Old and sick dogs often have joint and muscle pain and some dogs just get cold sometimes. To alleviate some of their discomfort you can create a dog bed which radiates heat. The heat is therapeutic, soothing arthritic joints and bringing comfort to dogs who are sick or chilled. With a basic knowledge of sewing and a few simple materials, creating your dog a bed will help him feel like the best friend he is.

Things You'll Need

  • Small, medium or large pillow, appropriate for the dog's size
  • Fabric
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Pins
  • Adjustable baby-safe heat pad, fit to the pillow size
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a pillow that is a little larger than your dog and fabric that matches the decor of the room the dog bed will be in.

    • 2

      Measure the width and length of the pillow and add two inches to each measurement. Use the new dimensions to measure and cut out two matching pieces of fabric.

    • 3

      Place one piece of fabric, pattern side up, on a flat surface. Line up the other piece of fabric so the shapes match and place it pattern side down on top of the first piece.

    • 4

      Sew the two pieces of fabric together on three sides with a 1/2 inch seam, leaving one side open to place the pillow inside.

    • 5

      Fold back the fabric on the open side by 1/2 inch so you have 1/2 inch of patterned fabric showing on each unpatterned side. Pin each fold so it stays. Sew a 1/4 inch seam around the open side to keep the folded fabric in place. Remove the pins.

    • 6

      Turn the fabric inside out -- it should resemble a pillow case. Insert the pillow then insert the heating pad on top of the pillow, so it lies flat between the pillow and fabric.

    • 7

      Place the bed near an electrical outlet and plug it in. Place your palm on the bed, with the heat turned to high on the blanket's heat knob, to see how hot it is. Adjust the heat to an acceptable temperature for your animal -- hotter if it has thick fur and cooler if the fur is thinner.