How to Make Your Own Outdoor Dog Bed

Your dog becomes a family member from the very first day it arrives. If it is a large breed, you might decide to keep it outside at times. To make its outside space comfortable and warm, a dog bed is the simple solution. With just a little money and a small bit of work, it is possible to make your own outdoor dog bed. Give your dog the gift of comfort, and watch it enjoy its soft new bed.

Things You'll Need

  • Canvas
  • Sewing machine
  • Zipper
  • Foam
  • Cedar chips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog to ensure you make the bed large enough. Measure the length of your dog when it is stretched out. Then measure the width of your dog when it curls up. Add 4 to 6 inches to each measurement so that it can have plenty of room to fit on the bed.

    • 2

      Cut out pieces of canvas to make the bed based on your dimensions. Canvas is a water-resistant and durable material for outdoor use. Additionally, canvas "breathes," and is washable.

    • 3

      Sew the pieces of canvas together with the facing of the fabric inside to form a bag, but do not sew one edge of the bag together. By sewing the bag inside out the seams are not available for the dog to chew. Install a zipper along the open edge of the bag to allow the removal of the padding. You can then remove the cover from the padding and wash it as often as needed.

    • 4

      Unzip the bag and insert a thick piece of foam, at least 6 inches thick, into the bag. To control odor and keep insects and vermin from chewing on the bag, fill the inside with four handfuls of cedar chips. Place two handfuls on each side of the bed. The cedar also cuts down the chance of flea infestation.

    • 5

      Zip the bed up and place in a dry location so that water will not soak through the canvas and water log the foam.

    • 6

      Replace the cedar chips periodically, and give the bag a quick wash. Proper maintenance of the bed will keep it useful for a long time.