How to Measure a Dog for a Dog Bed

Whether you are buying a bed for your dog, or making a homemade one from scratch, it is important that the bed is big enough. Before heading off to the store or making the bed, follow these steps to measure your dog for a dog bed.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your dog lie down so that you can measure the distance your dog uses lengthwise while sleeping. If she doesn't want to lie still, wait until she has laid down somewhere to sleep. Measure your dog between the ends of your dog that are farthest from each other. For some dogs, this might be from the nose to the rump, while for others it may be the front feet to the rump.

    • 2

      Observe the position your dog likes to lie in while sleeping. Some dogs usually curl up in a ball, while other like to lie out on their side with all four legs sticking out. Measure the distance your dog uses widthwise when she is sleeping.

    • 3

      Remember that your dog's bed can be any shape you want it to be. Oval, circle, square or rectangle shapes can all work fine. However, you may want to choose the shape based on the way your dog sleeps and how much room he uses.

    • 4

      Know that measurements need to be more exact when purchasing or making a dog bed that has a slight wall around the edges. You will usually see this type of dog bed in pet stores. This type of bed needs to be big enough for your dog so that he fits in it.