Is the dog bed in the corner looking a little chewed and lumpy lately? While you could buy a new dog bed, why not make your own? A homemade dog bed is a great way to show your favorite dog just how much you love him — and save some money too! Plus, you can get creative by upcycling everything from old furniture to T-shirts to make the perfect bed for the perfect pooch.

Chihuahua overseeing carpenter drafting plans

Some Assembly Required

Dogs come in many sizes, so start by measuring your pup's old bed to see how much space he needs to be comfortable. You can also observe his favorite ways and spaces to relax. Do you have a giant husky who sleeps curled up in a tiny ball? He may like a cozier den. Does your beagle spread-eagle? He may need a bigger cushion than you thought.

The simplest DIY dog bed is a huge pillow, which you can make by cutting two large rectangles of fabric and sewing them together on three sides. One or two old fleece blankets make a great recycled cushion. Before stitching up the fourth side, choose a stuffing that will be safe and comfortable for your dog.

Stuffing Options for a Homemade Dog Bed

While you want your homemade dog bed to look great, you also want it to be the ultimate in comfort for your canine pal, so the filling you choose is very important. You have a lot of choices, but you'll want to consider things like joint and mobility issues, ease of cleaning, and chewing or digging tendencies before making a decision.

Here are five great filling choices:

  • Fiberfill is an inexpensive and soft choice — but keep in mind that it compacts over time and doesn't wash well.
  • Memory foam can be an excellent choice for a dog who suffers from arthritis or who appreciates a firmer surface. Thin, bony dogs, such as greyhounds, may also need a thicker bed to keep their joints comfortable.
  • Aromatic wood chips can absorb some stinky dog odor but may create a big mess if your pet decides to chew up his new bed. You will also need a fabric strong enough to encase the chips, so that none of them poke through and make it uncomfortable for your dog to use the bed.
  • Old towels, T-shirts, sheets, and blankets all make great filler when torn into strips. You'll save money and keep the items out of the landfill. Win-win!
  • A bed pillow can be the simplest filling, with the added benefit that it's easy to clean. Like people, dogs might prefer a certain type of pillow, so keep experimenting until you find the one your dog seems to like the most.

White Havanese buries head into red dog bed.

Small Dogs: No-Sew Options

Here's how to take an old sweatshirt and easily turn it into a doughnut bed for a small pooch: First, separate the sleeves from the body with a line of hot glue on the inside. Then, stuff a pillow inside the main chest portion. Next, create a simple drawstring in the neck and waist to tie it shut and stuff fiberfill into the long rectangle of the arms. Last, wrap the arms around the main pillow, and use glue or an iron-on adhesive to seal them together into a doughnut shape.

A simple wooden crate, recycled or available at any craft store, also makes a perfect pint-sized nest. Carefully pry the boards from one of the long sides off of the crate and sand the rough edges. Paint the crate and personalize it with your dog's name or a fun design, and line it with a soft folded blanket or pillow. HGTV Handmade also recommends screwing furniture gliders onto the bottom corners to protect your floors. Just like anything you give to your dog, make sure the paint, decorations, and lining are non-toxic to pets and not easily chewed or ingested.

Large dog cuddles green pillow while laying on couch

Big Dogs: Refurbishing Old Furniture

Do you have an old dresser that's taking up space in an attic or basement? Project DIY suggests giving it new life as a retreat for your dog! Start by removing the drawers and cutting out the front frame of the dresser. You should also remove any sharp nails, hardware, or bits of plastic or wood from the inside.

Sand and paint the dresser frame in the color of your choice. Mount brackets for a small curtain rod to the front and hang curtains to the floor. Finish with a soft cushion on the inside, and you have the perfect "cave" for your dog when he needs some quiet time. Plus, the top can double as a table.

Still feeling crafty? Think about making your own dog toys or whipping up a similar DIY pet bed for your cat. With a little creativity, your pets will be happily snoring in no time on a one-of-a-kind bed handmade with your love.

Kara Murphy Kara Murphy

Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.

Related articles

Stress in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Finding Relief

Learn how to recognize symptoms of stress in your dog, what common situations can cause high anxiety and tips for helping your pup relax.

How to Choose the Right Leash, Collar or Harness for Your Dog

Learn important considerations for choosing the right leash, collar or harness for your dog, including factors like their breed, size, age & energy level.

Treating a Torn ACL/CCL in Dogs: TPLO Surgery & More

Learn about torn CCL injuries in dogs (equivalent to a torn ACL in humans), including risk factors, how they are diagnosed and how TPLO surgery can help.

Change a Bored Dog into a Playful Dog with These 6 Games

Are you worried you may have a bored dog? Learn about five common signs of boredom in dogs and games you can play to help beat the bored blues.

Can Dogs Have Cinnamon?

Learn whether cinnamon is safe for your dog, what to do if they got into cinnamon bark, oil, sticks or spice, and what quantity of it is a health concern.

4 Puppy Training Hacks

When you first thought of adopting a dog, you expected puppy training to be a ton of fun. Here are some training tips to make sure it stays that way.

Dog Scratch Reflex: Why Dogs Kick Their Legs During Belly Rubs

Wondering why your dog's leg kicks when you scratch his belly? Learn about dog scratch reflexes, why they love belly rubs and how it's useful for your vet.

Helping a Dog Hit By a Car

If your dog was hit by a car, learn immediate steps you need to take, how to get him to safety, and signs to watch for even if he has no visible injuries.

How to Spot & Treat Dog Bug Bites

Dog bitten by pesky insect? Learn how to identify common bug bites on your dog, including ticks, mites, fleas & mosquitoes, and how they can be treated.

The Facts Behind Breed-Specific Dog Food

Choosing the right food for your puppy is a challenging task, and a very important one. Learn ,more about breed specific dog foods.

Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?

Learn the most common reasons your dog might be losing hair, including how to spot differences between ordinary shedding and a parasitic problem.

Dealing with Dog Digestive Problems

Digestive issues are something that every dog owner will face, but learning how to identify how serious his problem is and what to do about it is key.

Dogs & Holiday Sweets: Which Are Bad & What To Do if a Dog Eats Them

If you suspect that your dog has eaten holiday sweets or candy, find out which common treats might be dangerous for him and what you should do next.

What to Expect at Your Puppy's 6-Month Health Check

Every puppy should get a health check-up at six months by a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. Learn what to expect at your puppy's health check.

Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs? (And What If My Dog Doesn't?)

Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).

5 Signs You Have a Spoiled Dog

Discover whether you might have a spoiled dog on your hands and learn alternative ways to show your pup that you love them.

Helping Your Dog Cope With Thunder & Anxiety

Find out how to help your dog get over his fear of thunder by learning what to do and not do during thunderstorms.

Adopting Dogs for Seniors: Tips for Finding the Perfect Companion

Learn more about how dogs for seniors are loyal companions. They are pack animals who want nothing more than some attention, activity, and love.

Rehoming a Dog After the Loss of a Loved One

Rehoming a dog may seem overwhelming after the death of a loved one, but there are a few simple tips you can take to help make the adjustment.

Why Fiber is Important for Your Dog's Health

Learn why fiber is an important part of a dog's diet, including the best sources of fiber, why solubility is key, how fiber can help manage disease & more.