It might seem like you can buy a pet bed at any pet store, making choosing one a breeze. However, they don't always have the right size, quality, and comfort for your dog, and the options that do are priced beyond your budget.
At such moments, unnecessary household items come to the rescue, from which you can craft the perfect lounger.
From an old sweater and a pillow
Required items:
- sweater (wide, thick, without a collar);
- a suitable pillow;
- synthetic padding;
- threads that match the color of the sweater;
- needles;
- scissors.
First, carefully sew the collar opening closed. Moving down a quarter of the way from the shoulders, sew the sweater across. Then, tightly stuff the sleeves and the loose top with padding. The filled area should resemble the letter "U."
The sleeves are sewn on the outside to the side seams of the sweater and a pillow is placed in the unfilled part, after which the main opening is sewn up and the sleeve cuffs are joined in a circle.
From a painted tire
To bring this original idea to life, you will need the following components:
- old car tire;
- paint (choose one that is safe for pets) and a brush;
- a pillow or a comfortable soft pad;
- electric saw (optional).
The tire is thoroughly washed and wiped with alcohol. If the opening isn't wide enough for the pet, a power saw can be used. Coat the tire with a thick layer of paint and leave it to dry. The bed is almost ready; all that's left is to place it in your dog's favorite spot and stuff it with a pillow or other soft material.
From an unnecessary suitcase
One of the most interesting and creative methods requires the following items:
- old suitcase;
- 4 low furniture legs;
- fabric for interior upholstery;
- hot glue gun;
- screws and screwdriver;
- bolts and nuts;
- drill;
- 2 corners;
- pillow or homemade mattress;
- scissors;
- marker.
First, the base needs to be attached to the legs. To do this, drill four holes on the underside of the base. Insert the legs and secure them in place. Next, cut fabric samples the same size as the sides of the suitcase. Using a hot glue gun, cover the suitcase and lid.
Now the future bed looks quite presentable. To prevent it from closing when your pet jumps into it, you need to install stabilizer corners near the hinges on the outside. All that's left is to place a suitable-sized pillow (or make one from stuffing and fabric) inside the finished bed and decorate the suitcase lid with photos of your pet.
From a TV or computer monitor case
For yet another original transformation of an old item, only two components are required:
- an old TV or monitor from a non-working computer;
- soft and comfortable bedding.
Remove all wires from the inside of the enclosure and thoroughly wipe both inside and out. Place bedding inside to ensure comfortable lying for your pet.
From a nightstand and an old sofa cushion
If you don't have any of the old items listed above, but you do have a doorless cabinet with some space underneath, you can create a space for a small dog there. By placing an old sofa cushion there, you'll give your pet a cozy spot to rest.
There are plenty of creative and easy-to-make options for homemade dog beds to make a choice in their favor.
Some of them, such as those made from a sweater or suitcase, are suitable even for large breeds. This approach will not only create all the necessary conditions for your pet but also save money.
