Sewing Patterns & Supplies

sewing dog bed

Vinyl dog bed..........?

I bought some vinyl material from the craft store to make a dog bed but, before I do all the sewing, I wanted to find out if anyone else has used this as dog bed material. How did it work out for you? I have 2 dogs and have gone through my fair share of dog beds and just can't find one that is "clean" (i.e. repels smell & doesn't hold hair). I figured with vinyl, I could just wipe it down every few days to keep it fresh and also save myself from having to do an extra load just for "dog laundry". If you've used vinyl, or similar, did it reduce your dogs' stinkiness? I would think it would since the dog won't be laying in fabric that is trapping all kinds of odors. And, yes, we bathe our dogs every week but they stink again after about 2-3 days. I've tried NOT bathing them but maybe once a month but after a month, even THEY can't stand their own funk! :) Anyway, if you've used vinyl for a dog bed, how did it work for you? Thanks! :)

Some dogs are sensitive to plastics and vinyl. I would make sure your dog is not allergic before making the bed out of vinyl. Also make sure your dogs nails are kept trimmed. Many dogs *nest* with there bedding which can shorten the lifespan of any bedding.

Simplicity 2297-Pattern for 2 Styles of Cozy Dog Beds $5.00

OOP! DOG CAT PET BEDS PILLOWS COLLARS STOCKINGS TOYS SEWING PATTERN McCalls 3472 $18.99

Dog Bed Basics

Domesticated dogs, much like humans, like to be pampered and comfortable. A dog bed is just a dog bed before you get one. Your dog will likely take to it like a fish to water. A 'cuddly' cushion makes a good dog bed. It extends the sides to form a protective ring and simulates the feeling of sleeping in a pack. This gives your dog the added psychological comfort for a good sleep.

It is a great idea to buy a dog bed. There are certain benefits that a dog bed provides. It gives your dog a comfortable sleep zone, in the same way a mattress does for a human. The ideal dog bed raises the dog above the ground, provides warmth and supports the joints of the dog. A whole range of dog beds is available. From expensive sofas that heat and cool as required to simple foam filled cushions, there is a dog bed for every dog and every level of spending. Some dog beds are filled with chips of cedar. These discourage the growth of fleas. Fabric that is machine washable makes washing easier.

Plastic, rattan and wicker are used in the making of dog beds. Rattan and wicker dog beds are constructed as low profile round or oval baskets fitted with a custom-made cushion. Plastic is often used in the same manner to make beds. Care should be taken however to see that it is chew resistant and without sharp edges. Stainless steel is used in beds that are more expensive. This is easy to clean.

Beds should use fabric that is resistant to chewing and easily washable. Some beds use foam or polyester fiber as filling. Though these are comfortable, they do not stop the laying of flea eggs. Dog beds that act against egg laying fleas have an outer zippered covering of cedar chips. These are less comfortable than other types of beds, but more functional.

Some dog beds offer the option of heating and cooling. They do this through a heated or frozen gel pad fitted within the cushion. This is not a good idea for canines that have the habit of chewing furniture. Some dog beds heat in the manner of an electric blanket that is placed on top of the bed and under the dog. These warmers are necessary for some dogs, particularly ones with joint issues.

A dogs sleeping environment should duplicate its natural sleeping habitat. The bed's size should be proportionate to the dog. It should be large enough but not overly large. It should make the dog feel natural and unthreatened. For those who want the perfect custom-made bed for their dog or want one cheaper than would otherwise be available, the option of making a custom dog bed is always available. Here is one way to make such a bed.

You will need a string, pillow cover or tee shirt and plastic grocery bags. Choose designs that look best to your eye. Fill up the pillow cover with the grocery bags and sew it up. You can do this with the t-shirt as well. Optionally sew a zipper onto the pillow cover or t-shirt and periodically fill it with plastic bags, as you like.

A good dog bed can provide all the rest your dog needs to remain healthy and happy. A healthy and happy dog means more fun-filled hours for you with your dog. In short, a good dog bed is a small price to pay for what you get in return.

About the Author

By Renske Buursma, pet store owner with lots of helpful articles about pet care at
http://yourhealthypetsonline.com

Simplicity 2297-Pattern for 2 Styles of Cozy Dog Beds $5.00

OOP! DOG CAT PET BEDS PILLOWS COLLARS STOCKINGS TOYS SEWING PATTERN McCalls 3472 $18.99

New Simplicity #5219 Dog Coat`s Bed`s & Blankets Sm Med Lg Printed in USA Uncut $16.99

SIMPLICITY 3906 ADORABLE PET BEDS FOR YOUR TEENSY DOG! $11.05

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McCALL'S CRAFTS DOG BED/COUCH & CRATE COVER,MATTRESS & BUMPER SEWING PATTERN NEW $6.00

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DOG BEDS SM/MED NEW SEWING PATTERN SIMPLICITY 2297 $4.35

CAT DOG PET BED COSTUME COAT TOY 2 Patterns S3667,M5552 $13.75

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SIMPLICITY#2297 DOG BEDS IN TWO STYLES 6 PIECES S-M $0.99

3 Patterns Pet Accessory Ladies Dog Bed Hat Coat Stocking Halloween Costumes $11.99

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