Interesting Bed Idea...

[mbc1963]

We all know how expensive dog beds are - and then they get smashed down to nothing, so we have to keep replacing them. I've been trying to think of a sturdy but not ugly option I could use for Buddy.

 

Someone somewhere online suggested what seems like a GREAT idea: a used crib mattress. You can get them at Salvation Army stores for $5 - $15, and a lot of them are high quality, with coils and everything. Best of all, they have vinyl exteriors, so they're waterproof and can be simply wiped clean. Toss in an old crib quilt or blankie and you've got a really durable, large, supportive dog bed.

 

I'm off to buy one now. If I get really decorative, I may try to find a used toddler bed, too, and paint it to match my decor. Then Buddy will have a REAL bed of his own.

[OffTopic]

That is a good idea! I've been trying to come up with something for my old dog, Max, without spending a fortune. He's not capable of jumping up on the sofa to sleep anymore and the floor is just so tough on those old bones.

I tried making him a bed out of an old eggcrate mattress pad, but it's not really thick enough to help him much and my sewing skills are marginal, at best.

[sandyleew]

I used one for the dogs for a while. We had an old one here and it was a while before my husband took it to the dump so I let them sleep on it. The only problem I would see with it is that they are a bit big. You might try your local freecycle, since they are often given away on ours.

[KrisK]

Tricia, I can't sew much either however, you might try this for Max. Get a used comforter/duvet from Salvation army or some place similar. Cut the comforter to the size you want and use the comforter as the exterior cover for the egg crate mattress cover. You can hand stitch very easily. It should provide a good soft spot for Max I've also used old sofa cushions, old pillows that I don't use on the beds anymore. All work really well.

[mbc1963]

You might try your local freecycle, since they are often given away on ours.

 

Oh! Good idea! I will try that before I spend money.

 

Mary

[silhouettestable]

Tricia, I can't sew much either however, you might try this for Max. Get a used comforter/duvet from Salvation army or some place similar. Cut the comforter to the size you want and use the comforter as the exterior cover for the egg crate mattress cover. You can hand stitch very easily. It should provide a good soft spot for Max I've also used old sofa cushions, old pillows that I don't use on the beds anymore. All work really well.

 

Or, instead of cutting the comforter, you could just fold it and stitch the edges. The last time I replaced my comforter (a queen size), I folded it into quarters and added blanket edging (that satiny stuff) around the edge. I'm no sewer either really, I just pinned it all around the edge and then stitched it by hand. It makes a nice soft pad, just about the right size for my 42" crate (perfect length though it's a few inches too wide, but it can fold up the side a bit, or it can be rolled under and give the edge a little extra padding) It's usually not in a crate though, just laying at the foot of my bed. To make it extra thick and soft, pieces of egg crate foam could be layered between the folded comforter as well. I was looking around and thinking of buying a new bed for the dogs but when I thought about it, my own bedding needed replacing anyways, so I got the new one and mine got recycled. I'm going to do the same again soon I think. The dogs are always sleeping on my bed so it gets snags from their toenails and even though I keep it washed often it still eventually gets dingy. Now I just buy the cheapy comforters with the thoughts in mind that they will last for a while but then go to the dogs.

[Rebecca, Irena Farm]

Our old comforter is sitting folded up on the floor here and it's big enough for two dogs. In another corner I've got an old queen sized foam mattress pad, also folded up, and covered with an old sofa slipcover.

 

These are temporary solutions since these aren't very washable, but the dogs love them now that the floors are so cold.

 

We've also got cushions from an old couch that we tossed a few years ago. The cushions are still in perfect shape (it was the frame of the couch that broke). It's been years and they haven't squished yet.

[OffTopic]

Wow, these are all really great ideas! I did borrow a friend's sewing machine and managed to make a removable fleece cover for the eggcrate pad, so maybe a crib mattress or folded comforter will fit inside it and I won't have to try and sew anything else.

[Dalesred]

Oh no MBC!

I wish I'd read your thread earlier ( go look at 'Collie Wobbles.')

[sheepandakom]

I got a nice dog bed once that a volunteer made. She took two towels and sewed them together on three sides. Then, she inserted an old, folded comforter and stitched the last side shut. The dogs loved it and it was machine washable, too. My favorite bought beds are the ones that come from Costco. They are big and cozy and about $20, sometimes less on sale.

 

Emily

[Ruger's Dad]

I opened up this discussion and was hoping someone had a suggestion on how to keep Ruger from hogging the bed. Was I ever disappointed.

[mbc1963]

I opened up this discussion and was hoping someone had a suggestion on how to keep Ruger from hogging the bed. Was I ever disappointed.

 

Well, that's kind of reason I started the thread. I just for the first time in my life started letting my dog in bed - about 2 months ago. But I must admit, it's not for me! The smell, the phantom-cat-chasing in the middle of the night, the scratching of some canine itch and (ugh!) the sound that lets me know he's licking his butt - none of these are things I want in my own bed!

 

So, he's getting his own baby bed. Soft and comfy as mine, but away from me.

 

Mary

[Ruger's Dad]

This is a typical night for me. Ruger curled up at the head of the bed, Casey the Springer curled up at the foot, and a cat sleeping on my rear. For some odd reason the DW complains about not having any room.

[silhouettestable]

This is a typical night for me. Ruger curled up at the head of the bed, Casey the Springer curled up at the foot, and a cat sleeping on my rear. For some odd reason the DW complains about not having any room.

 

That sounds about right to me. I will have anywhere between 1-4 dogs on the bed, depending on how warm it is and whether or not DH is also trying to fit in They'll curl up in front of me, behind me, at my feet, on my feet, sometimes share my pillow, or just take over DH's pillow. It's very cozy, I don't know what these spouse's have to complain about. Oh yeah, he doesn't like tripping over the ones that are also on the floor around the bed, though there's one who's never in the way, he sleeps under the bed.