16 DIY Pet Beds for Small Dogs Who Love to Snuggle (And Save You Money)
If your little dog treats your lap like a five-star hotel, you know the struggle. They want to be wrapped up, tucked in, and basically swaddled like a baby. But buying those fancy orthopedic beds at the pet store? Ouch. The price tags can be brutal.
That’s why I started making my own. Not only is it way cheaper, but I get to pick fabrics that match my living room (bye-bye, ugly brown plaid). Plus, there’s something special about watching your pup curl up in a bed you built with your own two hands. Here are my 16 favorite DIY projects that are perfect for the tiny, cuddly pups in our lives.
1. The Cozy Repurposed Sweater Bed
Got an old wool sweater that’s seen better days? This is the easiest project on the list. You just sew the sleeves shut and stuff the body with poly-fil. It’s soft, stretchy, and smells like you, which your dog will absolutely love.
For small dogs, the torso of a large sweater is perfect. It gives them that “hugged” feeling they crave. Just make sure to use a sweater without holes and wash it in hot water to felt the wool, so it doesn’t unravel.
This one takes about 30 minutes and requires zero fancy sewing skills. Even a straight stitch will do the trick!
2. The No-Sew Fleece Donut Bed
This is the ultimate “beginner” project. You take a long strip of fleece, roll it into a spiral, and tie the ends together. It creates a plush, round bed that looks like a giant donut (or a cinnamon roll!).
The high sides are perfect for small dogs who like to bury their noses. You can make it as thick or as thin as you want. I used about 3 yards of fleece for a chihuahua-sized bed.
Bonus: You can throw the whole thing in the washing machine. Just untie the ends, wash, and re-roll. It’s that simple.
3. The Upcycled Suitcase Bed
Hit up a thrift store and find a vintage suitcase. Open it up, add a cushion to the bottom half, and you have an instant bed with a built-in rim. The raised edges are great for pups who like to rest their heads on something.
You don’t even need to sew for this one. Just cut a piece of foam to fit the bottom, wrap it in fabric, and staple it to the suitcase lining. It looks incredibly chic and vintage.
Pro tip: Add little rubber feet to the bottom of the suitcase so it doesn’t slide on hardwood floors.
4. The T-Shirt Knot Bed
If you have a pile of old t-shirts, this is your project. You thread them through a piece of cardboard or a metal ring to create a braided, textured bed. It’s a bit of a workout for your arms, but the result is super durable.
Small dogs love the nooks and crannies of this bed. They can nestle right into the braids. It’s also super breathable, making it great for summer months.
Just make sure to pull the knots tight. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to be comfy.
5. The Simple Box + Pillow Bed
This is the “lazy mom” DIY. Find a sturdy cardboard box (like an Amazon box) that’s a little bigger than your dog. Cut the flaps down to create a low rim, and then just throw an old pillow or a folded blanket inside.
To make it prettier, wrap the outside of the box in wrapping paper or fabric using duct tape. It takes five minutes.
When your dog inevitably gets bored and chews the box, you can just make a new one. It’s free and infinitely replaceable.
6. The Memory Foam Crib Mattress Hack
Here is a secret: baby crib mattresses are cheap and perfectly sized for small dogs. You can pick one up at a garage sale for a few bucks. It’s basically a giant, plush pillow.
Just spray it down with a fabric disinfectant, let it dry, and put a fitted sheet on it. You can even buy a mini crib sheet to match your decor.
It’s not the prettiest bed by itself, but if you put it inside a low wooden frame or just push it against the wall, it looks like a fancy daybed for your pup.
7. The Zip-Up Hoodie Bed
Take an old hoodie and sew the bottom hem closed. Then, stuff the body with stuffing. The sleeves become little bolsters on the sides, and the hood becomes a perfect little cave for your pup to hide in.
This is amazing for anxious dogs who like to burrow. They can crawl into the hood and feel totally hidden and safe.
It’s a bit bulkier to sew than the sweater, but it’s worth it for the “cave” effect.
8. The Pallet Bed with Cushion
If you have a slightly larger small dog (like a Corgi or a Mini Aussie), this is a great option. Find a small wooden pallet, sand it down so there are no splinters, and paint it a fun color.
Then, just place a large cushion or dog bed insert on top. The pallet raises the bed off the cold floor, which is great for winter.
This one is more “home decor” than “dog bed,” and it looks super cute in a farmhouse-style home.
9. The Stuffed Animal Re-Purpose
Do you have a giant stuffed animal taking up space? This is the best way to give it a new life. Cut a small slit in the back, remove some of the stuffing to make a hollow, and sew a soft fleece liner inside.
Your dog will love resting on top of a giant teddy bear. It’s adorable and hilarious at the same time.
Just be sure to remove any plastic eyes or noses that could be a choking hazard.
10. The Bolster Bed from a Pillowcase
This is a clever trick. Take a standard pillowcase and stuff two long “bolsters” (rolled-up towels) into the sides. Then, place a soft cushion in the middle.
The pillowcase acts as a cover that holds everything together. It gives your dog that “nest” feeling with raised edges, but it’s made from stuff you already own.
You can easily unbutton the pillowcase and wash the whole thing. Super practical.
11. The Fleece Tie Blanket Bed
You know those tie blankets you used to make in high school? You can do the same thing with two layers of fleece to make a super cozy flat bed.
Just cut two big rectangles of fleece, fringe the edges, and tie them together. It’s flat and soft, perfect for dogs who like to sprawl out rather than curl up.
You can make it as large or as small as you want. It’s also really easy to wash.
12. The Wine Crate Bed
Wine crates are the perfect size for small dogs. They are sturdy, have slatted sides for ventilation, and look rustic and cool.
Sand the crate down, add a cushion to the bottom, and you are done. You can even leave it raw wood for a rustic look or paint it to match your room.
The slats are great for summer because air flows through them, keeping your pup cool.
13. The Upcycled Jeans Bed
Don’t throw away those ripped jeans! Cut the legs off and sew them together in a circle to make a patchwork-style bed. The denim is super durable, so if your dog is a digger, this will hold up.
It’s a bit more labor-intensive since you are sewing many pieces together, but the result is a rugged, unique bed.
You can stuff it with old t-shirts or poly-fil to make it plush.
14. The Bathtub Pet Bed
This one is for the quirky decorators out there. Find an old metal or plastic baby bathtub at a thrift store. Clean it up, add a soft cushion, and you have a fun, unique bed.
The high sides make it perfect for dogs who like to feel enclosed. It’s also super easy to wipe down if your dog gets muddy.
It looks surprisingly chic when paired with a fluffy white cushion.
15. The Drop Cloth Canvas Bed
If you want a neutral, expensive-looking bed, use a canvas drop cloth from the hardware store. It’s cheap, durable, and looks like high-end linen.
You can fold the edges over to create a border and sew them down. Then, just stuff it like a giant pillow.
It’s a little stiff at first, but it softens up with washing. This is a great project for people who want a minimalist look.
16. The Heated Rice Sock Bed
For the winter months, this is a game-changer. Sew a simple fabric pocket inside a standard bed, and slip in a “rice sock” (a tube sock filled with rice).
Microwave the rice sock for 2 minutes and put it in the pocket. The warmth radiates through the bed, giving your dog a toasty spot to snuggle into.
This is perfect for older dogs with achy joints. Just make sure the sock isn’t too hot before you give it to them.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a fortune to give your small dog the best bed in the house. With a little creativity and some recycling, you can create something that’s both functional and adorable. Your pup won’t care if it’s a $200 designer bed or a repurposed hoodie—they just care that it smells like home and has a soft spot to rest their head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric for a DIY dog bed?
Fleece and cotton are your best bets. They are soft, breathable, and easy to wash. Avoid fabrics that snag easily, like silk, or things that hold onto pet hair, like velvet.
How often should I wash my dog’s bed?
Ideally, you should wash the cover every 1-2 weeks. If your dog is a heavy shedder or spends a lot of time outside, you might want to do it twice a week to keep the smell and hair under control.
Can I use old pillows for stuffing?
Absolutely! Old pillows are a great, free source of stuffing. Just be aware that they might flatten out faster than poly-fil, so you may need to fluff them up regularly.
My dog chews everything. What should I use?
Go for durability. Canvas, denim, or even outdoor fabric (like Sunbrella) are your best friends. Avoid any stuffing that they could easily pull out and eat.
How do I know what size bed to make?
Measure your dog from nose to tail while they are sleeping in a curled-up ball. Add about 4-6 inches to that measurement. That gives them enough room to snuggle without being overwhelmed by a giant bed.
