Pets, such as humans, like a soft snug place to sleep. Older pets particularly like soft beds, to rest their aching bones plus joints. The cushy pet beds within the pet departments look nice, but they will be rather pricey. Don’t despair; you are able to make a bed for your faithful companion using an older couch or chair cushion or an old baby mattress; and it doesn’t even require any sewing abilities. 

Determine how large a bed you will have to fit your pet. If Daisy is a little Yorkie, then an old chair cushion can work. However, if Rover is a Husky, then you may want an old baby bed mattress or couch cushion. One way to figure out  how big a pet bed you will need is to know which piece of furniture your pet prefers to sleep on; if they’re allowed on the furniture, that is. Decide  where the pet bed is going to be placed; this will determine whether or not it needs to be cut down. Put the old cushion or mattress on the floor for many days. See if it gets in the way as you are walking past it. If you would like to trim it down, use a utility blade or big knife to cut off excess. Place the protecting pad over the cushion. If you don’t have a protective pad, use a plastic sheet or maybe a shower curtain liner. This is to shield the cushion or mattress from moisture, odors or any vermin that could be living on your pet. Secure the pad with sheet smoothers, to help it stay in place. 

Place the old sheet, blanket or fitted baby bed sheet on the top of the protecting pad. If you used a plastic sheet or shower curtain liner, you can use two sheets or blankets on top; this will help keep your pet from sweating due to lying on plastic. Secure the sheet(s) with sheet smoothers; they may be purchased at bedding stores. Place an old rug on the floor where the pet bed is to be located. This can protect your floor from the metal in the sheet smoothers. Introduce your pet to his new bed. Don’t be stunned if he doesn’t take to it right away; he could not like walking across something that gives beneath his feet. Encourage him with praise, petting plus even treats till he is accustomed to it. Be patient, as this may take several days or maybe weeks.