Look, I love your golden retriever, but that soggy, flattened pillow he’s been sleeping on? That thing needs to be retired.
Mine got so bad that I couldn’t even look at it without cringing. Stuffing was falling out, the cover was just giving up on life and sitting next to my bookshelf as a big middle finger to my living room decor.
Replacing your dog’s bed pillow doesn’t have to mean dropping $80 on something boring from a big box store. A diy dog bed pillow can actually look good enough to match your whole aesthetic.
I’m always looking for something new to try out and these 10 dog bed pillow designs are perfect. Cozy for your pup and not so embarrassing that you won’t want to hide them before people come over.
#1: The Pink Princess Pet Throne — A Full DIY Dog Bed Set Your Golden Will Absolutely Rule From
Your golden retriever is again to claim your throw pillows. No, there isn’t any saliva on the couch cushion and golden fur on every surface you own. You love her to pieces, but girl, she needs her own place.
This is a super cute DIY project recreating that hot pink velvet princess dog bed set that has been all over Pinterest. The dog bed, blanket and food bowl cover are all made of ruffled pink plush velvet with embroidered details that look so cute.
I made a similar pillow for my cousin’s chihuahua last winter and I couldn’t believe how cute the whole corner of the room looked.
Materials & Tools
– 1.5 yards hot pink plush velvet fabric (main bed body)
– 3 yards pink ruffle trim (for bed skirt, blanket edges, pillow edges)
– High-density foam round insert, 24″ diameter
– Fiberfill stuffing (for pillows and bone toy)
– Pink velvet fabric scraps for throw pillows
– Iron-on or sew-on embroidery patches (crown, cupcake, bow motifs)
– Rhinestone crown appliqué (hot glue or stitch-on)
– Black embroidery thread (for “Princess” lettering)
– Pink velvet fabric for cylindrical food bowl cover
– Sewing machine, fabric scissors, hot glue gun, measuring tape, pins
Instructions
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 4–5 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cut a 24” diameter circle from the plush velvet to be the base for the bed. Cut out a matching piece for the backrest, about 18” tall by 48” wide. Sew those two pieces together on the bottom edge, leaving the top open to stuff the foam insert in later.
*Attach the ruffle trim along every visible edge before you close anything up. The ruffle is what makes this the full, dramatic looking skirt – don’t skimp on it. I’d double layer the ruffle on the bed skirt because the fuller it is, the more luxe it’ll look in the photos.
After your insert is in and you sew the opening shut, stitch or hot glue your rhinestone crown appliqué on the backrest right in the middle of it. This will be the highlight of your doggie throne and will be right at eye level for your dog to be a “queen” when she lays down.
Make the cupcake pillow with two pieces of fabric measuring 8″ square (for the “Sweet Baby” cupcake pillow), and a heart-shaped piece measuring roughly 7″ across (for the heart pillow). Sew right sides together and stuff with fiberfill. Slip stitch closed. Iron on the cupcake patch and then hand stitch “Sweet Baby” in cursive with black embroidery thread. The heart pillow remains plain.
Though it seems like it might be a little difficult, the bone shaped pillow really isn’t! Cut out two bones from the velvet. Sew them together on three sides with a ½” seam allowance. Leave one end open to stuff into. Stuff the pillow firmly. On the back, embroider a bold black “Princess”. Give it to your pooch. She will immediately know what it is for, I promise!
For the cylindrical food bowl cover I cut a rectangle of pink velvet that would wrap the bowl snugly, and sewed it into a tube. I added a ruffle trim at the top edge, and added a drawstring or elastic at the bottom so it would cinch underneath. I hot glued a bow appliqué to the front.
Piece for the blanket is the easiest. I cut out a 36″ x 36″ square. I sewed a ruffle trim around all four edges. I ironed a bow patch in the bottom right corner.
Worth it because: i really like this fabric because it naturally traps the fur on the top layer, so you can literally lint roll the whole set in 2 minutes as a goldie mom.
Throw all three pieces into a corner of your bedroom or living room, and it will look like someone has been by to style a vignette for you. Your dog will have her own dedicated and cushioned space to enjoy, and you’ll get your couch back.
As for the lettering, I would first try the stitch direction on a scrap piece of velvet. The nap of the velvet can tend to make the embroidery look ragged, so always stitch with the nap, not against it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @annahappydog
#2: The “Two Cocker Spaniels Sharing One Bed” Problem — And the DIY Fix That Actually Works
You know the look. I am referring to the one where she is half hanging off her dog bed, paws on the cold tile, staring at you like you personally wronged her. I know that look. My cousin’s spaniel used to drag a blanket off the couch every night just so he could have something a bit softer.
It’s exactly why I loved this quilted bolster dog bed the second I saw it.
These two cockers are totally settled into a gray quilted fabric bolster bed with raised cushion sides and flat center sleeping panel. It would look great on Pinterest (or not) and the dogs are totally relaxed.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5 yards of gray quilted cotton fabric (or textured chenille)
– 2 yards of gray linen outer fabric
– High-loft polyester fiberfill (approx. 3 lbs)
– Sewing machine + matching thread
– Fabric scissors
– Pins
– 24″ x 36″ non-slip mattress base (cut from foam or purchase pre-cut)
– Iron
Instructions
1. Cut your linen into one 24” x 36” base rectangle and four 10” x 24” bolster strips. These bolster strips will become the sides of the bolster you dog will lean against to help keep them from rolling off mid nap (no whining at 3am from the floor).
Fold each bolster strip lengthwise and sew the long edge closed. Then stuff it well with fiberfill. You’ll want to stuff it generously so that it stays firm after washing, and so your dog will actually use it as a chin rest. My friend forgot to do this once and it wasn’t long before the sides were flapping in the wind.
Sew the bolsters to the outside edges of the bottom rectangle, raw edges aligned. Sew them flush to the bottom rectangle on three sides, leaving one of the sides as a pocket (the back) to slip the foam base into. Hand-stitch the pocket shut.
Top the flat center with a quilted cotton layer that is cut to 22” x 34″ (slightly smaller than the base of the pillow). Either stitch this layer to the corners of the center or make it removable for washing.
The quilted texture grips the dog’s fur just enough to keep them from sliding off, and the bolster sides give your dog something to press against when they are settling.
One thing to remember: wash all fabric before cutting. Quilted cotton will shrink. You do not want the bed you just made to fit your puppy to fit your puppy.
If you’re still trying to find the perfect size for your golden, then 15 Best Dog Beds for Every Dog Size and Need breaks it down well.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @bella_and_maple_theshowcockers
#3: The Dusty Rose Dog Bed Pillow That Looks Like It Belongs on Your Pinterest Board
Today your golden is finally calm after a crazy afternoon and she picks her spot.. right on the edge of your linen sofa again. You love your girl but maybe she needs her own spot that she’d want to stay on.
This dusty rose bolster bed is it.
The one in the photo is for a friend’s dog. It has a loft apartment, brick wall type vibe. This is a firm foam insert covered by a blush pink canvas fabric. The edge is raised to allow the dog to rest his chin on it. My cousin made one for her spaniel last spring and she texted me asking “why didn’t we do this sooner?” The dog hasn’t gone near the couch since!
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5 yards of dusty rose canvas fabric (cotton-canvas blend, 12 oz weight)
– 24″ x 36″ x 4″ high-density foam insert
– 1 bolster tube pillow insert (approximately 6″ diameter x 24″ long)
– Matching thread (blush or neutral)
– Fabric scissors
– Sewing machine
– Zipper (optional — 22″ invisible zipper for washable cover)
– Measuring tape & fabric chalk
Instructions
Cut your canvas into two pieces: one piece will measure: 26″ x 38″ and the other piece will be the same size. This creates a clean 1 inch seam allowance on all sides. This way your foam will sit snug without bunching.
Place the pieces, right sides together, and sew three sides together with a ½-inch seam. If you want to add a zipper, sew it into the shorter open end now, as it’s so easy to clean if your pup decides to roll in something disgusting (they will).
Insert the foam insert then slide your closure. Zip up the final seam or close your final zipper.
Cut a piece of fabric that will wrap your tube insert. Cut it so that it will overlap about 1 inch when wrapped around the insert. Sew it into a tube shape. Tuck in both raw edges and hand-stitch those closed. The raised edge of the bolster will support your dog’s neck and head. This joint support will help an older dog rest easy during long naps so he isn’t restless at night.
Place the bolster along one short edge of the base cushion and pin it. Sew along both edges of the bolster for extra strength.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
The canvas washes great so it stays the shape you make it. Of course if you are already in a DIY pet groove then 10 Creative Pallet Dog Bed Ideas for Your Furry Friend might also be fun.
Stitch the bolster close to the edge of the blanket, but not all the way to the corner so it stays in the middle and doesn’t flip when your dog flops down hard. It makes it look intentional instead of like it was made by a 4 year old (me).
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @avocado.green
#4: The Boucle Pillow Bed That Looks Like It Belongs on Your Pinterest Board
My golden finally is calm after our walk in the park and she goes straight for the couch with her muddy paws. I love her so, but girl, not on the linen cushions!
It was then that I went on the hunt for a dog bed that could handle a big, fluffy dog and still look good in my living room. I came across this style, a boucle fabric pillow bed and I haven’t looked back.
This DIY is inspired by the Jax & Bones aesthetic: a flat, oversized rectangle cushion in cream boucle with subtle gold threading. It’s so low to the ground, it’s almost a rug, has a 4″ loft and is everything you’ve ever wanted from an Anthropologie catalog.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5 yards of cream boucle upholstery fabric
– 1 yard of coordinating cotton lining fabric
– 3 lbs of polyester fiberfill or shredded memory foam
– Invisible zipper (22 inches)
– Sewing machine + matching thread
– Fabric scissors + pins
– Iron
Instructions
Cut two 24″ x 36″ panels of boucle fabric and lay them face-to-face, and pin all four edges. Leave a 12″ opening along one short side for the zipper to go through. Before sewing, slip the two lining panels inside, so you will have a hidden, inner pocket to hold the stuffing, and hopefully protect the boucle from snags.
Sew together three sides with a ½-inch seam allowance. Install the invisible zipper on the remaining short end. Turn the cover right-side out and press the seams with a cool iron – boucle gets scorched easily.
The best way to stuff a bed is to work from the corners toward the middle. Make sure it is packed tight – dogs can flatten a bed quickly, so a bit of overstuffing is good so they still have something to sink into 6 months from now.
Zip it closed. Done.
Since Boucle can grab surface debris, it’s a good idea to have a lint roller nearby. We recommend washing the cover every 2-3 weeks, just be sure to zip it shut before tossing it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
And if you love this look, 14 Cozy Dog Bedrooms to Create a Perfect Space for Your Pup has some great room setups to work with!
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jaxandbones
#5: DIY Sherpa Dog Bed Pillow Insert (The One That Makes Their Bed Look Like a Pinterest Dream)
Oh you know that moment when your golden has completely claimed her bed, and half your living room rug… and you are wondering, how on earth am I going to make this look cute? Girl, same.
Prep Time: 15 min | Active Project Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Friendly
What You Need:
– ½ yard of cream sherpa fabric
– ½ yard of oatmeal boucle fabric
– Polyester fiberfill stuffing (about 16 oz)
– Sage green bolster dog bed base (store-bought or DIY)
– Fabric scissors, pins, and a sewing machine
– Matching thread in cream or off-white
Instructions
Cut your sherpa into a 20×26 inch rectangle for the main pillow body. Cut a smaller piece of boucle (roughly 18 inches) into a bone shape for the toy insert.
Place the sherpa pieces right side together and sew a ½ inch seam around the edges leaving a 4-inch gap to stuff. Turn the pillow right side out. Stuff it well so it holds its shape and your dog will sink into that soft feeling and melt!
For the bone, trace and cut out two pieces of the same size, sew them together, stuff lightly and hand-stitch the gap.
Both pieces are sitting on my new sage green bolster base. The layered textures make it look styled, not thrown together.
If your sewing machine’s “sherpa” bunches when you sew, switch to a walking foot on your machine. This will make a huge difference when sewing with thick fabrics!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @denjodogs
#6: Cozy Ribbed Faux Fur Dog Bed Pillow (Because Your Pup Deserves the Good Stuff)
Is there anything more beautiful than coming home to your golden sprawled across your throw pillows, leaving a trail of fur and drool? No. There isn’t. This DIY is for you.
This super luxurious looking ridged beige faux fur fabric bed is giving me full on pet boutique luxury, and it’s so much cheaper than I expected! It’s got a chunky ribbed texture thanks to the super warm corduroy-style minky fabric that’s both washable and soft against your pup’s skin.
Materials & Tools:
– 1.5 yards of ribbed minky faux fur fabric (beige/cream)
– Polyester fiberfill stuffing (about 3 lbs for a full, plush pillow)
– Sewing machine + matching thread
– Fabric scissors
– Straight pins
– Measuring tape
Instructions
Cut two pieces of 24″ x 24″ ribbed minky in the same direction (ridges facing the same way). Pin the pieces right sides together with the fuzzy side facing in. This will give you a clean edge once you flip it.
Sew along three sides, using a ½-inch seam allowance. Then flip the entire thing inside out, and sew the last side. The ribbed texture naturally hides any imperfections in my stitching, which made my life so much easier the first time I made this.
Stuff it with fiberfill until it holds its shape, but isn’t flat, filling the pad with firm-but-cushy stuffing to support his joints and make it less stiff when he’s gotten up for a long nap. Stitch the last side closed with a ladder stitch.
The minky fabric traps warmth without making your dog feel too hot, keeping them nice and comfortable no matter the weather. As it’s fully washable, muddy paw days are a breeze!
If you love to make things for your dog, you will want to take a look at this new book 12 Heartfelt Designs for DIY Dog Accessories by Diane Wolfe.
Cut out a piece a little bigger than you think you need. It is stretchy and can get smaller after the first wash.
Prep Time: 15 min | Active Project Time: 45 min | Difficulty Level: Beginner
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @haroldpug_life
#7: Chunky Knit Dog Bed with Braided Border — The Coziest DIY Your Pup Will Ever Sleep On
Your golden retriever dog has claimed the couch again. She has drool on the couch cushion, fur in every crevice, and has also managed to push your throw pillow to the floor. You love your dog, but girl – she needs her own spot.
This do-it-yourself dog bed is a pretty combination of a teal/dusty blue chenille yarn center panel with a chunky loop stitch and a thick cream braided border made of arm-knit merino wool roving. The corner points are finished with teal pom-pom tassels to keep it looking Pinterest pretty. My aunt made something similar for her husky last winter and the dog wouldn’t sleep anywhere else.
Materials & Tools:
– 3-4 skeins teal chenille/velvet yarn (bulky weight, size 6)
– 2 skeins cream merino wool roving (for braided border)
– Extra teal yarn for pom-pom corner tassels
– Large knitting needles (US size 50 or arm knitting)
– Scissors, tapestry needle
– Non-slip rug pad (optional but worth it)
Instructions
Cast on 20 sts in your teal chenille yarn on size 50 needles or with your arms. Work all rows in knit until panel measures about 24 x 30 inches. The chenille yarn creates it’s own cloud like texture so no fancy stitches needed.
Bind off and weave in your ends.
Then, take your cream merino roving, and braid the three strands together until you have enough length to wrap all four sides of the panel. The braided border goes around the bed, and creates a raised bumper, and your dog has a place to rest her chin on the edge of the bed, and may actually stay on the bed, rather than migrating back to the couch.
Pin the braid down along each edge with the iron, then use your tapestry needle and a length of cream yarn to sew it to the chenille base. Pull firm on each corner so the braid stays down.
For the teal pom-pom tassels, cut 20 strands of teal yarn, each about 8 inches long. Gather the strands together into a small bundle and then fold in half and tie a knot at the fold. Attach one to each corner of the braided border. This gives the project that finished look of a store bought dog bed, and unless your friends are crafty, they won’t even realize it’s a DIY project.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Friendly
Chenille yarn is so forgiving for beginners, because the uneven tension of your knitting almost disappears in the texture of the yarn. So if you wanted to match it to your living room, you could probably make a cozy corner for her like some of the 14 Stylish DIY Dog Crate Furniture Ideas You’ll Love ideas from your living room.
Wash the finished bed on a gentle cold cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. As long as you air dry flat, the chenille will hold its shape, and the roving should be okay as well.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @noors_blanktastic
#8: The Chunky Corduroy Dog Sofa Bed (Yes, Your Golden Deserves a Couch)
You know the feeling, when your golden flops onto your couch, takes up 3 cushions, and stares at you like you’re the one in the wrong spot. Well every Tuesday that happens for me!
Here’s my own version of a FunnyFuzzy-esque bolster sofa bed, but with a grey corduroy textured fabric with a quilted ribbed interior panel (same as the one in the picture). It’s very structured, so it will hold its shape, but it’s also soft enough that your dog will take it before you’ve finished your last stitch.
Materials & Tools
– 1.5 yards gray corduroy upholstery fabric
– 1 yard quilted gray chenille for the interior base
– High-loft polyester fiberfill (at least 3 lbs)
– 24-inch zipper (black, like the base detail in the photo)
– Sewing machine + heavy-duty needle
– Fabric scissors, pins, measuring tape
Instructions
Cut your chenille into a 28″ x 22″ rectangle for your dog’s sleeping base. This will give a medium to large dog enough room to lay out and stretch out. I sewed a zipper along the bottom so you can pull it out and wash it. The zipper closure helps to keep the stuffing locked in place so that the bed does not go flat after two weeks!
Step 3: Cut a piece of the corduroy, 28” x 14”, and fold it in half lengthwise. Stuff it very firmly and then stitch the two ends closed. Attach it to the back edge of the base with a double topstitch. Repeat the same steps to attach the two side armrests. They are each 10” x 10”, and should be stuffed quite full so they will stay up when your dog leans on them.
The step that I skipped is one that most people do, which is to topstitch a grid of lines across the inside base panel of the quilt. I did four horizontal lines, roughly 4 inches apart. This keeps the fill from shifting to the edges and creates the store bought look that you see in the photo.
Give your dog a small toy to occupy itself. If you look at the photo, the little yellow plush duck is really cute and a nice touch. Also, your dog has something to cuddle with.
Chunky corduroy wipes clean with a damp cloth, so mud season doesn’t have to mean a full laundry day every time. If you love creating a cozy space for your dog, check out these 7 Cozy DIY Indoor Dog Kennel Ideas.
I’d suggest buying upholstery-weight thread in a matching gray — regular thread will split at the bolster seams within a few weeks under your dog’s daily weight. Going to a heavier thread costs nothing and will extend the life of the bed for months.
Prep Time: 30 min | Active Project Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @funnyfuzzyuk
#9: Half-Square Triangle Patchwork Quilt Dog Bed Pillow
Your golden is doing that thing again — spinning three times, pawing at the couch cushion, then flopping on the cold hardwood like a dramatic little diva. Girl, I see you. My dog Mako used to do the exact same thing before I made him this ridiculously colorful quilted pillow bed, and honestly? I was more obsessed with it than he was.
This quilt is a show stopper. It is a half square triangle patchwork quilt on a thick floor pillow. I imagine anyone walking into a room with a quilt this cute would think they were in a Pinterest board come to life. The version in the picture is a wild mix of fabrics: hot pink, turquoise, yellow, navy plaid, gingham check, orange solid, and red cotton. All have been cut into triangles and sewn into 6-inch square HST blocks. The border is finished with a black and white striped binding to bring it all together without overwhelming the colors in the quilt.
And I LOVE that scalloped edge! What’s better than a cute dog bed? A cute dog bed with actual home décor! I know. Chef’s kiss.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Active Project Time: 6–8 hours | Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Materials & Tools:
– ⅓ yard cuts of 12–15 mixed cotton fabrics (solids, plaids, ginghams, novelty prints)
– 1 yard of black-and-white striped cotton for binding
– 1 yard of plain cotton or muslin for backing
– 1 large floor pillow insert (28″ x 36″ or custom-cut foam wrapped in batting)
– 2 yards of low-loft cotton quilt batting
– Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler
– Sewing machine with a ¼-inch presser foot
– Fabric marking pen or chalk
– Pins or wonder clips
– Iron and pressing mat
– Zipper (optional, 22-inch nylon coil zipper in a coordinating color)
Instructions
Cutting and sewing Start by cutting all your fabrics into 7-inch squares, you will need at least 60 squares of fabric (you will need 2 of each fabric). Now pair the squares together, draw a line down the middle of the lighter of the two squares and sew ¼ inch on both sides of the line. Cut along the line and press the seams open, trim the block to a 6.5 inch square and you’ll have 2 HST blocks.
Lay out your blocks on the floor and play with the arrangement before you sew one row. I didn’t do that one time and ended up with 3 orange triangles stuck in the corner and it just looked bad. Turn your blocks so that the triangles will make the pinwheel/zigzag illusion. Sew rows of 6 blocks wide by 10 rows tall. Press seams in alternate directions as you sew each row so that the intersections will nest nicely.
Once you have the top of the quilt finished, lay it on top of the batting and backing fabric and baste it all together with safety pins every 4-5 inches. Quilt along the seam lines on the diagonal of each HST block using a walking foot. The simple diagonal quilting keeps the layers of fabric from shifting and gives the dog bed a nice padded feeling underfoot. The dense quilting will also keep the top of the quilt in place even after a week of being played with by your golden retriever…just one of the many survival skills that should be learned.
For the scalloped edge, trace a 4 inch circle template along all four sides of the block before you bind it. Cut it out with sharp scissors. Sew your striped binding on a ¼ inch seam, clipping the inner curves every half inch so the binding curves but doesn’t pucker.
Keep this in mind: If you want easy access to the pillow inserts without having to re-sew the whole thing, just leave a 12-inch opening along one short edge and hand-stitch a zipper into the back before attaching the quilt top. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to do the laundry.
Stuff the finished cover over your pillow insert and your dog will claim it in less then 45 seconds of hitting the floor. The thick batting + pillow insert combo is nice and cushy on joints if your golden is getting a little older and needs some extra support on hard floors.
To color-block the fabrics in a loose gradient of light to dark, making the top a little more intentional. It does add some planning into the mix though!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @egmquilted
#10: DIY Black and White Striped Dog Bed Pillow with a Leather Handle
Your dog just took up your entire couch. In fact, she’s the one that runs around your couch three times, plops down and manages to take up the entire cushion. You love her, but the girl needs her own spot.
This one is it.
Materials & Tools: 1.5 yards of black and white striped cotton canvas fabric 10 oz polyester fiberfill or a 24″ x 30″ foam insert Brown leather strap (pre-cut, roughly 8 inches) 4 silver rivets (double-cap style) Sewing machine + black thread Fabric scissors Pins Rivet setter tool Sewing machine Iron
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 1.5 hours | Difficulty Level: Beginner-Intermediate
### Instructions
Cut two panels for the front and back of your skirt according to your pattern; mine are 26″ x 34″. Cut one side gusset strip 6″ wide and the length of the perimeter. Press all edges.
I sewed the gusset strip around the perimeter of the bottom panel, right sides together. I pinned generously at the corners so that they stayed sharp and boxy. The reason for sewing the gusset around the perimeter of the bottom panel is to help it maintain its suitcase shape, as seen in the picture below. The gusset will create a thicker, more supported pillow for my dog’s joints, meaning more cushion after a long walk.
Attach the top panel, leaving a space of 12 inches along one short edge for stuffing. Attach the leather handle before you sew up the panel. Punch two holes in the ends of the strap and press it against the side gusset. Set the silver rivets with the rivet setter. It looks great and makes carrying the bed from room to room so much easier when you want her near you.
Stuff the pillow firmly (don’t be shy with the fiberfill), then slip-stitch the opening closed by hand.
The striped canvas wipes down quickly and I really like the removable cover idea for these wipes. I think it would be a great addition if you add a hidden zipper along the closing seam. After all, if you have a golden retriever then you are going to have muddy paws!
Nothing like getting into the house after a long day at work, heading to your bathroom and being bombarded with a wet dog, right? Well, maybe not a wet dog, but she still needs to be cleaned up before she 7 Creative Ideas for Your DIY Dog Washing Station crashes on her new bed.
By the way, the stripes actually hide a lot of fur. I stumbled onto that happy accident when I made mine.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @vanillapawsuk
The Filling Secret That Makes or Breaks Your Dog Bed Pillow
One of the things that I have learned over the years when making these, is the filling is everything.
Most people just grab whatever poly-fil is on sale and are done. Big mistake. Normal poly-fil will flatten out within a few weeks under the weight of a golden retriever. Might as well have just bought your dog a very expensive floor.
Real talk: Cut up some old memory foam pillows or pick up some offcuts from a fabric store, as this type of foam doesn’t lose its shape and molds to your dog’s body perfectly.
This is my personal pitfall lesson. I once made the most Pinterest worthy cover using a non-removable design. I loved it and it was beautiful. Then my dog stepped on it and her paws were muddy. Then it was basically ruined after one rainy walk.
Always sew in a hidden zipper closure. I suggest doing an envelope back if zippers freak you out.
One more insider trick: I bought these mats for the bottom of my dogs crates, but I put one on the top as well. They are long and can be cut to size, and you can easily stick them together. My dogs like the shredded foam at the bottom, and the thin layer of poly-fil on top.
Your Golden’s Mess Doesn’t Have to Win
No, you don’t have to choose. You’ve got the house, the dog, and the whole dream. Don’t let muddy paws and fur tumbleweeds make you feel like you have to choose between your beautiful home and your best friend.
Pick one thing this week: a mat, a cover, a storage basket. Even the smallest change adds up fast.
I mean really… your golden deserves a space that’s worth him, but one you’re not embarrassed to show your guests.
Tell me…what’s the one spot in your home where your dog’s chaos hits hardest? Drop it in the comments. I want to know! 🐾
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
