Keeping your pup cool during the hot summer can be difficult, but with a homemade outdoor dog bed, you can ensure they stay comfy and safe in the sun. Read a step-by-step guide to how to make a outdoor dog bed for hot summers.
Do Dogs Need Beds In Summer?
The short answer is yes; dogs need beds in the summer to ensure they are comfortable and safe.
Beds provide many benefits for dogs during hot summer days. A bed helps protect a dog from injury due to rough surfaces like concrete or other hard floors found inside and outside the home. While pads often offer some cushioning, their limited padding does not adequately protect your pet’s joints over time.
Furthermore, floor surfaces tend to be much hotter than elevated surfaces like beds that allow air circulation underneath them—thus promoting more cooling as your pup lies down on his cozy bed.
In addition to providing support and comfort while lying down, some pets may enjoy playing on their elevated surface, offering an alternative spot other than the floor or grass where they can engage in activities such as chasing toys or simply resting while gazing at the yard below them.
This space may also help pups susceptible to heat stroke during hotter months cool off when needed since there will likely be more air circulating these raised areas compared with other locations within a home’s environment.
Finally, having an appropriate sleeping space provides your pet with a clear sense of belonging and familiarity by having one designated place for him/herself, making it easier for him/her to adjust when traveling or going through changes in routine that could be potentially unsettling such as new family members moving in (including babies!).
Overall, investing in getting your pup a good quality yet economical bed is recommended, especially if you live somewhere known for its extreme temperatures during hot summers!
Also Read: Dog Camping Cot Guide For Happy Tails On Your Adventures
How To Make A Outdoor Dog Bed For Hot Summers | Step By Step Guide
Materials Needed
The first step to creating an outdoor dog bed is gathering all the necessary materials. You will need a drill, screws, 4-foot long 2x4s, 3/4 inch plywood, 1/2 inch foam insulation board, 1/2 inch polyester batting, and fabric of your choice. You will also need basic tools such as a saw, measuring tape, and scissors.
Step One: Cutting the Wood
Once you have gathered your materials, you will want to begin by cutting the wood. Cut two 2x4s into four 24-inch lengths and four 17-inch lengths. Then cut one piece of plywood into two 24-inch squares and two 17-inch squares. These pieces will form the frame of your outdoor dog bed.
Step Two: Building the Frame
Next, you will need to assemble the frame of your outdoor dog bed. Take two 24-inch lengths of 2x4s and use your drill to attach them at each end with screws. Do this for both sets of 2x4s so that you have two frames – one 24″ x 24″ square frame and one 17″ x 17″ square frame.
Once securely attached, attach each set to its corresponding piece of plywood using more screws. This completes the frame for your outdoor dog bed!
Step Three: Adding Cushioning & Fabric Covering
Now it’s time to add cushioning and fabric covering to your outdoor dog bed! Begin by laying out a foam insulation board in each corner on top of the frame you just built. Use scissors or a knife to remove any excess foam underneath the structure.
Then place a layer of polyester batting over top of this foam insulation board before finally adding a layer of fabric over the top – make sure that it is stretched tight enough that it does not sag on either side when placed on top of the bed! Finally, secure all sides with staples or nails so that it does not move around when used by your pup!
Also Read: Are Elevated Beds Good For Dogs?
What Is The Coolest Material For A Dog Bed?
Memory foam is a great choice for dog beds because it can provide excellent comfort and support to your pup. Memory foam is temperature-sensitive, so it easily contours to the shape of your dog’s body as it lies down.
It also absorbs weight evenly across its surface, reducing joint pressure points and relieving muscle tension in long-term use. This material allows air to circulate through its cells freely, providing breathability and firmness without sacrificing comfort or support. Additionally, memory foam can help protect against allergens since dust mites cannot live in the tight cells of this material.
You could opt for regular polyurethane memory foam that is porous enough to let air flow or go for more advanced options such as viscoelastic gel memory foams, which are slightly more expensive but much denser than conventional foams giving even better orthopedic support to your pet.
Also Read: What To Put In A Dog House For Bedding?
Bottom Line:
Now that you know how to make a outdoor dog bed for hot summers, why not try? With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can create something special for your pup that he or she will love – plus, it won’t break the bank either! So don’t wait – get started today! Your dog will thank you later!