6 Free DIY Bailey Chair for Dogs You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
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Bailey chairs can be vital for many dogs. These chairs can look strange in pictures, especially when a dog is using them. After all, they make the dog sit up while eating!
However, these chairs actually have a medical purpose. They’re designed for dogs with megaesophagus, which makes it hard for these canines to swallow. To help their food reach their stomach, these chairs allow them to use gravity.
Sadly, Bailey chairs can be incredibly expensive. However, there are several plans out there for making your own.
Top 6 Free DIY Bailey Chair Plans for Dogs
1. Cuteness Bailey Chair Plan
| Materials: | Nails, Pillow, Plywood |
| Tools: | Saw, Tape Measure, Hammer |
| Difficulty: | Beginner |
Every dog is different and, in some cases, you may need an adjustable Bailey chair to make it possible for your dog to eat. Luckily, this free plan offers just that. It’s very easy to make, as well. The instructions are easy to follow and built with a beginner in mind. Plus, the tools and materials required are extremely simple to use and easy to find. You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this chair.
2. Cushioned Bailey Chair
| Materials: | Hinges, Pocket Screws, Plywood, Wood Glue |
| Tools: |
Jigsaw, Drill, Circular Saw, Router, Speed Square, Pocket Hole Jig, Sander
|
| Difficulty: | Medium |
This plan is also pretty straightforward. However, it utilizes a lot more tools than other plans, making it more appropriate for those with DIY experience. If you don’t already have these tools laying around, making this plan can be expensive.
The cushions are technically completely optional. However, in our opinion, they’re what makes this plan so great. Many dogs lose weight before they’re diagnosed with megaesophagus, so having some extra padding may be helpful.
3. Simple Bailey Chair
| Materials: | Zip Ties, Saw, Foam, Blanket, Bracket, Peg Board |
| Tools: | Razor, Ruler |
| Difficulty: | Beginner |
If you need a Bailey chair as soon as possible, this extremely simple plan can be thrown together very quickly. It doesn’t necessarily look the best, but it is one of the easiest plans out there. The materials are also extremely cheap, and you may even have several laying around your house.
4. Advanced Bailey Chair
| Materials: |
Foam Padding, Wood Glue, Plywood, Hinges, Hook and Eye Latch Sets, Flat-head Brad Nails
|
| Tools: | Saw, Hammer, Drill, Screwdriver, Sandpaper |
| Difficulty: | Advanced |
On the other side of the spectrum, this chair is much more advanced. The plans are pretty easy to follow, but they are best for someone that has made a few woodworking DIYs before. However, the end result looks very professional and practical. Therefore, it’s a great option for those that are looking for something a bit more advanced.
5. Ashley’s Bailey Chair
| Materials: |
Stainless Steel Bowl, Door Hinges, Clear Gloss Spray Can, Spray Adhesive, Plywood, Pocket Hole Screws, EVA Foam Flooring, Black Cardstock
|
| Tools: | Router, Orbital Sander, Drill, Table Saw, Jigsaw, Pocket Hole Jig |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
The instructions and guide for this plan are pretty easy to follow. However, you do need many advanced woodworking tools, which makes it more suitable for intermediate and advanced woodworkers. In the end, this plan does make a very beautiful, professional chain that works well. You can even choose to include a personalized nameplate.
6. The “Official” Chair
| Materials: | Varies |
| Tools: | Varies |
| Difficulty: | Varies |
K9 Megaesophagus has official guidelines for Bailey Chairs on its website, along with several examples of chairs made by real people. Bailey chairs can come in all shapes and sizes, and their examples really show that. Of course, because they don’t provide any very specific plans, it may be a bit harder for some people to come up with ideas. However, those who like to DIY or have a knack for building may find this the best possible plan thanks to the range of their ideas.
Final Thoughts
If your dog was diagnosed with megaesophagus, it may seem like life suddenly got a lot harder. However, a Bailey chair can make things much easier and help manage their condition. While these chairs can be hard to find commercially, making your own isn’t too difficult if you use a DIY plan.
We included all sorts of options above for a range of skill levels, so you should be able to pick the best option for you and your canine.
