DIY Dog Toy Snake: A No-Waste Guide to Upcycled Fun

Updated at: 27/03/2025

Tired of overflowing bins and expensive store-bought dog toys that barely last a week? Then get ready to unleash your inner crafting genius and create a fun, durable, and completely free dog toy! This guide shows you how to upcycle old materials into a captivating snake toy your canine companion will adore. We’ll be transforming discarded fabrics, old t-shirts, or even those lonely socks lurking in the back of your drawer into a stimulating, interactive plaything that's both environmentally friendly and budget-conscious. Saying goodbye to guilt-inducing waste and hello to happy playtime has never been easier.

This no-waste DIY project is perfect for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while providing their furry friend with hours of entertainment. Forget the pricey squeaky toys and flimsy ropes; this durable snake is built to withstand even the most enthusiastic chewers. Ready to get started and create this fantastic toy? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric scraps
  • Squeakers
  • Stuffing (batting)
  • Sewing machine
  • Needle
  • Thread (black and regular)
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
Safety Guidelines
  • Supervise your dog while playing with any homemade toy. Remove the toy if it becomes damaged or parts are chewed off to prevent choking hazards.
  • Avoid using materials that could be toxic if ingested, such as rubber bands, buttons with paint, or fabrics treated with harsh chemicals. Only use clean, non-toxic materials.
  • Ensure all seams and edges are securely stitched or knotted to prevent your dog from swallowing small pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fabric

    • Sew the two good sides of the fabric together, leaving a gap for stuffing.
    Prepare the fabric: Sew the two good sides of the fabric together, leaving a gap for stuffing.
    Prepare the Fabric

  2. Trim and Turn

    • Trim the excess fabric around the sewn snake shape, leaving a gap for stuffing and turning.
    • Turn the fabric inside out, using fingers or a pokey tool if needed.
    Turn inside out: Turn the fabric inside out, using fingers or a pokey tool if needed.Turn inside out: Turn the fabric inside out, using fingers or a pokey tool if needed.
    Trim and Turn

  3. Stuff and Add Squeakers

    • Stuff the snake with batting, and insert squeakers at intervals. Use scissors to help push the stuffing and squeakers into place.
    Stuff and add squeakers: Stuff the snake with batting, and insert squeakers at intervals. Use scissors to help push the stuffing and squeakers into place.
    Stuff and Add Squeakers

  4. Close the Opening

    • Use a strong thread to securely close the opening using a ladder stitch, pinching the fabric slightly.
    Sew the opening shut: Use a strong thread to securely close the opening using a ladder stitch, pinching the fabric slightly.
    Close the Opening

  5. Reinforce Squeakers

    • Use the sewing machine to create separation between squeakers, preventing them from shifting.
    Reinforce squeaker placement: Use the sewing machine to create separation between squeakers, preventing them from shifting.
    Reinforce Squeakers

  6. Add Eyes

    • Sew on black thread eyes for safety; avoid buttons or plastic eyes.
    Add eyes: Sew on black thread eyes for safety; avoid buttons or plastic eyes.Add eyes: Sew on black thread eyes for safety; avoid buttons or plastic eyes.
    Add Eyes

Read more: How to Make a Tiny Loom Band Animal Toy (Rainbow Dog Tutorial)

Tips

  • Order squeakers in bulk for affordability.
  • Use scissors (carefully!) instead of a pencil for stuffing; they're more effective.
  • Wrap squeakers in batting before inserting for better distribution and preventing shifting.
  • Double up the thread for strength when closing the seam and adding eyes.
  • Use a ladder stitch for a secure and neat closure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Stuffing is too loose

Reason: The snake becomes floppy and less engaging for the dog to play with.
Solution: Use more stuffing or choose a stuffing material with better density to create a firmer snake.

2. Seams are not securely stitched

Reason: The snake can easily rip open, presenting a choking hazard and rendering the toy unusable.
Solution: Reinforce seams with double stitching or use a stronger thread and stitch multiple times.

3. Using unsafe materials

Reason: Certain fabrics or stuffing materials can be toxic if ingested by the dog.
Solution: Only use pet-safe fabrics and stuffing materials that are non-toxic and durable.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a DIY dog toy snake?
You'll primarily need old fabric scraps (t-shirts, towels, etc.), strong thread or yarn, and stuffing material (old clothes, cotton batting, etc.). A needle and scissors are also essential.
How durable is this DIY dog toy snake?
The durability depends on the fabric used and how tightly you sew it. Sturdier fabrics like denim or canvas will create a more long-lasting toy. Supervise your dog during playtime to prevent excessive chewing and potential ingestion of small pieces.
My dog is a very aggressive chewer; will this toy still be suitable?
For extremely aggressive chewers, choose very durable fabrics and sew the seams multiple times for extra strength. Even then, it's crucial to monitor playtime and replace the toy if it shows significant wear and tear to prevent choking hazards. Consider using tougher materials like old belts or sturdy rope for a more resilient toy in this case.