Dog diapers are a great idea for a dog that has developed urinary incontinence, is suffering from dementia and forgotten his housetraining, or even recovering from surgery and isn’t able to get out.
Yes you can re-use dog diapers if they are the type that can be washed and worn again. Disposables are also options for those that want the convenience of being able to toss them after one use.
It’s definitely no fun coming home and finding a big pee stain on your carpet. What about walking on your beautiful floors with socks, then stepping in a puddle you didn’t notice? Dog diapers can be the solution. While the re-usable ones may cost a bit more than disposables, in the long run they will be much more cost effective.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please don’t use diapers in place of housetraining.
Can you use female dog diapers on a male dog?
While there are brands that sell diapers specifically for males and females, plenty can be used interchangeably.
Another option to a diaper for a male is something called a belly band. It wraps around your dog’s stomach covering his private parts so it catches the urine. If your dog likes to mark in the house, a belly band could be the help you’re looking for. Some people cut a Kotex pad and fit it into the belly band for extra absorbency.
How to choose the right size reusable dog diaper
Sizing is important. Too small will be uncomfortable and may not adequately cover your dog. Too big will fall off or leave gaps, not holding what it needs to hold. Manufacturers usually include sizing charts to help you decide but here’s a tip to help as well.
Measure your dog’s waist in front of his or her back legs. If your dog is in between two sizes, use weight to help you decide. For example, if your dog is relatively thin go down a size, if he’s heavier go up one.
I noticed how much sizes vary by brand, so be sure and check the sizing chart of each brand. A medium in one may be very different to a medium in another.
Pet Magasin Washable Belly Nappies for Male Dogs
| Size | Waist Girth |
| Small | 7″-13″ |
| Medium | 14″-22″ |
| Large | 19″-27″ |
Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers
| Size | Waist Girth |
| X Small | 4″-10″ |
| Small | 9″-15″ |
| Medium | 14″-20″ |
| Large | 19″-27″ |
| XLarge | 26″-35″ |
What features to look for in a dog diaper
Here are some tips on things to consider when looking for a dog diaper.
♦ Be sure to get the one designed for the sex of your dog
♦ Absorbency will vary, so if your dog is peeing rather than just dribbling urine, absorbency is an important factor. A sanitary pad added to the diaper can also help with that. Poise is the brand many people use
♦ Fast drying mesh can help keep moisture away from your dog’s skin
♦ You may want an odour control layer
♦ Some diapers change colour when they’re wet so you can easily tell when it needs to be changed
♦ Velcro fasteners make it easy to put on, and some say specifically it won’t get stuck to the fur
♦ They come in plenty of colours and designs for the fashion conscious!
How to get a diaper to stay on a dog
There are some super easy-going dogs out there that will put up with a lot, and that includes wearing a diaper. What about those that aren’t as accommodating?
♦ The first tip is to get the right size as we talked about earlier
♦ Dog body suits have been designed to keep the diaper in place, or try a baby onesie. If you try the onesie be sure to cut a hole in the back for your dog’s tail, and do it when it’s not on the dog. You don’t want to risk him moving around and getting hurt.
♦ Diaper suspenders are another great option, and work well for dogs that are active.
♦ I’ve read little boy’s underwear in a size slightly smaller than your dog’s waist measurement could do the trick. I don’t know why I haven’t read anything about using girl’s underwear, maybe because of the difference in design. It might be worth trying.
♦ If somehow your dog manages to loosen the tabs, a bit of masking tape should prevent that from happening.
How long can a dog wear a diaper?
As soon as a diaper has been soiled it should be changed. I would check every 3 hours or so to be sure. Leaving a dog in a wet diaper can quickly lead to rash and other skin irritations.
Wash the area with a mild dog shampoo or doggie wipe, and dry thoroughly. A dog friendly ointment or cream should help clear the rash, but please do not use a baby diaper rash cream. The ingredients could be toxic. Speak to your vet about the type he recommends and keep some on hand.
How to wash a reusable dog diaper
The brand you buy will come with washing instructions, and instructions will vary. You’ll usually see suggestions to fasten the velcro, turn the diaper inside out, pre-soak, then machine wash using regular detergent.
Some brands recommend warm water, others cold. Some are okay drying on a low heat, others say hang to dry. Bleach or fabric softener don’t seem to ever be advisable.
Again, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What brand of reusable dog diapers should I buy?
I know of a lot of senior dog parents who use diapers for their old dogs. A few of the most commonly mentioned brands are –
- Wegreeco
- Pet Magasin
- Amazon brand
- JoyDaog washable belly bands
- Teamoy brand
- Paw Parents belly bands
- Vet’s Best Comfort-Fit Wrap
A few who use baby diapers like the Target brand
All of the above, except of course the baby diapers from Target, can be found on Amazon through this link. (Please note this is an affiliate link, which means if you buy something I may make a small commission. This has no affect on the price you pay, but will help keep this blog running.)
If you use doggie diapers, which brand have you found to be the most effective? Sharing helps others so leave a comment below.
Additional resources
If one of the reasons for using diaper is due to incontinence, take a few minutes and read through the posts below. I’m sure you will find them very helpful.
“How to Deal With Older Dog Incontinence“
“Incontinence in Senior Dogs: What to Do and How to Help“
Can You Change an Old Dog’s Name?
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