The Best Dog Diapers for Your Canine Friend in 2022

Best Dog Diapers: Buying Guide & FAQs

Picking a diaper for your pet pooch is not that difficult, is it? After all, it would be just like picking the most absorbent, the most comfortable, and the easiest diaper to put onto your baby. Or is it? We’ve prepared this comprehensive dog diaper buying guide to help you sort out the best product for your pooch.

Reasons Why Dogs May Need Dog Diapers

It is not unusual to get funny, odd looks from other people whenever you have a dog walking down the streets in its own diapers. For many folks it simply is very unusual, sometimes even considered crazy, to fit elimination underwear on dogs. But there are actually reasons why our canine friends are better off with these doggie undergarments rather than walking around with their butts and genitals exposed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs may need diapers.

• Canine urinary incontinence

What happens in incontinence is that urine simply passes out of the urethra even when the dog doesn’t want to or even when the bladder is not yet full of urine. A variety of mechanism can be at play which allows the urine to leak through the sphincter of the bladder. Canine urinary incontinence can be brought about by a variety of conditions including the following:

• Weakened state of the urinary bladder sphincter
• Presence of urinary stones
• Hormonal imbalance
• Disorders of the prostate gland
• Presence of a urinary tract infection
• Congenital abnormalities to the bladder
• Protrusion of the intervertebral disc
• Side effects of certain medications
• Problems with the normal anatomy of the bladder and associated structures
• Injury to the spinal cord or degeneration of the spinal cord
• Diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism, kidney disease, and other health conditions that can lead to excessive consumption of water

If the reason for urinary incontinence involves any of these conditions and not really a behavioral one, then your veterinarian can help. He will perform a very thorough examination to help determine the actual cause and plan out a more definitive treatment plan. While waiting for the treatment, your pooch can really do benefit from the use of diapers. You’d be glad, too, since you will not really have to worry about having to clean up your dog’s mess every time it pees.

• Female dogs that are in heat

If you have a female pooch that is presently in heat, one of the things that will perhaps get your attention is the constant licking of your pooch on its vulva. Unfortunately, the smell will also permeate through the neighborhood and begin attracting male dogs within striking distance. Do understand that diapers are in no way effective means of contraception as a very eager and resourceful male pooches will easily find a way to work around the diaper. At any rate, having this undergarment on, you should be able to dampen the scent of a female dog in heat. Other than that, you’d be glad there won’t be any stains on your carpet, upholstery, and even bedding. That said, it should also be perfect for female dogs that are menstruating.

• Canine cognitive dysfunction

Among elderly humans, it is not unusual to have urinary incontinence especially those with certain cognitive deficits like Alzheimer’s disease. You might be surprised to learn that there is actually an equivalent of this disease among dogs and it is known as canine cognitive dysfunction or CCD. This typically affects canines that are at least 11 years old and is often characterized by forgetfulness. Technically, the old pooch simply forgets how to control its urination. Exactly how this works is still poorly understood. What experts do observe is that it mostly occurs in elderly dogs that have no other organic cause other than some degenerative changes in the brain’s structure, leading them to believe that it is synonymous with the Alzheimer’s disease in humans. That said, having forgotten how to urinate, your dog should benefit well from a diaper.

• House training

Some folks put diapers in their pooches while undergoing housetraining. Unfortunately, the obvious benefit of this is not for the dog but rather for the owner. When used in house training pooches, these contraptions only serve to protect the home from accidents and intentional peeing. Experts agree that you don’t need to have your pooch wear a diaper in this case. You only need to establish a routine that can include more frequent trips outside your home.

Types of Dog Diapers

Whether it is for human use or for dogs you can expect that there will be different types of diapers you can use to help catch your dog’s urine. Here are some of the more common ones.

• Disposable

As the name suggests this type of canine diapers is what your dog will use one-time only. Once it is soiled, simply remove it and discard it. It is, thus the go-to diaper for those you require something for occasional or temporary use. The reason for this is quite simple. If you’re looking at the long-term use of canine diapers, you’ll end up paying more because you cannot reuse the undergarment that your dog has already soiled. Additionally, they are usually less breathable than other types of diapers, especially the fabric or cloth ones. If used in the long term, these can cause skin irritation. They’re not eco-friendly, too.

• Reusable

Also known as washable diapers, reusable undergarments are typically designed like disposable ones except that they integrate a certain section where sanitary pads can be inserted for extra absorption. Do take note that this is often not necessary especially if your pooch does not really urinate or pass vaginal discharge that heavily. The core of these canine diapers is already integrated with an absorbent material, usually cotton. The core is usually covered with plastic to help prevent leaks while an outer layer, mostly made up of nylon, affords the undergarment some weather protection and wind-proofing. The leg opening comes with elastic bindings allowing for more efficient movement without impairing mobility. These also come with an additional hole at the back, allowing for passing the tail of your pooch. An elastic band ensures a good fit around your pooch’s body.

Reusable or washable dog diapers are perfect for pets that have incontinence issues or those that have other diseases such as those found in geriatric dogs. These provide economy and absolute value as you don’t necessarily have to buy a ton. You only need several pieces and you’re good. The only downside, of course, is in the washing. You’d really have to wash the diapers before using them again on your dog.

• Belly band

This type of diaper is more like a human male brief with a center section designed to catch and absorb urine. There are no coverings on the backside and the tail of your dog. These diapers are primarily indicated for male dogs that love to mark their territories, especially inside the home. Do understand that this will not provide full protection from accidents, but it sure does a great job of preventing territorial spraying.

• Homemade

Sometimes you really don’t need to buy anything. You can make your dog its own diapers using used old clothes or fabric items at home. All you need is a bit of imagination and you’re done. It’s practical and shows just how much care you put into creating something for your pooch.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Diaper

Choosing the right diaper for your pooch entails looking into the following considerations.

• Intended use

If you intend to use the diaper on your dog for a longer period of time, then you might want to consider getting reusable or washable dog diapers instead.

However, if you’re only looking at occasional use, disposable dog diapers will surely come in handy.

• Type of diaper

We have already discussed the different kinds or types of diapers, typically depending on your needs. As we have already mentioned, if you want practicality that lasts, go for washable dog diapers. If you want a male dog diaper, then a belly band will suit just fine.

• Materials

Reusable diapers are typically made of cloth materials, allowing for repeated washings while also providing your pooch with greater comfort. On the other hand, disposable dog diapers are super-absorbent. Unfortunately, their impact on the environment can be one of the most troublesome downsides to its use, not to mention it can be costly in the long run.

• Correct size

What’s the use of a diaper if it cannot catch and absorb moisture correctly or if it cannot provide comfort while being worn? These have something to do with the diaper’s size so choosing the right size is tantamount to choosing the best dog diapers.

• Dogs’ or humans’?

It is actually possible to use human baby diapers, provided of course that they fit your pooch well. However, a much better alternative is to really use a diaper that is specifically designed for dogs. Nevertheless, if you already have plenty of extra baby diapers at home and your baby is no longer using them, you may want to use these as well.

Choosing a Correctly Fitting Dog Diaper

Like any other product to be worn by your pooch it is important to get the most accurate measurement of your pooch’s size. This is to make sure that you don’t have any leaks occurring anywhere in the diaper while also giving your pooch the comfort it needs wearing these contraptions.

1. Weigh your pooch.
2. Measure your dog’s waist while it is standing. When measuring a male dog, make sure to take into consideration the length of its penis so that this will also be covered by the diaper. Otherwise, you will still have leaky problems.

Disposable dog diapers typically come in sizes that take into consideration a dog’s weight and size of its waist. While these can be helpful tools, it is still highly recommended that you take very accurate measurements of your dog and compare it with the manufacturer’s size recommendations. If it comes to choosing between the weight and the waist size, you’d be better off focusing on the size of the waist. For instance, your pooch may already weigh about 10 pounds but its waist is only 10 inches, then you’d have to pick an extra-small dog diaper and not a small one.

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How to Avoid Dog Diaper Rash and Discomfort

Canine diaper rash and discomfort are two very common consequences of using doggie diapers. These typically develop because of prolonged contact of the dog’s skin on urine-soaked diapers.

As such, here are some ways you can help your pooch avoid these two inconveniences.

• Use only diaper lining that is super absorbent and soft or gentle on the skin.
• Make sure to get the correct size of diapers; not too loose and not too tight.
• Change your dog’s diaper every time it pees. Don’t wait for it to get soiled or overly soaked in urine. This is where a washable dog diaper can be very practical.
• Ask your vet for any topical application that can be used on your dog’s skin to help minimize rashes.
• Use unscented baby wipes to clean your pooch’s skin as well as behind. Ask your vet for other recommendations.
• If your pooch is fecal incontinent, too, you might want to check with your vet the proper way of cleaning the mess and taking care of your dog’s anus.

Check out our ultimate guide on the Best Dog Wipes.

Diapers are an excellent way to help minimize your dog’s mess in your home. It also helps make your dog feel more comfortable while it is trying to reestablish control for its incontinence. Doggie diapers are also exceptional when it comes to managing a female dog’s secretions during menstruation and/or ovulation. As such choosing the best doggie diaper is a must.

Our Top Pick

We always save the best for the first and thus, our top pick is the one on the first one on the list, Wegreeco Washable Male Dog Diapers. This washable male dog wraps will prevent any messes, doesn’t matter if your pet is fully potty-trained or not. If your dog has aged, they might be having incontinence or leakage problems. However, the high-quality, breathable and soft fabrics will keep your dog’s skin smooth and dry for hours. The good part is, the soft materials make it light and convenient for you to carry it with you for vacations. Now even your dog can enjoy the five-star hotel luxuries with you, without messing around the place.

Take a look at our article on the Best Indoor Dog Potty.

The Wegreeco diapers are mainly designed for everyday use and are able to survive numerous washes. This is where the great quality of the product comes in, showcasing its durability. These are totally adjustable to your dog’s waist size and with the large Velcro closures, it is easier to secure around their belly. Plus, enjoy the 100% waterproof on the outside as well as prevents any sort of leakage from the inside. Get your pet one of these Wegreeco Washable Male Diapers. Enjoy your life and let your doggo enjoy with you too!

In Conclusion

Now that finally there is a solution for your male dog’s hygiene concerns. Help your dog with one of these stylish belly bands and save your home from the unpleasant odor of urine or places where your dog likes to leave its mark. They are not just an excellent solution for your dog, but also your life savior that enriches your moments with your pets. You no longer have to shut your furry family member outside of the house as these unique belly bands allow you to keep them in your house, closer to you. Let us know in the comments section which belly band impressed you the most and which is the one you are going to buy!

Sources:

1. Ryan Corrigan, How to Buy Dog Diapers, wikiHow
2. Louise Lawson, Homemade Dog Diapers, The Nest
3. Amanda Simonson, DVM, What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Dogs and How Do You Treat It?, PetMD