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Dog diapers can be helpful for a female dog in heat or when a medical issue lessens a dog’s bladder control. If your dog isn’t accustomed to wearing a diaper, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s needs and give lots of praise when introducing the diaper. We spoke to a veterinarian about the reasons for using dog diapers, types of dog diapers, sizes and fit, and tips for maintaining proper hygiene.
Uses of Dog Diapers
Dog diapers are primarily a sanitary measure to keep your home clean and tidy such as in the following situations:
Urinary Incontinence
Some puppies display submissive urination in response to fear. Along with peeing, they might show submissive behaviors like avoiding eye contact or flattening their ears. Puppies also tend to experience excitation urination while playing or greeting someone. This type of urination tends to resolve with age and proper training.
As adults, female dogs are more prone to urinary incontinence than male dogs. “In females, a lot of times, this condition is related to the hormone estrogen,” says Bethany Hsia, DVM, veterinarian at CodaPet. “Male dogs don’t generally have true incontinence and are more likely to have excitation or submissive urination.” If your dog shows signs of incontinence, your vet will need to rule out other causes like a urinary tract infection, bladder condition, or diabetes.
Female Dogs in Heat
Every six months, unspayed female dogs go into heat, accompanied by bleeding and more frequent urination. Putting your dog in a diaper can help contain the blood and deter them from licking their vaginal area. However, it’s important to note that diapers don’t prevent dogs from mating, says Dr. Hsia.
Post-Surgery or Injury
Diapers can be a temporary aid while your dog is recovering from surgery or an injury. One scenario is a dog that’s recently had back surgery and their nerve function is expected to improve once the swelling and inflammation go down. Another scenario is a dog with an injury or mobility problem that makes it difficult for them to support their weight while peeing. Before using dog diapers, check with your vet if it’s okay for the diaper to cover the incision or injury site.
Senior Dogs
A diaper can be helpful for senior dogs who have difficulty getting up to relieve themselves. Cognitive issues may also contribute to accidents. As with younger dogs, urinary incontinence is more common among older female dogs than males.
Male dogs may display marking behaviors or pee when excited. When dogs smell urine in the house, they’re more likely to pee or mark in the same place. Therefore, a diaper can be an effective tool while working with a behaviorist to change the behavior.
Potty Training
When housetraining your dog, you may wish to use diapers temporarily to reinforce training. “But you still have to take off the diaper, let your puppy out, and praise them for going in the appropriate places,” Dr. Hsia says. Cleaning up urine and feces will help prevent future accidents. If your puppy experiences potty training regression, the underlying cause should be investigated and treated before turning to dog diapers.
When Not to Use Diapers for Dogs
Dr. Hsia emphasizes how important it is to supervise your dog while they’re wearing a diaper. Going out or leaving your dog unattended can become a life-threatening situation if they manage to tear off the diaper or ingest pieces of it. Even if they don’t eat the diaper, they might still pull it off, meaning it’s no longer effective at absorbing urine.
Moreover, diapers aren’t a good choice if your dog has diarrhea. “If you have tile flooring, it’s easier to clean up a potty pad than cleaning the back end of your dog,” she says. “As a general rule, you don’t want to keep diarrhea close to a dog’s body.” It’s better for them to soil a potty pad that you can dispose of quickly.
Another caution about diapers is that they’re not a substitute for veterinary care. Depending on your dog’s condition, they may require medication or surgery. Contact your veterinarian, if you notice any of the following signs:
- Reduced bladder control
- Increased frequency or volume of urination
- Stopping mid-pee and restarting in another location
- Whimpering or groaning while peeing
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Bloody urine that’s not from being in heat
Some dogs may have a condition called polyuria and polydipsia (PU/PD) which refers to excessive urination and excessive thirst, respectively. “These are usually signs of a metabolic condition like diabetes,” she says. “A diaper can be an aid as you’re waiting for a vet appointment, test results, or medications to take effect, but it’s not a Band-Aid.”
Types of Dog Diapers
Dog diapers are like baby diapers except they have a hole for the dog’s tail. Many diapers can be used for male and female dogs, so long as they cover the intended anatomy, Dr. Hsia says.
Reusable or Disposable
Disposable diapers tend to be more expensive and less environmentally friendly than reusable dog diapers. The disposable ones are more convenient if you’re traveling with your dog. Reusable diapers are made of cloth to draw liquid away from the body and need regular laundering. An alternative to buying new cloth diapers is purchasing second-hand diapers or sewing them yourself.
Dogs in Heat
Some diapers are designed for female dogs and “have a strip of cloth that goes from the top of their back around their hind end and secures on the belly,” she says. For extra absorbency, you can line the diaper with a disposable diaper liner or feminine hygiene pad for humans and replace it instead of changing the diaper every time. Using hygiene pads can also extend the life of a reusable dog diaper.
Closures
Diapers have snaps, Velcro, or a hook and eye closure to keep them in place. Some diapers have straps or additional snaps to adjust the size. For smaller dogs, there are diapers with a strip of cloth that goes around the neck to anchor it in place, she says.
Measuring Your Dog
Many companies have measuring charts and instructions for choosing the right size. Typically, you’ll need to know your dog’s weight in addition to measuring their waist and the area between their hind end and stomach. The diaper should cover where urine comes out, so you’ll need to measure the widest part of the dog’s abdomen.
The diaper should fit snugly without being tight. “You want to be able to slip your fingers underneath the band and comfortably slip them back out without pinching your dog,” she says. “I would err on the side of loose when you’re starting to prevent chafing, skin irritation, or hair loss.
Measurements also depend on whether your dog’s coat is fluffy or sleek. “Sometimes, big, fluffy dogs end up looking compressed when they’re not,” she says. “The fit from one company may be slightly different from another company, so it can come down to trial and error when choosing a diaper.”
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
Change your dog’s diaper when it gets soiled. In addition, check to see that the skin under the diaper “isn’t staying wet, because this can lead to yeast or bacterial growth,” Dr. Hsia says. She suggests using wipes or a waterless shampoo or giving them a bath and drying them before putting on a new diaper.
Remove the diaper before letting your dog out to potty. If the diaper isn’t soiled, you can put it back on later. It’s also a good idea to take the diaper off every few hours to give them a break. If your dog is unable to get up and relieve themselves, “you have to be very vigilant that they’re not getting bed sores or urine scalds from a soiled diaper,” she says.
Whether it’s a diaper, potty pad, or blanket, sitting in urine or feces can lead to other complications. Disposable diapers can be thrown out. You can wash reusable diapers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful about putting diapers in the dryer if they have snaps that can melt.
Getting Your Dog Accustomed to Diapers
Introducing a diaper should be a positive experience for your dog. “Make sure they’re calm, call them using happy voices, give them a treat, and lovingly put the diaper on while petting them,” Dr. Hsia says. Offer them lots of praise, pets, and treats.
Another tip is to start training your dog before they need a diaper. For example, if your female dog hasn’t gone into heat yet, you can try putting the diaper on for a few minutes and giving her treats. Dogs can pick up on stress, so the earlier you start, the less panicked both of you will be. Even in unexpected situations, a diaper can help your dog get through the healing process with dignity, she says.
The post Everything You Need to Know About Diapers for Dogs appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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