Reliable Dog Diapers

Dogs who are in heat or incontinent due to injury, old age, illness or paralysis may need diapers. Your specific situation will dictate whether your dog needs them on a daily basis or only during occasional "problem times." Your pup's gender will determine the type of coverage you'll need.

  1. Reliability and Options

    • Dog diaper reliability depends on coverage, absorbency and whether the diaper stays on your particular dog's body. Size, weight, sex, tail orientation, conformation, cooperation and whether the issue is liquid or solid all play roles in determining the right doggie diaper -- what works for one dog may not securely fit another. Trial and error is necessary: Adjust and experiment until you find the perfect formula for your unique pet. Dog diapers exist in a variety of forms at full-service pet stores, and tried-and-true DIY methods have existed as long as dogs have been indoors.

    Commercial Dog Diapers

    • Diapers made specifically for doggies are available in disposable and washable options. Washable versions are far cheaper in the long run, and more environmentally friendly; many pet owners claim they're more absorbent for urine and for estrus. They can be custom-ordered for your pup's exact measurements, and most are adjustable to improve fit. They're not terribly easy for Fido to destroy. Disposable dog diapers, on the other hand, prevent having to wash dog feces out of cloth. The duration of need and your personal squeamishness will probably factor into your choice.

    Belly Bands

    • Dog diapers tend to be built with female anatomy in mind. Males who suffer from urinary incontinence do better with a belly band. Like diapers, these are available commercially in disposable or reusable forms, or can be made at home. They wrap around your pup's bodies, cover the penis with an absorbent pad, and close over the back with a fastener such as Velcro. You can make your own out of fleece or laminated material lined with terrycloth. You can reinforce a belly band with disposable absorbent pads. Reliability depends on secure fit and prompt changing.

    Human Diapers

    • Repurposing human diapers can be a cheaper option than buying pet diapers, and they offer a similar level of reliability. Women's urinary incontinence diapers tend to be the most absorbent, but some contain gel that leaks out if you cut a hole to accommodate your dog's tail. Infant and toddler swim diapers are highly absorbent and leak-proof, and they will stand up to having a tail hole cut in the back. The drawbacks are that these aren't built with canines in mind -- the leg holes may offer loose fit, allowing leakage -- and they're also easy for dogs to tear and remove.

    Pads

    • Absorbent pads are suited for slipping inside other devices to increase absorbency. Human incontinence pads are available in most grocery and drug stores, commercial doggy pads are available in pet stores. Roxanne Hawn, caretaker of a completely incontinent dog, suggests making a diaper by placing an absorbent pad inside boys' underwear. The tail will go through the fly hole, and the elastic waistband and leg bands keep the underwear in place. You can cinch the underwear with a fastener or take them in permanently for a tighter fit.