Best Dog Diapers for Your Male or Female Friend

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Accidents happen. It’s a fact of life for us humans and for our four-legged friends. For a variety of reasons, you may find yourself cleaning up after your dog far too often than you’d like.

For me, I was fortunate enough to have a dog that lived long enough to lose control of her bladder. As much as I hated having to clean up after her all the time, that wasn’t the worst part by a stretch.

My gorgeous girl felt so guilty every time she had an accident and the look on her face just broke my heart to pieces. Thankfully I found out about doggie diapers, which was able to give us both a solution to our messy little problem.

I’ll share with you all you need to know about dog diapers for either your male or female dog. From tips to using them properly to my favorite diapers for dogs, it’s all here to help you and your pup live a healthier, happier life together.

Why Would My Dog Need Diapers?

There are many reasons why you and your dog could benefit from using dog diapers. Urinary incontinence, heat, and cognitive dysfunction are all good reasons to turn to dog diapers.

Incontinence

Incontinence simply means no longer having the ability to control elimination. It can happen in our beloved pets for many reasons. Urinary incontinence can come about for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to:

• A problem in the urinary system such as a bladder infection, tumor, polyp, or kidney stone

• Weakend urethral sphincter due to a female being spayed (most common cause)

• Overflow incontinence due to an illness that causes excessive thirst, such as Cushing’s

• Developmental abnormalities in the urinary tract

• Hormonal imbalance, especially in females

• Age related issues like arthritis or spinal problems making it painful or awkward to position the body for elimination

• Medication use that increases urine production

Intact Female in Heat

When female dogs who have not been spayed come into heat, a dog diaper is a very useful tool to keep things clean. Scientifically called “estrus”, heat is when a female dog becomes receptive to mating with male dogs.

She will have her first heat between the ages of 6-24 months and will go into heat approximately twice per year during her reproductive years. Heat will last about 18 days and during that time your female dog will release fluid from her body and have an increase in urine output.

Suffice it to say, you want to protect your furniture, rugs, and clothes from this fluid. I have always had my females spayed but if you are interested in breeding your dog, you can count on about 36 days per year of heat.

Cognitive Dysfunction

If we are so lucky to have our pet live into old age we may see their mental capabilities decline. This is called cognitive dysfunction or CCD. A form of dementia, CCD is compared to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Along with changes in behavior, activity level, and sleep cycles, your dog may have accidents in the house when he has CCD. Experts believe that the dog simply forgets to go until it’s too late.

Different Types of Diapers for Dogs

As you scan dog diaper reviews you will notice that there are three main kinds of dog diapers:

Disposable Diapers

These are diapers that are intended to be used once. When they become wet or soiled, you throw them away. I can see a real advantage to using these if you’re trying to get through your female’s heat. It’s a temporary problem and this is a temporary solution. If you used these long-term, however, there are some factors to consider. Disposables are not very gentle on the skin so if your dog is wearing them everyday, it could lead to rashes and discomfort. Disposables are not an eco-friendly choice, either. Finally, with long-term use you may get more value for your money with a diaper that can be worn repeatedly.

Reusable Diapers

As the name implies, these are diapers that are meant to be used over and over again. They are made of cloth that can be washed when wet or soiled. If you are like me, this option is appealing for a number of reasons. The impact on the environment is far less with diapers that are not simply thrown in a landfill after one use. I also like that these diapers are easier on my pet’s skin. The last thing I want to happen to my pet is for her to break out in a painful, irritating diaper rash.

Belly Bands

Designed for male dogs who like to mark their territory or aid in house training, this kind of diaper does not cover your dog’s backside or have a hole for his tail. They are meant to put pressure on the dog’s urethra so that when they go to pee in the house they are “reminded” not to do that by getting wet themselves.

How to Get the Right Fit

When selecting the size of your dog’s diaper, it’s important to accurately measure your dog’s waist. I purchased diapers based solely on my dog’s weight but they didn’t fit right because her waist was bigger than the recommended circumference for that size.

If you put a diaper on that doesn’t fit property, it may leak and you’ll have the same clean up problem you had before using diapers. A diaper that is too tight would be uncomfortable for your furry friend, a problem you definitely want to avoid.

This video can help you get an accurate measurement of your dog for the purpose of fitting a diaper correctly. Once you have the measurements, you can check the manufacturer’s size recommendations based on your findings and the size of the diaper. 

How to Put a Diaper on Your Dog Correctly

Whether you have a male or female dog, you will want to make sure your pup is properly cleaned when changing a diaper. I usually use a chemical-free disposable wipe to clean the diaper area and then I allow the skin to dry completely before putting on a new diaper.

Make sure your pet is in a calm and submissive state when attempting to put on the diaper. I typically use a few treats to reward the behavior I am seeking during this time.

If you have problems with the diaper falling off, you can try securing it with a belly band or a doggie onesie. There are several tips for correcting this problem that you can try.

Male Diapering

Open the diaper and if there is a hole for the tail, gently thread your dog’s tail through. Make sure his penis is fully enclosed in the diaper and fasten the velcro, snaps, or loops.

Female Diapering

Just as with your male dog, gently thread her tail through the hole at the back of the diaper. Close the diaper and secure with the velcro, snaps, or loops.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Skin Healthy While Wearing Diapers

Did you know your dog can get diaper rash just like a human baby? This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can even lead to infection if not allowed to properly heal.

One way to avoid diaper rash is to make sure the dog’s diaper area is thoroughly cleaned and completely dried between diaper changes. Wet skin is a breeding ground for rashes so pat dry at a minimum and allow some diaper free time between changes when the dog has an active rash.

A bit of powder between changes is a good idea to keep things dry. For skin that is inflamed, apply skin ointment or diaper cream to affected areas to help get the rash under control.

How to Compare Dog Diapers

When shopping for dog diapers, I suggest evaluating each brand with a standard set of criteria that matters to you most. This way, you will be comparing apples to apples among the various available brands and styles.

When I check out dog diaper reviews, I am interested in the following key points:

• Reliability: What leak protection is built-in to the design of the diaper?

• Wetness Indicator: How will I know when the diaper is wet?

• Fastener: What kind of fastener does it have? Velcro, snaps, and loops are common. Some velcro closures are more fur-friendly than others.

• Eco-Friendly: Reusable diapers are naturally more eco-friendly than disposables but there are some disposable diapers that decompose more easily than others.

• Washability: Can I wash the reusable diaper in my machine or will I have to hand wash them? Can they go in the dryer?

• Design: Is the diaper available in a wide array of colors?

• Pricing: What is the price per unit? How does that compare to other similar diapers?

Best Male Dog Diapers 

Pet Magasin Washable Belly Nappies Male Dog Diapers

Pros

• Eco-friendly reusable diapers
• Machine washable and dryer safe
• Velcro will not stick to fur
• Variety of colors and patterns
• Soft and comfortable, free from “crinkly” fabric that bothers some dogs
• Waterproof outer layer prevents leaks

Cons

• Velcro area is pretty big so may get snagged on things or pick up lint, etc.
• Run large, even when dog is accurately measured

Pricing: $12-$14 for a 3-pack

What the reviews of this best male dog diapers say:

• People rave about the leak protection of these diapers, washability, and how well the diaper stays on.

• Some customers complain that the stichting at the velcro is insufficient, that the velcro piece is too big so it picks up fuzz, and that they do not last well after multiple washings.

OUT! Disposable Male Dog Wraps

Pros

• Soft and comfortable
• Leak proof and highly absorbent
• Fur-friendly fasteners
• No washing necessary-just dispose in trash

Cons

• Not environmentally friendly
• Fasteners may be a bit flimsy
• Cost can add up if using long-term

Pricing: $9 for 12 count

What the reviews of this best male dog diapers say:

• Happy customers say that these diapers are leakproof and well-priced.

• Some buyers feel the fasteners do not work well.

Pet Parents Belly Band Male Dog Wrap

Pros

• Sewn-in pad for extra absorbency

• Waterproof exterior shell

• Superior stitching to ensure durability

• Non-abrasive material is comfortable

• Come in a variety of neutral colors like brown and black

Cons

• Difficult to fit correctly for very small or very large dogs

• Outer layer can become compromised if very wet

• Can slip off when dog is laying down

Pricing: $19-$30 for a 3-pack

What the reviews of this best male dog diapers say:

• Customers say that these diapers really work, stay in place, come in nice “dog” colors and are sturdy.

• Some people have had to add snaps after many months of use and that the velcro is actually too secure, coming off of the diaper when removing.

Best Female Dog Diapers

Pet Magasin Reusable Dog Diapers

Pros

• Customers love the bright colors, durability, and washability of these diapers.
• Some people feel the material is not absorbent enough and that they are not really unisex as they don’t cover the right parts of all male dogs.
• Soft, non-crinkly fabric keeps dog comfortable.
• Unique unisex design with tail-hole will fit male and female dogs
• Waterproof outer layer
• Bright, bold colors
• Washable and eco-friendly

Cons

• Sizing is inconsistent
• Tail hole is awkward for short-tailed dogs

Pricing: $15-$19 for 3-pack

What the reviews of this best female dog diaper say:

• Customers love the bright colors, durability, and washability of these diapers.
• Some people feel the material is not absorbent enough and that they are not really unisex as they don’t cover the right parts of all male dogs.

OUT Disposable Female Dog Diapers

Pros

• Soft and comfortable

• Leakproof and highly absorbent

• Fur-friendly fasteners

• No washing necessary-just dispose in trash

Cons

• Not environmentally friendly

• Fasteners may be a bit flimsy

• Cost can add up if using long-term

Pricing: $9 for 12 count

What the reviews of this best female dog diapers say:

• Happy customers say that these diapers are leakproof and well-priced.

• Some buyers feel the fasteners do not work well.

Pet Parents Washable Female Dog Diapers

Pros

• Soft and comfortable fabric

• Waterproof outer shell

• Pad inside to absorb liquid

• Eco-friendly, washable, reusable diapers

Cons

• Leg holes tend to be oversized

• Velcro not big enough to adjust and fit properly

Pricing: $18 for 3-pack

What the reviews of this best female dog diaper say:

• Some shoppers say these contain liquid well, fit snuggly, and look super cute, making them the best reusable dog diapers around.

• Others felt the leg holes were too large and they slid down causing a droopy effect.

The Final Word on Diapers for Dogs

If you’re like me, you are always happy to find a solution for messy problems that make life easier for you and your pet. With accurate measurements, proper fit, and frequent changes, your beloved pet will be dry and comfortable in the best dog diapers for him or her.

Top Picks For Our Dogs

1. BEST PUPPY TOY
   We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home.
2. BEST DOG CHEW
   We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
3. BEST DOG TREATS
   We Like: Crazy Dog Train Me Treats - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.