Do Dog Diapers Work?
Before my German Shepherd “Holly” was spayed she and I got to experience several cycles of her coming into heat. I’d had cats all my life and was no stranger to that feline phenomenon.
However, the canine version was much more than I ever bargained for. I can sum it up in one word: B-L-O-O-D. It got on my furniture, on my rug and other places I’d rather not recall. So before making the decision not to breed her I opted to fit her in doggy diapers.
These worked fairly well as long as she’d keep them on. And doggy diaper technology has gotten better in the last few years. The most important thing to take note of when considering whether or not to use them is fit.
In a related article by Pethelpful.com found here at https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Things-to-Consider-when-Buying-Dog-Diapers the author recommends experimenting with fit by trying both diapers made for dogs and those made for humans. Naturally, the human version requires some modification if your pooch’s tail is going to swing freely.
Doggy diapers are also helpful for dogs recovering from surgery for urinary issues and even for house-breaking, in some cases.
Here are the Three Main Reasons for Using Dog Diapers:
1. You may be considering short-term use for a puppy during potty-training or for a dog recovering from from an operation or illness and cannot go outdoors for potty breaks. Another possible short-term use could be while you and your pooch are on vacation staying in a hotel.
2. Older, incontinent pooches could benefit from dog diapers, as could a younger dog suffering from “accidents” when excited or in the habit of scent-marking inside the home.
3. Doggy diapers are a good alternative for female dogs during “heat” cycles (as in my case with Holly).
Correct fit is a major consideration in all three scenarios to ensure maximum comfort for your pooch. But be sure to research other alternatives to diapers to make sure you’ve made the right choice. Your pooch’s Clifton Park area veterinarian can assist you with your decision.
Here is an excerpt from pethelpful.com’s article on the matter of fit and substituting human diapers for doggy diapers:
How to Fit a Human Diaper on a Dog
To fit a human diaper, choose a brand that doesn’t pinch your dog’s tummy, such as Huggies Snuggies which have a really ‘elastic’ waist band.
- Put the back of the diaper with the tabs under your dog’s tummy. Then pass the front of the diaper between your dog’s back legs and up over his back, passing the tail through the hole made for the purpose.
- Then bring up the tabs from underneath and fasten over the dog’s back, securing in place with masking tape.
- Make sure you can get a couple of fingers comfortably under the waistband around your dog’s tummy – you want it to stay in place but not make your pet uncomfortable.
It is easier to find the right size if you have a small dog. For large and giant breeds, look for adult incontinence diapers which are of the same type as baby diapers, not the ones with a disposable pad that fits inside.