Have you ever seen a puppy in a diaper? If you haven’t, you’re probably wondering can puppies wear diapers?! The answer is yes, they can. Whether your dog is old, suffers from an illness like heartworm, it has a temporary disability after surgery or you are home training him, wearing a puppy nappy can be essential.
What Are Dog Nappies and Why Are They So Popular?
Looking quite similar to human diapers, puppy diapers are designed to be worn by both male and female dogs. The only difference between a human and a dog’s diaper is the hole that is designed to accommodate the puppy’s tail. These goods have become a total hit from the moment they appeared on the market because of their convenience and functionality. Whether your dog has incontinence or some other health issue, you can certainly put an end to your and his problems with the help of dog diapers.
Types of Diapers for Dogs
Disposable Dog Diapers
Being very easy to use and extremely convenient, disposable puppy diapers are the most commonly used type. Sold in different packs, they are easy to put on and take off with just one hand. Soft and cute, these diapers can certainly help minimize your dog’s mess which can be quite inconvenient when not at home. The only downside of these diapers is their price in case your dog would need to wear them for the rest of his. If that’s not the case, they are the most convenient option on the market.
Reusable Diapers
As their name implies, reusable diapers are designed to be used over and over again. The fact that they can be washed after each use makes these diapers the most affordable option. However, not all dog owners love the idea of washing their dog’s urine and fecal which is why disposable diapers are so commonly used.
Belly Bands
Belly bands are relatively new on the market and they are designed mainly for male dogs that are experiencing only urine incontinence. Mainly made of a fabric with a waterproof outer shell that wraps around your dog’s midsection, these bands can certainly aid your dog to surpass this problem. While the outer part of the band is usually made of waterproof material, the inside is usually made of an absorbent material that can be easily changed when wet.
Can You Use Baby Diapers on Female Dogs?
Yes, you can, but only on smaller and more passive dogs, otherwise, you risk dealing with fecal and urine all over your home. In case you have a larger dog, you might want to invest in adult diapers as they might be a better fit. If you’re using a regular diaper, keep in mind that you will need to make a hole for your dog’s tail.
How to Choose the Right Fit?
Just like buying a diaper for a baby, choosing the right dog diaper size will mainly depend on the weight of your dog or on its waist size. Although some people choose the right diaper size based on their dog’s weight, others base their buying decision on the dog’s waist size for a more precise fit.
To find the right fit, measure your dog’s waist which is around 5cm in front of their hind legs. For this, all you need is a flexible tape, a measuring tape or a simple piece of string if you don’t have a measuring tape. Once done, measure the string/tape with a ruler in order to find the right measurements. Take the measures while your dog is in a standing position.
Practice shows that investing in a size up is recommended if your dog is at the very end of the range or in-between ranges. Depending on the diapers and on the brand, some of them can have Velcro straps that allow for waist adjustment. These diapers are great, especially if they are reusable as they can be used for a longer period of time.
Measuring for a dog’s belly band should be done the same way – measuring the waist of your dog while standing. Just make sure to take into account your dog’s body parts (male dogs), so the band won’t be too tight and cause him discomfort.