When my foster dog, Lexy, came into my care, she brought with her some quirks and challenges I’d never encountered before. One of those was the fact that she was in heat. Because I’d only had male dogs before, this situation had never come up. The only solution I could come up with is to outfit her with dog diapers. Problem solved? Not quite.
Lexy wasn’t keen on wearing the disposable diaper and always managed to get free of them. So out came the packing tape, and I used it to wrap it around the diaper to keep them on. It helps – for all of 30 minutes. The reusable ones stayed on a lot better, but Lexy would still manage to wriggle out of them. Thank goodness her heat only lasted a few days. Here’s what I learned from the whole experience.
Are doggie diapers a good idea?
If you have a female dog in heat or any dog with incontinence, diapers are crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your home, including your floors and furniture. Furthermore, they can deter your dog from incessantly licking herself during her heat cycle.
What do you use dog diapers for?
There are a few reasons why you’d want to use dog diapers:
Elderly Dogs. As dogs age, they may struggle to reach outdoors in time due to decreased mobility or control. Cognitive dysfunction might also lead to accidents in some cases. While certain medications can help, dog diapers might become a permanent solution for older dogs.
Urinary issues. Dogs, like humans, can experience urinary incontinence due to a variety of reasons, such as urinary tract infections, weak sphincter muscles, diabetes, or bladder conditions. If your dog is showing signs of incontinence, consult your vet. While medication or surgery might be recommended, dog diapers can also be part of the management strategy.
Female dogs in heat. Female dogs in heat can leave stains on the floor and furniture. Using dog diapers can help maintain cleanliness and discourage excessive licking that usually accompanies a dog in heat.
House training. Expect accidents during the house training phase. If you’re particularly worried about this, dog diapers can be used as a temporary means until your puppy or newly adopted adult dog is completely house-trained. It’s crucial, however, not to over-rely on them, as it might hinder your dog’s learning of appropriate bathroom habits.
How do dog diapers work?
Dog diapers are much like baby diapers, the only difference being a specially designed opening for the dog’s tail. There are two main types of dog diapers – cloth and disposable. While cloth diapers require a higher upfront investment, they are reusable, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run. On the other hand, disposable diapers are convenient and easy to use, but they contribute to landfill waste and can become quite expensive over time.
How to keep dog diapers on
If your dog is comfortable wearing diapers, you must buy the right size to ensure a secure fit. When purchasing these diapers, adhere to the sizing guidelines closely. Accurate measurements of your dog’s waist, thigh and torso length are crucial for picking the correct diaper size. For male dogs, choose a longer diaper to cover their penis, while female dogs won’t require as long of a diaper.
An alternative method to prevent the diaper from slipping off is to clothe your dog in a onesie. If your dog is small, a baby onesie might work. However, many companies also produce onesies and similar attire specifically for dogs. A onesie can provide additional security to keep the diaper in place underneath.
Do dog diapers hold pee?
Yes, they do. Utilizing diapers or belly bands can effectively discourage indoor urination by serving as a reminder to your dog that the house isn’t their bathroom. However, don’t forget to periodically remove these items and take your pooch outside for bathroom breaks.
How long can you leave a diaper on a dog?
As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial that you understand the importance of regularly cleaning and changing your dog’s diapers. This not only ensures your pet’s comfort but also maintains their hygiene. If you notice your pet has been using diapers for a prolonged duration, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any hidden health issues.
Monitoring how often your dog needs to use the restroom can help ensure the diaper doesn’t get excessively full or cause discomfort to your pet.
Changing your dog’s diaper every three to four hours is advisable but consider doing it more frequently if needed.
Can I leave a diaper on my dog overnight?
Yes, dogs can wear diapers overnight, but adherence to specific guidelines is crucial. If the diaper gets dirty at night, it’s essential to change it immediately to avoid skin issues or infections.
Do dog diapers smell?
Odor management can be a significant challenge when using dog diapers. The accumulation of ammonia from puppy urine can result in a potent and unpleasant smell, necessitating effective daily neutralization techniques.
Natural ingredients are always preferable over harsh chemical treatments for your dog’s health and safety.
Pre-soaking the dog diaper in vinegar and cold water before washing can significantly reduce persistent odors. Vinegar is also a pet-friendly disinfectant and odor-neutralizing spray at home.
Always ensure that after using any pet-safe odor neutralizers, the dog diaper is thoroughly rinsed, washed and dried before reapplying it to your dog to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions.
What can I use instead of diapers for my dog?
Not sold on dog diapers? Try these alternatives:
Puppy pads: Toilet training can be a challenge for both humans and pets. But for dogs, there’s a safe, effective alternative to diapers. Puppy pads are similar to large diapers that you place in a specific location. Their attractive scent draws your dog to them. Your dog can comfortably relieve themselves on these disposable pads. All you need to do is remember to dispose of the pads regularly. These pads provide a safe, appealing place for your dog to relieve themselves.
House training: While diapers are a simple solution for toilet problems, nothing beats training your dog to use your yard or go to the bathroom on walks. Some pet owners might think their older dogs can’t change their habits, but dogs of all ages can be trained to use nature as their bathroom. House training your dog can save you years of effort and prevent countless hours of cleaning your floors and furniture. While house training can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, the benefits are well worth the time investment!
Spaying: If your dog is in heat, you might find blood trails around your house for weeks. While diapers can provide a temporary solution, neutering offers a permanent one. Neutering involves removing a female dog’s ovaries and uterus, preventing them from having puppies. If you don’t plan on your dog having puppies, neutering can alleviate any worries about unplanned pregnancies and keep your floors clean.