The Pet Parents® Guide to Dog Diapers for Fully Incontinent Dog

If you’re buying dog diapers, there is a decent chance you are buying dog diapers for incontinence. Urinary incontinence in dogs is a condition in which your dog suffers from the uncontrollable or involuntary leaking of urine from the bladder. While fecal incontinence is a condition where your dog loses the ability to control their bowel movement. 

Do Dog Diapers Work for Incontinence?

Diapers for dogs with incontinence can be a lifesaver for pet parents. Whether your pet is suffering from urinary or fecal incontinence, dog diapers or belly bands will help in keeping your house clean and your dog happy.

According to the American Kennel Club, incontinence is not a behavioral issue. It is a medical condition that may be caused by bladder or bowel problems, infections in the urinary or GI tract, a weakened sphincter or anal muscles, and certain illnesses. Even if your dog is potty-trained, incontinence will still make involuntary leaks.

If you think your dog's accidents are no longer behavioral concerns, talk to your vet. Your vet will have your dog examined and may prescribe treatment. However, if incontinence can’t be treated in other ways, dog diapers will become part of your daily life.

If you aren't sure where to start, don't worry, we're here to lend you a helping hand on everything you need to know!

"When your pet is merely leaking, still going through potty training, or suffering from incontinence, dog diapers or belly bands will help with keeping a clean house, and most importantly, a happy pet."

Dog Incontinence Diapers

If your dog is undergoing treatment for their incontinence and requires regular steroids, you have to be extra careful in picking the best dog diapers or male dog diapers (belly bands). Steroids can often make them extra hungry, and pee and poop more than usual!

This requires additional supervision of how the fast the diapers fill. More absorbent diapers will keep your dog’s business in a closed area and will protect your furniture for longer periods of time. You will want to opt for diapers that are made to be super absorbent and will keep your dog's messes inside.

Types of Dog Diapers for an Incontinent Dog

There are multiple kinds of dog diapers available on the market that serve different purposes. You'll have to sort through them to find the one that fit your dog’s requirements in the best way possible.

Look for diapers that absorb well and will make it easier and convenient for you to still live a happier, healthier life despite your hectic schedule and your responsibility as a pet parent. There are dog diapers for urinary incontinence and diapers for bowel incontinence. Choosing the right diaper for your fully incontinent dog will avoid will keep you, your dog, and your home happy!

Picking the Correct Fit for Your Incontinent Dog

Just like human diapers, dog diapers are also available in different sizes to make them fit ideally to the various builds of dogs. Pet Parents® offers diapers for old dogs and puppies alike, with sizes from XS-XL in dog diapers and belly bands.

To pick the right size for your dog, measure the waist of your pet while standing. Take these measurements far enough to the front to cover the urethra, or else the pee may leak from the diaper. According to your results, pick the size that falls under the category of waist size from the following chart for Pet Parents® washable dog diapers and belly bands:

 *Note: Breed are listed for reference based on standard sizes, but it is always best to go primarily based on waist sizing. Dogs may vary from breed standard sizing for a variety of reasons, including weight and body condition. Therefore, the best fit will come from measuring your dog's waist and choosing the corresponding size.

Avoid Discomfort from Dog Incontinence Diapers and Diaper Rash

As your dog is suffering from incontinence, they will have to wear diapers throughout the day, which increases the chance of rash and soreness. We want to make sure this doesn't happen to your precious furbaby!

As mentioned by Vet Info, a soiled diaper can result in diaper rash that may worsen into burns, inflammation, and infections.

To avoid these discomforts to your pet, make sure the lining of the diaper is soft and absorbent enough to stay dry. The elasticized area should not be very tight; or else it may chafe the skin and will result in soreness (and can even leave marks on your pup). Changing of diaper every 4 hours or when necessary is also essential to prevent diaper rash and discomfort that comes with the prolonged wet area.

Just like human babies, it is best to change the diaper frequently. Full out urination will need to be changed more often than minor spotting or leakage. When changing the diapers, make sure you clean the area with a pet wipe or cloth before putting a new diaper on.

Diapers for incontinent dogs can be useful for both urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. The best diapers for dogs with incontinence will give your incontinent dog the ability to go anywhere they want without you having to worry about messes. Give your dog the comfort and care they need in their time of incontinence and other health problems by picking the best dog diapers on the market with Pet Parents®.

"Changing of diaper regularly is also essential to prevent rash and discomfort that comes with the prolonged wet area."