Dog diapers work well for dogs that are still being house-broken or are older and are beginning to lose their muscle control. Worn like a baby diaper, dog diapers are designed to collect and absorb urine, blood and feces. Disposable diapers or washable cloth diapers can be found in large pet retail stores and veterinarian offices.
Made of disposable cotton materials or washable fabrics, dog diapers have many uses. Young puppies that are being house broken can use dog diapers when staying alone for long periods of time. This avoids messes in a crate, keeping their environment clean. Young female dogs that have not been spayed can use dog diapers when they are in season to collect their menses. Older dogs that suffer from incontinence also use dog diapers.
Dog diapers are specially shaped to fit a dog. A cut out area accommodates the tail, and a stretchy elastic waistband fits snug around their lower stomach area to keep the diaper in place.
Disposable diapers slip on, over their back two legs, in a similar fashion as baby diapers. Cloth washable diapers often have side closures. This type of diaper requires a disposable insert or washable insert to collect urine, blood and feces.
When preparing to use dog diapers for the first time, take note of the variety of sizes. Choose a diaper with a snug, but not tight, fit. Many packages will give breed recommendations for each size available. When in doubt about the size, call the store first to see if they allow pets in the store, and hold the product up to them to get a more accurate idea of the appropriate size.
Dog diapers help eliminate messes and keep your pet's environment clean. However, if worn for long period of time, dog diapers can make our pet's bottom very messy. Since dogs have fur, changing the dog diaper soon after it is soiled is a good idea, or their fur will get dirty quickly.
When using dog diapers, keep a supply of moist wipes on hand to clean the fur in between diaper changes. Bathing the dog frequently will dry his skin and make him uncomfortable and itchy.
Writer Bio
Angela Tague writes marketing content and journalistic pieces for major brands including Bounty, The Nest, Lowe's Home Improvement and Hidden Valley. She also provides feature content to newspapers and writes health and beauty blogs for Daily Glow, Everyday Health and Walgreens. Tague graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications in 1999.
