What to Do When it’s Time for Pet Diapers

Is your older dog starting to have accidents inside the home? Is your pet recuperating from surgery and not able to use the litter box or go outside? Have you recently adopted a special needs pet who has trouble when it comes to appropriate urination or defecation? These are just some of the many reasons your pet may benefit from the use of pet diapers.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to selecting pet diapers, including your pet’s size, gender, and whether your pet needs long or short-term protection. Let the team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital get you started!

Why Pet Diapers?

The most common reasons for pet diapers include:

• Urinary incontinence among older pets
• Younger pets who aren’t yet house trained or who urinate/spray out of excitement
• Pets recovering from surgery or injury
• Special needs pets
• Female pets in heat (to protect carpets and furnishings and/or to prevent unwanted pregnancy)
• Short-term use when visiting a friend’s house or renting a hotel room (useful for a pet who’s still being house trained or is having any of the above issues)

Decisions, Decisions

There are a few basic types of pet diapers, including:

• Belly bands – This band wraps around the middle of your male dog to catch urine. It can also be used for dogs who regularly scent mark inside the home.
• Full diapers – Much like human baby diapers, full diapers go over a dog’s bottom and fasten at the sides (except they also include a hole for a tail!).
• Harness wear – This involves diapers that attach to suspenders or a dog harness to help things stay in place.
• Cat diapers – Cat diapers come in washable and disposable options, and most have an adjustable, velcro-type waist closure. Dog diapers can also be modified for use on cats.
• Human diapers – Many pet owners find human diapers to be a less expensive alternative to pet diapers. The key is to cut your own hole for a tail, and make sure the diaper is the right size for your pet. There are plenty of YouTube videos and other tutorials online to help you correctly fit a human diaper on a pet.

Guidelines and Reminders

When used properly, diapers can make a big difference in both a pet and their owner’s quality of life. Stick to the following guidelines for best results:

• Proper fit is extremely important when it comes to pet diapers. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your veterinarian for help.
• Change your pet’s diaper each time they urinate to keep them comfortable and to avoid irritated, chafed skin.
• Most pet diapers aren’t intended for defecation – if this is an issue, your veterinarian can help you select the appropriate diaper or alternative solution.
• Pet diapers are not intended as a substitute for proper house training.

It’s important to note that incontinence may be indicative of an underlying health problem. Please contact us if your pet has begun experiencing incontinence or displays any other unusual behaviors.