- Wait until your dog is calm, then clean their hindquarters with a wipe and fasten the diaper securely around their waist. Check the diaper every 1-2 hours.
- Add suspender straps to the diaper, slip a washable cover over it, or reinforce it with masking tape to help it stay securely fastened.
- Choose an underwear-style diaper for full coverage (for male or female dogs), or go for a belly band for male dogs with urinary incontinence.
Putting on the Diaper
Wait until the dog is relaxed and comfortable. Before you try to put a diaper on your dog, especially for the first time, you want to create a calm environment. Talk to your dog in a reassuring voice, and wait until it seems calm before even start the diapering process. That way, it will be more likely to view this as a positive encounter, making it easier to put on diapers in the future. If your dog is motivated by treats, you might want to have some on hand to reward your dog for sitting or staying calm while you put on the diaper.
Clean the dog's hindquarters with a wipe or damp cloth. Before you diaper your dog, clean the fur around its hindquarters, back legs, and groin. You can use a baby wipe, a dog-friendly wipe, or even just a damp washcloth. If you cover urine or feces with a diaper and leave it there, it could lead to serious skin irritation or even infections for your pup.
Pull the dog’s tail through the hole in the diaper. Gently take your dog’s tail and slip the hole in the diaper over the end of its tail. If your dog isn't used to having its tail handled, it may resist this at first, but wait patiently until the dog calms down, then try again. Push the diaper all the way down until the hole is around the base of the dog’s tail. If your dog has an especially fluffy tail and the hole isn’t quite large enough, you can widen the hole with scissors. However, remember that the hole needs to fit snugly around the base of the tail. Tip: Although dog diapers will give you the best fit, if you need something to work in a pinch, try cutting a hole in a baby diaper instead. Then, turn the diaper upside-down, so the part that covers the baby’s bottom is near the dog’s stomach, and the side covering the baby’s front goes over the dog’s back.
Wrap the diaper securely around the dog’s waist. The exact fit of the diaper may depend on the brand you’re using, but in general, you’ll see a longer side that will loop down under the dog’s bottom and stomach, and a shorter side that will rest on the dog’s back. Pull the two sides tightly together. The bottom half of the diaper should overlap the top half to prevent leaks.
Fasten the Velcro tabs upward onto the back. Unlike baby diapers, which secure in the front, dog diapers typically fasten in the back. Pull the tabs out, then press the Velcro side against the corresponding strip on the back of the diaper. The diaper should fit securely, but not too tightly. You should be able to slide 2 fingers under the diaper comfortably. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific instructions on how to connect the Velcro tabs.
Change the diaper every time the dog soils it. To keep your dog clean and healthy, check the diaper every 1-2 hours, and change it whenever you notice the dog has soiled it. To change it, pull the Velcro tabs until they come loose, then remove and discard the diaper. Clean your dog with a wipe or a damp cloth before replacing the diaper. Leaving your dog in a wet or dirty diaper for too long can cause serious problems with its skin and fur, including a painful rash called urine scald. Over long periods of time, the dog may even experience severe skin or urinary infections. Protect your health by wearing gloves when you change your dog's diaper. If you don't want to wear gloves, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water when you're finished. EXPERT TIP Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant When using a diaper on your dog, make sure they feel comfortable. Don't punish them if they initially try to remove it. Help them adjust by putting the diaper on for shorter periods at first and giving them lots of rewards and praise. Increase the duration over time, trying different types of diapers to find the best fit. Be patient and positive throughout the process to ensure your dog adjusts to wearing a diaper comfortably.
Use an absorbent pad inside of a belly band for a male dog. If you're using a belly band due to a male dog's urinary incontinence, lay the band out flat on a table or another surface. Then, simply insert an absorbent pad, like a maxi pad, into the band, and strap the band around your dog’s waist so his male parts are covered. Treat the pad the same way you would any other disposable diaper. Change it regularly to prevent urine scald, which is similar to a diaper rash on a baby. If the belly band becomes wet or soiled, wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regularly check the dog’s belly just in front of its sheath for urine scald. If you need to, apply a barrier cream to protect the skin.
Keeping the Diaper in Place
Add removable suspender straps if you need extra security. Some dogs have trouble keeping their doggy diapers on. One option to help counteract this is to clip straps onto the front of the diaper, near the dog’s stomach. Criss-cross the straps over the dog’s chest, then bring them back over the dog’s back and clip them to the back of the diaper. You can also use diaper pins to attach the diaper to a soft harness. However, do not use regular safety pins, as they can slip open and hurt your dog. If your dog keeps trying to remove the diaper, it may need more exercise and fulfillment in its life. Tip: Dogs with a short tail, stubby legs, or a short coat may especially have trouble keeping a diaper on. This happens because the legs, tail, and fur all help hold the diaper in place.
Use a washable cover if you need help preventing leaks. Washable diaper covers are typically made from a water-resistant material, and they just slip over the diaper like underwear. In addition to helping to keep the diaper in place, these covers also help protect against any leaks if the diaper shifts while the dog is wearing it. This is especially helpful if your dog tends to chew on the diaper. You may also be able to use a small pair of boy’s briefs, although you may need to use Velcro to adjust the waistband so it will fit. Put the briefs on backward, and pull the dog’s tail through the hole that would normally go in the front.
Place a strip of masking tape on top of the tabs if your dog opens them. If your dog is frequently able to scoot, wiggle, or chew enough that the Velcro tabs come loose on the diaper, you may need extra reinforcement. Cover the tab with a small strip of masking tape, but make sure not to get any tape on your dog’s fur.
Cover the tail hole with tape if your dog's tail is short. If your dog has a docked or very short tail, it may not be able to block the tail hole on the diaper. If you notice your dog’s diaper leaking around the tail hole, get a new diaper and cover the hole with a double layer of masking tape before you put it on the dog. First, cover the hole completely from the inside, with the sticky side facing out. Then, add another layer on top, with the sticky side facing in. By using 2 layers of tape, you prevent the sticky adhesive from pulling on your dog’s fur.
Choosing the Right Diaper
Opt for underwear-style diapers for full coverage. These diapers most closely mimic the ones used for babies, but they’re made to fit the shape of a dog’s hips and narrow waist. They cover the dog’s privates and rear end, and they also include a hole for the tail. Many brands offer separate options for male and female dogs. You can find disposable dog diapers online or at well-stocked pet supply stores.
Choose a belly band style for male dogs with urinary incontinence. If you have a male dog and he can’t hold his bladder, or he tends to mark inside of your home, a belly band style diaper might be a good option. These are typically a strip of breathable fabric with a Velcro closure. If your dog also has fecal incontinence, this is not a good option. You can find belly bands online or at pet supply stores. If you have a small dog, you can also make your own by cutting the toes off of a tube sock.
Measure your dog's waist to determine the size diaper you need. Dog diapers are typically sized based on the measurement of your dog’s waist. Use a fabric tape measure to find the measurement around your dog’s waist just in front of its back legs. This is more accurate than choosing a fit based on weight, since different breeds are shaped very differently, even at the same weight. Tip: Many brands will overlap their sizes somewhat. For instance, a size “Medium” might range from 18–25 in (46–64 cm), while a “Large” might cover dogs with a waist from 20–27 in (51–69 cm). If your dog’s waist size fits two sizes, buy a small package of each to see which fits your dog best.
Look for diapers with Velcro fasteners. Most disposable dog diapers feature tabs made from Velcro, rather than a sticky fastener. This is because sticky fasteners will get stuck to your dog’s fur, causing irritation or even hair loss. You should also look for elastic gathers on the waistband, as this will help secure the diaper around the dog's waist, preventing leaks.
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