How to Make Dog Diapers Stay on

Throughout their lives, there are several reasons why your dog may need diapers. Certain owners use diapers from an early age in order to protect furniture, carpets and rugs. However, according to the American Kennel Club^[1], this is not the best of ideas because, in order to train your dog not to go to the toilet at home, there is no point in putting a diaper on, as they will just get used to doing their business there instead of learning the proper place to do so.

On the other hand, there are other situations in which it is acceptable to use dog diapers are as follows:

Urinary incontinence

Your dog's bladder may weaken when they get to a certain age. You may have noticed that your dog is doing their business in places where they previously didn't. This can happen in dogs over 11 years old and that have developed a memory problem known as CCD or canine cognitive disorder. This is the equivalent of human Alzheimer's.

Urinary incontinence can also appear in non-elderly dogs, in which case the most likely is that they have developed an incapacity to control their bladder. Therefore, this could be a symptom of the following:

• Urinary tract infection
• Diabetes
• Weakened urinary sphincter muscle
• Bladder issues
• Bacterial infection

Although these cases will definitely need the aid of dog diapers, it's highly important that you take your dog to the vet in order to establish the reason behind incontinence so he/she can be treated suitably to avoid further problems.

Females in heat

Another reason to put a diaper on your dog is due to their heat and period. As you may know a a female dog is in heat approximately every six months. During the proestrus period of her heat cycle, the bitch will start bleeding, which will last around 7 to 10 days in total. Moreover, you will also notice she licks her private area during this period, this will prevent her from doing so.

We should also note that using a diaper is not an appropriate form of contraception. The only safe way is to sterilize your dog.

There are many types of dog diapers, which is why we'd like to let you know about the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can choose one that will fit your dog perfectly and stays on without a problem.

Belly band

This may be the best option for male dogs, as it is easy to put on and will feel light for your furry pet. These have a strap that wraps around their belly, which is why it is pretty simple to adjust to your dog's waist and allows him to move freely. You just need to place a disposable maxi-pad in the center of the band so it can absorb the urine. This also means you will have to change them pretty frequently. They are also eco-friendly, as they are re-usable, so you won't be spending that much either.

As you will see later, they come in different sizes, which is key to make dog diapers stay on.

Full diapers

These are disposable diapers which are more similar to regular baby diapers. There are versions for both male and female dogs, and usually have with a drying technology that allows the dog to wear the diaper for a little longer without risk of irritation. These come with a hole where your dog's tail can go through. One of the downsides of this product is its high cost.

Strap or harness bands

Also known as suspender diapers, they have this special feature that is a great option if you frequently have problems keeping diapers on your dog. They are pretty similar to belly bands when it comes to their functioning, by applying a sanitary pad on the inside of the fabric. Apart from the actual band, these come with a strap that is safely fastened thanks to a buckle that goes over the dog's chest; just make sure the strap is not too tight, it can be pretty loose so it doesn't rub on your dog's neck.

One of the reasons why dogs get out of their diapers is that they can wriggle out of them, which usually happens more often in short haired dogs. This is why, in many cases, strap bands are the best option for this type of dog.

Another way to make sure dog diapers stay on is to make sure you are using the right diaper measurement. Dog diapers come in different sizes, so choose according to the following waist measurements:

• 10'' to 13'' waist: XS
• 13'' to 19'': S
• 18'' to 25'': M
• 20'' to 27'': L
• 25'' to 34'': XL

To get your dog used to wearing the diapers, you can also use positive reinforcement, which is the most recommended training technique. When your dog behaves when they have their diapers on, i.e doesn't try to take them off, make sure you reward their good behavior with treats and loving words.

Does your dog bite out of his or her diapers? There are two tricks you can use to prevent them from doing so. The first is to put some specific dog onesies on top of the diapers, although it's not recommended if you live in a hot climate or your dog is not used to wearing them. Another tactic is to apply some masking tape on top of the tabs to secure the diapers. This way, it will be harder for your dog to strip the diapers open.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Make Dog Diapers Stay on, we recommend you visit our Extra care category.

• When putting a diaper on your dog, make sure they can breathe properly even though they need to be tight.
• Change your dog's dog diapers frequently in order to avoid irritation, sores and other problems.