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A dog wearing a nappy

Dog nappies help deal with incontinence and heat in dogs.

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Dog nappies: our selection for 2024

By Joseph Chance Content Writer

Published on the

Dog nappies are very useful for managing the heat of a young lady or the incontinence of an ageing pooch. Absorbent and comfortable, dog nappies adapt to all morphologies.

For dogs living in flats or houses, urine loss can be embarrassing. It is responsible for sometimes permanent stains and persistent bad odours. Incontinence in dogs frequently occurs with age, but it can occasionally affect young emotional animals. Marking or the deposit of a few drops of pee at the foot of the furniture is more common in un-neutered male dogs.

Fortunately, to alleviate these problems, dog nappies are now as good as those for babies! They absorb urine leakage without hindering your dog's movements; in fact, they fit easily around the belly of males or take the form of a nappy for females. The pads are also helpful for absorbing blood loss during periods of sexual heat in the case of bitches. Dog nappies come in a variety of sizes to fit all breeds. Most are disposable, but there are also environmentally friendly reusable diapers available.

Why should I buy a dog nappy?

Dog nappies were traditionally reserved for females in heat to prevent them from staining surfaces with blood. They can now be used to treat both male and female bladder issues.

The most common causes of urinary incontinence in dogs are:

  • Old age
  • Sterilisation (due to hormonal deficiency)
  • Neurological problems
  • Excessive drinking in certain diseases such as diabetes
  • Immature sphincters during emotional urination in puppies

However, urinary incontinence in dogs can be avoided. In some cases, treatment can solve the problem. Consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences urine loss. With the proper medication, castration incontinence, for example, can be reversed.

Dog nappies can also help with specific behavioural issues, such as urine marking in male dogs. However, this annoying behaviour is also solved with an implant or surgical castration.

On a long journey without a pee break, wearing a nappy may be an option. However, be aware that a potty trained dog will do everything possible to hold it in, which is not good for them. This type of practice should therefore remain exceptional.

How do I put a nappy on my dog?

Dog diapers are very different between the two sexes for anatomical reasons.

Male dog nappies generally come in the form of belly belts. They should be wrapped around the animal's belly and secured with adhesive strips at the top. The belly band is the most absorbent part and should cover the entire abdomen of the dog.

In the case of females, nappies can be put on or closed at the sides, similar to those used for babies. They have a hole in the back for the tail.

At first, your dog may not appreciate wearing a nappy. Be patient and keep an eye on them, so they don't destroy it and ingest pieces of foam that could cause an intestinal obstruction.

What are the different types of dog nappies?

As previously stated, there are male and female dog nappies. They also come in various sizes ranging from XS to XL, to fit animals of all sizes.

Secondly, you have the choice between disposable and washable nappies.

Disposable dog nappies are more convenient but have a higher environmental cost. If you want to reduce your waste, the reusable option is the way to go.

Cloth dog nappies require more planning and time. Still, they are much better for the environment and ultimately more cost-effective.

There are also "mixed" cloth nappies inserted with a cloth and changed regularly.

At what age should I buy my dog nappies?

The first heat for female dogs occurs between 6 months for small breeds and 15 months for larger animals. If you have decided not to have your dog spayed right away, this is the age at which you should be prepared.

Emotional urination in puppies and young dogs, for example, when the owner comes home from work, can be managed with nappies. It usually disappears when the animal becomes an adult.

Incontinence concerns without a medical cause usually occur in senior animals. Dog nappies can help them live out their old age with more peace of mind.

This article is a selection made independently by the Wamiz team. If you click on a link called "affiliate link", the merchant pays us a commission. But that doesn't change anything for you and your pet! Affiliate links are identified as such, for the sake of transparency.
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