At A Glance: Our Top 6 Picks for Dog Diapers
Although many dogs have an occasional accident, the need for dog diapers is generally rare. Most learn to go to the bathroom outdoors and eventually avoid doing so inside or in other inappropriate places. So for your sake, we hope your dog is amongst the norm!
Some may take considerably longer than others to accept these rules, and a few may present lifelong problems, but most will eventually stop pooping and peeing in the house. This is especially the case with large breeds – small dogs usually have more trouble learning to “hold it.”
However, that doesn’t mean large breed dogs are completely immune to these struggles, and even the best-trained dogs can have issues. There is a multitude of issues that can cause this problem, and we will explain a few of them in this article. These issues are helpful to know in case you ever have to face this unfortunate issue yourself.
Fortunately, most such issues are temporary, and there is a simple solution to address the problem. You just have to use diapers specifically designed for dogs.
We’ll talk about dog diapers below and explain everything you need to know about them. Then, we’ll recommend six of the best dog diapers for large breeds currently on the market.
Best Diapers for Dogs: Quick View
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick Wegreeco Washable Male Dog Diapers
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 | Pet Parents Premium Washable Male Dog Diapers
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 | Wegreeco Washable Female Dog Diapers
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 | Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers
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 | Veterinarian's Best Disposable Male Dog Diapers
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 | Veterinarian’s Best Disposable Female Dog Diapers
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Why Do Some Dogs Need Diapers?
There are a variety of reasons a dog may need diapers, but some of the most common are explained below. It bears mentioning that some dogs may need doggie diapers for more than one reason, but thankfully, this is somewhat rare. As a dog owner, it is helpful to know the different reasons your dog may be having problems so that you can properly address the issues as they arise.
Learning Difficulties
Some dogs may simply have trouble grasping the concept of housetraining. They may be perfectly physically capable of controlling their bladder and bowels, but they still poop or pee on inside anyway. Fortunately, this is typically not a problem with large breeds, and more common to be an issue with small dogs.
Poor Training
Owners who fail to train their dog properly may find themselves cleaning up the floor more often than they’d like. This is actually a pretty common reason for the housetraining process to fail. Just check out our housetraining guide if you think you made a few mistakes while training your puppy. Of course, this issue is best remedied when your dog is a puppy, as they are more receptive to training at this age.
Territorial Marking
Dogs are famous for marking their territory and communicating with other dogs by urinating on things, and sometimes, these things can include your home and belongings. This is generally only a problem with male dogs, although females may mark their territory during their heat cycles.
Health Problems
A variety of health problems in large dogs, ranging from acute or chronic diseases to traumas and injuries, can make it difficult for dogs to wait until they go outside to go to the bathroom. In some cases, these health problems will only temporarily affect a dog’s ability to control his body, but it can also end up being a lifelong problem for some serious medical conditions. If you think something is wrong with your dog, it is always the best idea to pay a visit to a vet who can properly assess the situation.
Age-Related Incontinence
Many (if not most) dogs will eventually experience age-related incontinence. Old age is rarely the actual, proximate cause of the problem, but the types of health problems that do cause incontinence will generally become more likely with age. Unfortunately, dogs who end up requiring doggy diapers for age-related problems will usually need them for the rest of their lives.
Female Dogs in Heat
Female dogs don’t usually experience any housetraining difficulties when going through their heat cycle (although some may need to urinate more frequently than normal). However, they will produce a bloody discharge during this time, which can quickly cause a huge mess.
Differences Between Male and Female Dog Diapers
Male and female dogs are obviously built differently, but the actual anatomical differences between the two are quite important as far as diapers are concerned.
There’s no real difference in rectum location between male and female dogs, but the urethral openings are in drastically different places. For females, the urethral opening is tucked between their legs and tail, next to the vaginal opening and the rectum.
The urethral opening for males, on the other hand, is located quite some distance away from the “crotch” area. A male dog’s penis resides in a sheath of skin on the lower portion of his belly, meaning that the urethral opening is positioned a fair distance in front of the rear legs.
Accordingly, doggie diapers are usually sold in male and female varieties to account for the differences in their bodies. The difference between them is simple, but it is important that you know this distinction when shopping for your pooch.
Diapers for female dogs look kind of like typical baby diapers, except that they feature a hole through which your dog’s tail can protrude. These cover the urethral opening, vaginal opening, and rectum of female dogs.
Male dog diapers, on the other hand, are usually designed like a band or a belly wrap, and they wrap around a dog’s lower belly region. These diapers only cover the urethral opening of boys.
In a nutshell, this means that females always need female dog diapers, but male dogs can use either style to suit their needs. Just be sure that if you use female dog diapers for your male dog, the belly portion comes up far enough to cover the tip of his penis. If it doesn’t, you may need to use a male and female diaper at the same time to ensure sufficient coverage.
What Should You Look for When Picking Large Dog Diapers?
There are a number of things to think about when picking out good dog diapers for your large breed dog. In this section, we will take you through some of the most important considerations for pet owners. Some of the most important include:
Decide Whether You Want Disposable or Reusable (Washable) Dog Diapers
The first thing you have to decide when shopping for dog diapers is whether you want disposable diapers or reusable (washable) diapers. Disposable dog diapers are convenient to use, but reusable diapers are cheaper over the long run, and they’re probably better for the planet too.
Be Sure to Select a Product Large Enough for Your Dog
Sizing challenges are common among owners trying to fit their dogs with diapers, no matter what size pet they have. Generally speaking, the problem large dog owners usually have is finding diapers that are big enough to fit their pet (this usually isn’t a problem with puppies).
This problem is most pronounced when it comes to disposable dog diapers – very few companies make diapers for dogs who have a waist larger than 31 inches or so. Dogs larger than this will generally be forced to use washable diapers. Generally, you can find these dimensions on the packaging or on the website.
Think About the Aesthetics
Although your dog won’t care what his diapers look like, most owners will prefer to use those that match their own aesthetic tastes. There are a number of options on the market, including bold or subdued colors and various prints. Most disposable doggie diapers, however, are simply white or covered in a relatively generic print.
Best Dog Diapers for Large Breeds
There are dozens of different dog diapers on the market, but only a handful are high-quality products that will provide the kind of coverage your dog needs. The following six – including four that are washable and two that are disposable — fit the bill perfectly and represent some of the best options available on the market. The best diaper for your dog will, of course, differ based on personal preference, but here is a list of 6 doggy diapers that we would recommend:
1. Wegreeco Washable Male Dog Diapers
Weegreeco Washable Male Dog Diapers are high-quality, belly wrap-style diapers that feature multi-layer construction to keep your dog comfortable and covered. Large enough to fit a dog with a 35- to 38-inch waist, Weegreeco Washable Male Diapers are a great option for large dog owners.
Features:
- A sewn-in pad is included for maximum absorbency
- Will not make “crinkly” sounds that some dogs find distressing
- Features a soft jersey material inner layer and a 100% leakproof exterior
- Conveniently sold in packs of three
- Available in several color combinations, including Blue/Green/Purple, Gold/Black/Grey, and Black/Blue/Olive
User Reviews: Most owners who tried Weegreeco Washable Male Dog Diapers found that they worked extremely well. Several reported that, unlike some other belly bands, Weegreeco Diapers seemed to stay in place, no matter how their dog moved or twisted while raising his leg. However, they are not restrictive, and they still allow dogs to run, jump and play as they normally would. This is a great mix of flexibility and security so that both the owners and dogs alike will be comfortable with this decision.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for high-quality dog bands for your big male dog, Weegreeco Washable Male Diapers should receive serious consideration. They’re not only some of the largest reusable male dog diapers bands on the market (thereby making them the perfect choice for giant dogs), they’re also well-made, and they don’t appear to leak. Therefore, if you’re looking for a reusable doggy diaper that you can rely on, this is a very solid choice.
2. Pet Parents Premium Washable Male Dog Diapers
Pet Parents Premium Male Dog Diapers are great-looking and highly effective belly bands, designed to stop your dog from making messes around the house. These belly bands are available in several sizes, and the largest versions will fit dogs with waists between 25- and 34-inches.
Features:
- An internal pad is included to help provide maximum absorbency
- Sold in packs of three
- Equipped with twin Velcro strips to ensure it stays in place
- Leak-proof, yet soft exterior layer is quiet (these diapers don’t make “crinkly” sounds)
- Available in three color combinations, including Black/Black/Black, Black/Brown/Grey, and Black/Green/Blue
User Reviews: Pet Parents Premium Washable Male Diapers received very good reviews from most owners who tried them (a high percentage of owners rated them highly). They appear to fit dogs comfortably, and a few owners remarked that they are capable of storing a significant amount of liquid. A few owners complained that the Velcro strips eventually stopped working, but this is likely an isolated issue.
Bottom Line: Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers are very effective diapers that appear to work exactly as advertised. Additionally, Pet Parents donate belly bands to non-profit dog shelters, so you can help out other dogs by buying from the brand. They may not fit the very largest dogs around, but they should be big enough to fit most. A great option to consider for your large pooch.
3. Wegreeco Washable Female Dog Diapers
Weegreeco Washable Female Dog Diapers are adorable and effective diapers, which will prevent your pet from making messes around the house. These diapers are more absorbent than most competing products, making them perfect for large dogs, who have large bladders.
These diapers will fit dogs with waists between 27- and 35-inches.
Features:
- Three-layer design, comprised of a leakproof outer layer, soft and comfortable inner layer and an absorbent pad
- The outer layer is made from non-toxic materials to ensure your dog’s safety and health
- Sold in packs of three
- Comes in your choice of two different print styles, as well as two different combinations of solid colors
- Velcro strips will not stick to your pet’s fur
User Reviews: Most owners were very pleased with the Weegreeco Washable Female Dog Diapers. They are super absorbent and appear to work splendidly for containing urine and heat-cycle-related discharges, although some owners complained that they would not contain poop very well. Some owners did report that the tail hole was a bit small, so these are probably not the best choice for dogs with really fluffy or fat tails.
Bottom Line: The Wegreeco Washable Female Dog Diapers are high-quality, well-made diapers, that should help contain most messes that female dogs can make. They look great, don’t make a lot of noise and they’re priced reasonably. They are, however, better for large, rather than a giant, thanks to the tail-hole size issues.
4. Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers
Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers are very well-designed female diapers that should help ensure your dog doesn’t cause any messes around the house. Made with a number of high-end features, these premium diapers are built to absorb significant quantities of liquid and to last for years.
Features:
- Made with a sewn-in pad to absorb more liquid than some other diapers
- Three-layer design is both comfortable and effective
- Very quiet materials used in the construction to avoid spooking nervous pets
- Sold in convenient three-packs
- Available in two color combinations: Black/Black/Black and Black/Grey/Brown
User Reviews: Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers received pretty good reviews from most owners who tried them. Most owners reported that they fit well and were adequately leak-proof and absorbent. However, these diapers do not appear to work very well for male dogs, as they don’t provide total penis coverage.
Bottom Line: Pet Parents Washable Female Diapers are a great choice for female dogs, but they may not be the best choice for males. The tail hole seems to be a bit larger than the ones included with some other dog diapers, so they may also be a good choice for female dogs with thick or fluffy tails.
5. Veterinarian’s Best Disposable Male Dog Diapers
Veterinarian’s Best Disposable Male Diapers are well-made, high-quality disposable belly wrap-style diapers that will help prevent your dog from urinating inside. Among the biggest disposable male dog diapers on the market, Veterinarian’s Best Diapers will fit dogs with a waist size of up to 31.5 inches.
Features:
- Wetness indicator changes color when the diaper has been saturated and needs to be changed
- Made with repositionable fasteners so that you can achieve a good fit
- Adhesive fasteners will not stick to your dog’s fur
- Easy to put on and take off
- Sold in packs of 12
User Reviews: Although these disposable diapers did not work for all dogs and their owners, the majority of those who tried them were pleased with their performance. Many who tried the Veterinarian’s Best Disposable Diapers rated them as a 4- or 5-star product. Several owners praised the repositionable fasteners and explained that they made it easy to achieve a snug fit.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a disposable, belly-band-style diaper for your male dog, Veterinarian’s Best Male Diapers are a great choice. They aren’t large enough for giant dogs, but they should fit most large breeds well. Additionally, the wetness indicator is a very helpful feature, that should help you ensure your dog’s comfort while preventing unnecessary diaper changes.
Some dog owners just prefer diapers that they don’t have to worry about washing and re-using, and if that is your primary concern then these might be the doggie diapers that you are looking for.
6. Veterinarian’s Best Disposable Female Dog Diapers
Veterinarian’s Best Female Dog Diapers are a good choice for large dog owners who want a disposable product. One of the best disposable options on the market, Veterinarian’s Best Female Diapers are super absorbent, affordable and designed to specifically fit the bodies of female dogs.
Features:
- Wetness indicator changes colors when your dog urinates
- Repositionable fasteners will not stick to your dog’s delicate hair
- Built-in tail-hole to ensure a good fit for your female dog
- Easy to put on and take off, thanks to the repositionable fasteners
- Sold in packs of 12
User Reviews: Most owners liked Veterinarian’s Best Female Dog Diapers, although several had difficulties with the product. For example, some owners found that the tail hole did not seem to be positioned correctly for their dog. Nevertheless, these are some of the best-reviewed female dog diapers available, and they worked very well for many owners. As with many diapers, the tail can be a problem, so it is important to consider the size of your dog before committing to a purchase.
Bottom Line: Although these won’t work for the biggest dogs, they are likely big enough for the majority of large female dogs. The wetness indicator is a very nice feature, and it will help ensure that your dog doesn’t walk around with a wet diaper all day. Additionally, despite being made from high-quality materials, these disposable diapers are pretty affordable too.
Dog Diaper FAQs
New parents often have plenty of questions about baby diapers and the diapering process, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that dog owners have similar questions relating to diapers. We’ll answer some of the most common dog diaper questions below.
Hopefully, once you read through these, you will be well equipped with the basic knowledge to make a decision that is best for your dog.
Are dog diapers good for poop?
Female dog diapers will usually work for poop, although they’ll create a pretty big mess in the process. Your dog’s fur will likely become soiled, and he’ll essentially need a bath after each diaper change. Additionally, some diapers allow poop to escape via the tail hole. So while the answer is “sometimes”, it is certainly not a fun situation to be in.
How do dog diapers stay on?
Disposable diapers are designed like human diapers are, and they’ll use adhesive strips to stay put. Reusable or washable diapers, however, usually rely on Velcro straps to stay in place, although a few models rely on snaps or buttons. Of course, some are more secure than others, and it also depends on how much your dog likes to move around.
How long can a dog wear a dog diaper?
Ideally, you should change your dog’s diaper any time it becomes soiled or saturated. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly when this occurs, so you should just try to change it as frequently as circumstances and your budget allow. You can figure that most dogs will need at least three diaper changes each day.
Can you use human diapers for your dog?
In a word, no. Unlike human babies, your dog has a tail (even it if its docked), and he needs a diaper that provides a hole through which his tail can pass. Some owners try to cut tail holes in human diapers, but this will rarely work. In fact, it’ll usually cause the diaper to leak.
Do dogs like wearing diapers?
Most dogs will learn to accept diapers, but few will be excited to wear them at first. Some dogs will resist your efforts to put the diaper on the first few times, but if you remain firm in your commitment, most dogs will relent and allow you to put it on. Be sure to provide plenty of praise and positive reinforcement once they do.
Dogs are highly adaptable animals, and over time they will learn to live with diapers, even though it is hopefully just a temporary thing.
In Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in need of dog diapers, but if you do, be sure to choose good ones, which are suitable for your pet. Poorly made, poorly chosen, or poorly sized diapers won’t work well, and they’ll likely lead to a huge mess.
This is why, as a dog owner, it is important to know the features to look for in the products. And perhaps more importantly, it is important to know how these features align with the needs of your dog. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and this may make it tough to know what will work best. However, with careful research, you can find out what will best keep your dog happy.
Additionally, you should choose the product that best addresses your needs as well. Often, the primary choice is between reusable and disposable doggy diapers. This really boils down to preference, although both have their own unique advantages.
But if you choose one of the six best dog diapers detailed above and choose the proper size, you’ll likely find that they’re immensely helpful during difficult times.
We hope our list has helped you to make a sound decision for both you and your dog. Let us know about your experiences with large dog diapers in the comments below.
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A big-dog lover, successful marketing executive, and website developer, Brian founded Canine Weekly in 2016. Brian lives just outside of Seattle with his wife and child. Brian grew up with labs and the family is eager to get another Labrador once their newborn is a little older. Brian is the former owner of Canine Weekly.