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Dog diapers and wraps are beneficial for preventing accidents and stains when a dog is marking inside, in heat, experiencing urinary incontinence, recovering from surgery, or exhibiting mobility issues. Most dog diapers are designed to fit female dogs—around the hind legs and with an opening for tails—while belly bands, also known as wraps, provide more coverage for problematic urination in male dogs.
Wraps or belly bands fit around the midsection, leaving the hind legs exposed, to more reliably prevent urine marking from a male. But dog diapers can also be used for male dogs experiencing diarrhea or other forms of incontinence.
We tested 19 dog diapers and belly bands, including both disposable and reusable products. Each diaper or wrap product was worn by a real dog within their home setting. Using a methodology developed with advice from experts, we evaluated each belly band or diaper for comfort, absorbency, build quality, and overall effectiveness.
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Paw Inspired Disposable Dog Diapers are designed for female dogs with an opening for their tail and an absorbent pad that converts liquid to gel. We found the absorbency of these diapers to be very effective, pulling away any moisture from the dog’s skin to help prevent irritation, and there was no leaking.
Plus, the closures are hook-and-loop, so you can adjust the diaper to find the right fit, which is not typically the case with disposable dog diapers. With the soft, secure fit and gathered leak-proof edges, your dog will be as comfortable as possible and less inclined to try to remove her nappy.
Available in six sizes, with a flexible band on the opposite side of the adjustable closures, Paw Inspired diapers will fit securely on almost any dog breed. You can find helpful sizing charts on the retail page to pair your dog’s waist with the right size.
Available in six sizes
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If you prefer a disposable dog belly band, the hook-and-loop closures on Honey Care All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps make these eminently adjustable, instead of the sticky adhesive “wings”—which can stick to fur—typical of many disposable belly bands.
These belly bands were significantly easier to get onto our participating dog, and the adjustable adhesive mechanism meant we didn’t have to cinch this belly band down as much, which seemed to be more comfortable than other disposable products we tried.
Each wrap-style diaper is white with a light blue print. The outer layer is breathable, and the internal pad is moisture-wicking to keep your dog cool, dry, and as comfortable as possible. The absorbent pad is also quite large, ensuring wraparound coverage in case the belly band shifts during wear.
Available in four sizes
How We Picked
We selected 19 diaper products for real-world testing with dogs in home environments. Over the course of three weeks, each human companion of our canine testers recorded their experience.
Our participants also followed a precise methodology written with the help of pet experts—we consult veterinarians, vet techs, animal behavioral researchers, manufacturing specialists, and other expert sources while developing our testing protocols.
Our criteria for evaluation of these dog diapers focused on absorbency, quality, comfort, and effectiveness. At the end of our testing time frame, each tester ranked the diaper on a scale of 1 to 5 in each category.
They also elaborated on the features they felt made the diaper an item they would or would not recommend, including the ease of getting the diaper on their dog, the quality of absorbency after washing (if reusable), and the aesthetic appeal. We used the aggregation of ratings and feedback to inform our selections.
What to Look For
Reusable or Disposable:
Whether you are looking into diapers for an older dog who is suffering from urinary incontinence or trying to minimize messes while house-training your puppy, reusable and disposable diapers each have their own benefits as well as limitations. Some folks may not mind washing diapers if they just contain a little urine, but a puppy in the middle of house training may make a bigger mess.
Female or Male:
Your dog’s anatomy will determine whether a diaper or wrap (also called a belly band) should be used. A diaper is designed to securely fit female dogs, and a wrap is for male dogs.
Let Their Tail Wag:
Some diapers have built-in holes for your dog’s tail to fit through. Not all dogs have tails, though. If you have a breed such as a Pembroke Welsh corgi, a diaper with a tail hole may allow for leaking. Diapers with no such hole will be a better option. In rarer instances, a dog may have had a rear limb amputated. Similar to the tail hole for a dog with no tail, a hole for a leg that isn’t there may allow for leaking; there are diapers on the market for amputees.
Reason for Using:
To help you determine if a dog diaper is needed and will be useful for your dog, you need to understand why your dog is urinating in places where they shouldn’t.
- Training: While training, sometimes you need to keep your dog or puppy indoors for an extended period of time. In these scenarios, we recommend using potty pads or artificial grass rather than diapers, as diapers won’t help your dog learn where it’s appropriate for them to potty. “Diapers and belly bands are not used to potty train dogs,” says dog trainer Jill Guin, KPA-CTP, owner of Underdogs in Long Beach, California. “Instead, we used a reward-based system of getting your dog or puppy on a schedule, taking them out hourly, and rewarding them with a treat when they go potty in their designated potty area.”
- Post-Training Accidents: While traveling, adjusting to a new space, or if your dog needs to stay indoors for an extended period of time, they may have the urge to relieve themselves and not understand the proper protocol because it’s not part of their usual routine. In these scenarios, a dog diaper can help to prevent a mess and is especially beneficial to their comfort in a confined space like a kennel.
- Incontinence: Also referred to as urine leaking, incontinence is involuntary and can be caused by old age, injury, or infection. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the source. A properly fitting dog diaper can help keep your dog comfortable and your space urine-free.
- Marking: Some dogs, especially males, display marking behavior in which they release a small amount of urine to “mark” a space. It’s typically done outside and is driven by sex hormones, but the habit continues for some dogs even after they’ve been spayed or neutered. It’s very common, but if you are concerned, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Other Products We Tested
In addition to our winners and recommended dog diapers, we also tested:
Top Paw Disposable Dog Diapers: The gel core and leak barrier work well to collect urine, but are not as effective with poop. The diaper has adjustable hook-and-loop tabs, making it easy to put on, but it was also easy for our dog tester to take these off all on their own.
OUT! Pet Care Disposable Male Dog Diapers: The highly absorbent core and leak barrier are effective at containing messes, but the adhesive wears out with repeated adjustments.
Hartz Disposable Dog Diapers: This absorbent, budget-friendly option has hook-and-loop closures for easier readjustment and a comfortable, secure fit. However, messes can leak out of the tail hole.
More We Recommend
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Keep your dog’s tail wagging with these versatile dog diapers that work for females and males. Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers have elastic sides and an opening for a dog’s tail to poke through.
The absorbent inner lining quickly wicks away moisture, and while testing, we did not experience any leaks or transfer of urine onto carpet and upholstery. However, after a full night of use in a kennel, we did find a slight amount of external dampness.
The hook-and-loop closures allow for an adjustable and secure fit for your dog’s unique shape and comfort. The diapers are machine-washable, durable, and available in a variety of colors and sizes. With repeated wearing and washing for three weeks, the diapers showed no signs of losing their effectiveness.
Available in five sizes and three different colors
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What We Like: Tester did not experience any leaks; less bulky for playtime and walks; available in a variety of colors and sizes; waterproof exterior with elastic sides
What We Don’t Like: Hook-and-loop closure not as strong as other options
Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Belly Bands are designed to wrap around male dogs and stay securely in place with hook-and-loop closures. If you have an active dog, the slim design of these wraps will make it easier for them to move around. And while wearing this belly band, our dog tester didn’t show any signs of discomfort.
We found the hook-and-loop closures to be slightly less adhesive than other dog wraps we tried, but there were no leaks while testing. These reusable and machine-washable diapers are ideal for dog parents who plan to take their dog outside for walks and playtime with the wrap in place.
Available in five sizes
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Putting this reusable diaper onto your female dog is a snap—literally! Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers have snaps in addition to hook-and-loop closures for a customized fit that can be adjusted as needed, which is especially convenient for pregnant dogs and growing pups whose sizes change frequently.
The absorbency of these diapers really holds fluid in and keeps the dog dry, even after multiple wears. The machine-washable diapers have elastic sides and an opening for the tail. They are available in a variety of colors and are often sold as a set of three.
Available in multiple solid colors and patterns
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We were impressed with the effectiveness and the quality of these Paw Inspired Dog Wraps. The pad section is wider than other reusable wraps we tested, and the hook-and loop-closures hold the belly band firmly in place.
While testing, Paw Inspired Dog Wraps successfully prevented leaks, and we found them easy to adjust to find the right fit that is both secure and comfortable for a dog. The doggie wraps are sold in packs of two or three in a variety of solid colors, and they can be placed in a washing machine for repeat use.
Available in five sizes
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For a touch of whimsy along with reliable absorbency, these reusable dog wraps are sold in a variety of colorful prints and designs featuring animals, stars, shapes, and plaids. In addition to the eye-catching exterior patterns on waterproof fabric, we were impressed with the leak-proof effectiveness and comfort of the Wegreeco Washable Belly Bands.
The bands have elastic sides and a slight curve for a secure fit on the underside of a male dog, positioning the absorbency pad where it’s needed most.
Available in over 20 designs
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There’s no denying that reusable dog diapers and belly bands are more environmentally friendly than disposable options. However, they may lose points on convenience since they do have to be washed, which, for some pet parents, could mean doing laundry several times a week, particularly with seriously incontinent pups. Although we did not test these Pawpang Disposable Diaper Liners, we included them on our list because they’re a top-rated pick at Amazon, and could very well offer a solution to this conundrum.
Considerably thinner than typical disposable pads, like Poise, which some pet parents have used to bridge the leakage gap, these Pawpang liner pads are lightweight and more comfortable for dogs to wear. This is due to the advanced Japanese-made polymer at their core, which can absorb liquid hundreds of times its dry weight and retain it in a gel-like state even under pressure without leaking. The liners are securely held in place by strong adhesive strips on the underside.
The liners come in four sizes, ranging from extra-small to large. While most of them pair well with various sizes of reusable diapers and belly bands, some pet parents report that the extra-small is still too wide to fit snugly on their tiny dogs.
Available in four sizes
FAQ
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How do you measure a dog for diapers?
Place a flexible tape around your dog’s waist—about an inch or two in front of their hind legs. If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can wrap their waist with a string and then use a standard ruler to find your dog’s size. Sizing varies among manufacturers, so always measure your dog before trying a new brand and consult the size chart provided by the specific brand you are considering.
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Can you use baby diapers on dogs?
It is not recommended, but if regular baby diapers are the only option available, they can be used on dogs. You will need to create a hole for your dog’s tail (if they have one), and baby diapers will only fit a select weight range of dogs.
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Do dog diapers help potty train puppies?
Diapers can prevent accidents while traveling, and if you need to keep your puppy indoors for an extended period of time, but they won’t help your puppy learn where it’s appropriate for them to potty. Instead of relying on diapers to keep your home clean, we recommend positive reinforcement training. When your puppy relieves themselves outside and/or on a puppy pad, you provide a treat to reinforce the behavior to increase the likelihood of it happening again.
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Can a dog wear a diaper overnight?
Yes, a dog can wear a diaper or a belly band overnight. You should put a fresh diaper on your dog before going to sleep and then immediately remove it in the morning.
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Can a dog wear a diaper for poop?
Yes, a diaper for female dogs also covers the anus, so it will collect poop. It’s always important to remove the soiled diaper—whether it be with poop or pee—as soon as possible. Belly bands and wraps do not cover the anus, so they are not reliable for collecting poop. If your dog needs to poop inside your house, we recommend puppy pads (also called training pads, pee pads, and dog pads).
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