Do you know how to correctly fit belly bands and doggy diapers? Like any new pet parent, you probably don’t know much about fitting a belly band or doggy diaper for your furry-bestie. It’s not like you had to ever fit these to your puppy, right? But now your dog is older or has been injured, and they need a little help controlling their urine. They also need a little help fitting these life-changing products so they can be comfortable with no leaks and no pinching or pulling or rubbing or rash.
Correctly fitting doggy diapers and belly bands starts with great measurements.
Measuring Your Dog for Diapers and Belly Bands
Knowing how to measure your dog for their first incontinence diaper or belly band is essential to help you purchase the correct size. Your dog won’t grow into them, so if you buy too big, they will be unable to use the product, and if you purchase too small, you run the risk of the wrap or diaper not fitting at all (or chafing your dog).
Each manufacturer’s size guide will be different. So if you chose a large in one brand, it won’t be the same size if you get a large in the next brand. The best is to have your dog’s actual measurement to use each product’s size chart to help you to choose correctly. Here’s how to correctly fit belly bands and doggy diapers.
Measuring Your Dog’s Waist
You will need a soft cloth measuring tape, a pen, and paper.
- Calm your dog and help them stand still with their back legs next to each other. Have someone help you hold your dog if they don’t want to stand still.
- Placing the measuring tape on your dog’s spine, run the tape around your dog’s belly, bringing it to the start of the tape again.
- Don’t pull the tape tight.
- Slide the tape loop back so it touches the skin where the dog’s back legs attach to their body.
- Write the measurement down.
Check the Manufacturer’s Guide
Compare your measurement to the manufacturer’s guide to determine what size will likely fit your dog. Next, check the reviews of the product to decide whether the diapers or belly wraps are smaller than indicated or larger.
If your dog’s waist measurement is in between two sizes, opt for the larger size.
What About Diapers That Are Just Too Big?
If a belly band or diaper is too big, you can order suspenders for dogs like these by FunnyDogClothes Dog Suspenders.
Alternatively, fold the excess diaper or belly band outward and secure it with a diaper pin like these funky Sassy Sassy Decorative Diaper Pins, with the pinhead secured with a safety slide to prevent the pin from opening and accidentally pinching or pricking your pooch.
Doggy Diaper and Belly Band FAQs
How tightly should a doggy diaper or belly band fit?
To ensure a good fit with a doggy diaper or belly band that won’t slide around or pinch, insert one finger under the elasticated edge of the diaper or wrap. The diaper or wrap should fit snugly against your finger but not pinch it or slip off your finger.
What do I do when my dog’s belly wraps bunch up?
For bunching wraps, consider whether the waist measurement is accurate, or if the belly wrap is too wide for your dog’s body. Belly bands that are too wide will be pushed back by your dog’s front legs and crumple up in their loin area. If this is the case, choose a narrower belly band or fold a section over and secure it with a safety pin.
How can I improve a doggy diaper if it rubs my dog’s privates?
If your belly band or doggy diaper rubs at your dog’s private areas, especially if your dog has inflammation or swollen genitals, you can help soften the pad further by placing a diaper liner over the absorbent padding. A diaper liner can also help fill a too-loose doggy diaper or belly band for a better fit.
How do I wash my dog’s diapers and belly bands?
For reusable diapers and belly bands, it is easy to wash and use them again. Simply remove the soiled diaper or belly band, then fasten the Velcro straps to the inside to prevent the different straps from sticking together. Next, soak with warm water and a small amount of eco-friendly detergent to remove any deep stains.
Adding white vinegar will help remove smell and stains. Finally, wash in warm water with a measure of the same detergent. Wash a cycle in your washing machine, or scrub for five minutes if handwashing. Rinse well, use the spin feature to remove excess water, then dry flat in the shade or pin the diapers and belly wraps in a shady spot to dry.
The Last Fitment Tips
Your dog’s incontinence support products such as their belly bands and diapers are only as effective and comfortable as their fit is. If the belly bands are too loose, they may slide forward and rub the dog’s legs and genitals, which will cause urine to leak out. A too-tight wrap will cause circulation issues and inflict pain.
Likewise, a diaper can also rub and pull on the delicate base of the dog’s tail if it is too small, and if too big, the dog can easily slip out of the belly band or diaper. Ensure you check whether a diaper is suitable for your dog’s breeding and measure the size according to the manufacturer’s guide before making a purchase.
Lastly, change diapers and belly bands as soon as they become wet or show signs of soaking. Trying to save an extra buck by waiting an hour can land your dog with a painful rash and even promote infection. Always keep a spare belly belt or diaper on hand for those unexpected changes.