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Washable Belly Bands & Doggy Diapers versus Disposable Ones

When your dear doggy develops urinary incontinence, it may seem like the end of the world. Then you make the decision to stick with your beloved pet, since they’re not ready to give up (and you aren’t either) and you discover the world of doggy diapers and belly bands. 

In case you haven’t done much digging (aka research) yet, a belly band is for boy dogs, while a doggy diaper is for girl dogs. Not too difficult, right?

Okay, but do you want reusable or washable ones or disposable ones? And now you’re stuck. Which is best?

Here are all the facts and a few great choice products to start with.

Disposable Versus Reusable Urinary Incontinence Products

Washable belly bands and diapers are made from a range of materials with an inner core that’s usually made from highly absorbent microfiber cloth. Whether you use a store bought or homemade product in the reusable or washable range is a personal choice.

Disposable belly bands and diapers are made from several different materials, with an inner core made of synthetic padding to absorb excess urine, and these products usually end up in a landfill after they are thrown in the trash. Sadly, this contributes heavily to the ever-growing problem of world pollution.

An average size dog will not only need one diaper or belly band per day, as they need a fresh diaper or belly band after each urination or before the diaper feels wet. This could mean you need to use at least four to six diapers or belly bands in a day (if not more).

Imagine how many disposable diapers or belly bands your dog’s needs will add to our growing pollution issue in a day, a week, or a year: From six belly bands or diapers a day to 42 a week, and almost 2,200 per year.

If your fur-baby creates that much waste, imagine how much ecological damage disposable diapers cause.

What about reusable belly bands and diapers?

Since a reusable belly band and diaper can be washed, it can be used again, and again, and again. A high-quality product or well-made home design diaper or belly band can last months, if not years.

The ecological damage of this product? Virtually zero. Beyond the initial ecological cost of producing the fabric used, there is almost no threat to the environment. You can even recycle some old clothes like cotton shirts or t-shirts as padding or to make the diapers and belly bands.

Disposable Doggy Belly Bands and Diapers

Washable Belly Bands - Dog wearing a disposable diaper

There are, of course, situations where you won’t be able to use a doggy incontinence product that’s reusable as it may not be possible to take the soiled diaper or belly band with you, such as when you have to travel with your dog or if your dog stays in doggy day-care.

There are a few benefits to disposable urinary incontinence products, and there are a few cons too.

Pros of Disposable Urinary Incontinence Diapers and Belly Bands

  • Great range to choose from with many different designs
  • Special features such as wetness indicators, specialized fasteners, and gel inserts to provide instant dry relief
  • Convenient to dispose of
  • Initially cheaper to purchase
  • May provide a better fit with special heat-shrunk elasticated sides and pull-tabs

Cons of Disposable Urinary Incontinence Diapers and Belly Bands

  • Huge ecologically negative footprint both in the manufacturing process and as a waste product
  • Some dogs may be allergic to synthetic disposable products
  • Due to the high cost of changing diapers and belly bands, some owners may leave the soiled ones on too long to save money, causing burn and discomfort

Reusable Doggy Belly Bands and Diapers

Washable or reusable belly bands and diapers are great in situations where you can easily change the product and take the soiled diaper or belly band with you to wash at home, or if you are home, you can drop them into a bucket with a cleaning solution until you are ready to wash a couple for next time.

Buying or making reusable belly bands or diapers have several pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Reusable Doggy Diapers and Belly Bands

  • Saves money in the long run
  • Great for saving the environment as they are eco-friendly
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be bought or made DIY
  • Can customize according to your dog’s needs
  • Change as frequently as you like with no increased expense

Cons of Reusable Doggy Diapers and Belly Bands

  • May not fit your dog ideally
  • Less choice for design and comfort fit
  • Fabric may leak if diaper is left on when full of urine
  • Need to be soaked and hand washed to prevent lingering smells

What to Look for in a Doggy Diaper or Belly Band

Regardless of whether you buy disposable or washable, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when making your selection. Diapers and belly bands should:

  • Offer a comfortable fit with no pinching or pulling
  • Fasten securely to prevent the diaper or belly band moving or slipping off
  • Be absorbent and retain fluid well
  • Be hypoallergenic and not cause skin rashes
  • If reusable, be wash-friendly and easy to dry
  • If reusable, have a loose pouch for the absorbent microfiber padding to allow for easier washing

Best Eco-Friendly Belly Band and Diaper Products

Washable Belly Bands - Dog doing laundry

Now you know what to look for in belly bands and diapers, it’s time to meet the best of the best. In the eco-friendly class, aka reusable or washable class, we find the top belly band and the best diapers.

Top Reusable Belly Band for Dogs

The wegreeco Washable Male Dog Belly Wrap is top rated in the incontinence management market. Dog owners love how these belly bands come in a pack of three and are fully washable.

Use these belly bands to help your incontinent boy dogs or to help restrain your dogs when females are in season to prevent unwanted breeding. You can also use these bands if your dog gets too excited and dribbles while welcoming you at the door.

Pros

  • Comes in seven different color combination sets
  • Sized from extra small to extra extra large
  • Resistant to leaking
  • Pays for washable belly bands within two months, preventing more landfill dumping
  • Softer than some disposable bands
  • Fully washable

Cons

  • Incorrect fit can rub your dog raw
  • May leak easily if overloaded with urine
  • Bands need to be machine washed daily to prevent staining and smells forming, which can be tedious

Best Reusable Dog Diaper

For female dogs and for male dogs who struggle with wearing a belly band, a dog diaper is ideal to control incontinence messes. The CuteBone Dog Diapers Female Small 3 Pack diapers set is a great reusable and fully washable diaper product.

Pros 

  • Comes in five sizes from extra small to extra large
  • 43 different color and pattern options available
  • Adjustable snap fasteners to ensure a perfect fit
  • Fully adjustable leg elastics further ensure a snug fit and less mess
  • Leak-proof outer and special fasteners to secure the ties when washing make for a very practical product
  • Eco-friendly since it’s reusable
  • Cost saving as you only purchase a few sets and reuse them

Cons 

  • Diapers can be strange sized
  • Measure your dog before purchasing and check size chart or it won’t fit
  • Some sizes run smaller than other brands
  • Wrong size diapers can create a lot of rubbing, especially when it’s wet
  • Need to be washed, and designs and fasteners of diapers may cause them to stick together

Top Disposable Belly Bands and Dog Diapers

If you have to go the disposable route, then go for the best possible product that offers quality service to your dog. Most disposable incontinence products carry a heavy ecological burden and add to the global pollution challenges. However, if you dispose of them wisely, you can help reduce that impact.

Best Disposable Belly Band

The Amazon Basics Male Dog Wrap is a highly recommended and economical belly band for male dog incontinence, marking, dribbling, and mounting behavior. While this is a basic design, the essentials are all there with a color changing strip as wetness indicator, elasticated sides, sticky closures, and readjustable tabs for fitment.

Pros

  • Absorbent core to keep your dog dry and lock away wetness
  • Affordable at less than a dollar each
  • Available in four sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large
  • 30 wraps in a pack, but larger 50s packs are available

Cons

  • No extra large for bigger size dogs
  • Adds to global pollution problems as disposable belly wraps aren’t recyclable
  • Repeat purchase required, which adds up to a higher cost

Most Effective Dog Diaper for Incontinence

Dog diapers are very fit-specific, and if your dog isn’t comfortable in their diaper, they will rip it off or wiggle out of it. Luckily, the Paw Inspired 32ct Disposable Dog Diapers are a great fit, keep your pooch dry, and ensure they are comfortable while wearing their diapers.

Pros 

  • Super absorbent core with a “ribbed” design with different sections to channel fluid to the gel core, where fluid is solidified instantly
  • Fur-resistant fasteners can be repositioned
  • Addition of flexible tailhole adds to comfort
  • Highly absorbent and leak proof
  • Available in size extra small to extra large
  • Breathable with an air permeable outer layer to keep your dog cool
  • Great value for money at less than a dollar per diaper

Cons 

  • Tailhole position may not fit your dog ideally, which can cause leakage
  • Creates pollution when these end up in landfills
  • More expensive in long run as you can only use each diaper once
  • Some dogs may be allergic to the inner core gel

Belly Band and Dog Diaper FAQs

How do you measure your dog for a belly band?

Start by selecting the brand of belly bands you would like to purchase as each manufacturer’s measurement chart will be slightly different. Next, measure the circumference around your dog’s waist just ahead of their back legs, where their body starts to taper down to form their legs. Check the chart and choose the size that will fit your dog.

Why are reusable incontinence products better than disposable ones for your dog?

Reusable belly bands and doggy diapers are easier on your pocket as you don’t have to buy new products every week. Most washable belly bands and dog diapers can last a year or more. Washable dog diapers and belly bands are not as heavy on the ecology as disposable ones. Reusable incontinence products also help ease the burden of plastic sanitary waste on the world’s landfills. Sadly, disposable products are not recyclable, and these cause large scale pollution across the world.

How do you make your own washable belly bands and dog diapers?

To make your own belly bands and diapers, it is important to use accurate measurements. An easy way to get the best of both worlds is to take a disposable belly band or diaper that fits your dog well and copy the design on paper.

Next, choose a quality fabric that can be used to make the diaper or band outer. Use microfiber to make the inner absorbent pad. Velcro can be used to make the fastener tabs, or snap fasteners can also be used.

Final Thoughts on Disposable Vs Washable Belly Bands and Dog Diapers

You want the very best for your dog, but you should also consider the planet and the impact disposable products have on the world’s pollution. You can make a difference, one belly band or dog diaper at a time.

Additionally, doggy diapers and belly bands that are washable can last a long time, stretching your bottom dollar just a little further.

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