Do dogs find belly bands & diapers uncomfortable? One of the biggest concerns for first-time dog owners when their dog develops urinary incontinence and needs to wear a belly band or doggy diaper is whether these products are comfortable for dogs or not. After all, it’s a pretty sensitive area of the dog’s body, so you don’t want them to feel uncomfortable when they already have a “little problem” down there.
Here’s the lowdown on the comfort levels of these canine incontinence products and what to do to maximize your dog’s comfort.
What Are Belly Bands and Doggy Diapers?
A belly band, also called a male wrap, is a simple section of fabric that has a padded core to absorb liquid. It’s fitted around the barrel of the dog’s body, covering the dog’s penis so it can absorb any spotting and leaks from incontinent dogs.
Belly bands can also be used to help prevent male dogs covering female dogs and minimize leg-lifting behavior if you have a female nearby that’s in season.
Doggy diapers can be used for both male and female dogs to help absorb incontinence spills, prevent coverings, and help manage any messes. Unlike the belly band that’s a straightforward bit of fabric that wraps around the dog, a doggy diaper looks more like a traditional human diaper, except that it has a hole where the dog’s tail passes through.
Why Could Belly Bands and Doggy Diapers Become Uncomfortable for Your Dog?
Since doggy belly bands and diapers fit in close contact with the dog’s skin and around a sensitive area of their body, some dogs can easily become agitated and uncomfortable when they have to wear these incontinence aids.
The main culprits that cause discomfort are:
Too Tight
If the wraps or diapers fit too tightly, your dog will feel restricted, and they may also find that the elasticated sides of these products can cut off circulation. No dog likes being held too tightly, so they won’t appreciate being held tightly by their wraps and diapers.
Too Big
Some owners are really scared of buying a diaper or belly band that fits too tightly, so they end up buying a product that’s way too big for their pooch. The result is also discomfort. When these items don’t fit comfortably and snuggly (but not tight), it can lead to rubbing and constant movement, and your dog could wiggle out of their wraps and diapers.
Rubbing
Products that rub on sensitive legs, tummies, genitals, and tails will not make your dog happy to wear their diapers or wraps. When elasticated edges or velcro tabs rub at your dog’s soft skin, it will hurt, cause a rash, and even trigger a secondary skin infection.
Pinching
The opposite of rubbing is when the diaper or wrap pinches your dog, usually in a sensitive area where skin folds such as their loins or near their tail (for diapers). A pinched area can become inflamed and infected.
Bunching
Diapers and belly bands that are too big for dogs tend to bunch up, pressing painfully on sensitive areas. Over time, this can lead to skin ulceration and bruising.
Soiling
While a diaper or belly band may fit perfectly when it’s fresh and dry, it can quickly become nasty and ill-fitting when it’s soaked with urine. Not removing soiled diapers or wraps frequently enough can lead to severe discomfort for dogs.
How to Prevent Your Dog’s Belly Band or Doggy Diapers Hurting Them
Now you know how a belly band or doggy diaper can hurt your pooch, it’s time to find out what you can do to ensure they never suffer discomfort again.
Fixing Too Tight Fits
When you have no other options, you can lengthen a too-tight belly wrap or diaper by adding some baby-quality safety pins. Ensure the wrap or diaper still covers all the essential bits, and change the diaper more frequently.
What to Do About Too Big Ones
For belly wraps that are too big, it’s best to pin these in with safety pins, but it’s better to rather size down and buy a smaller size product.
Dealing With Rubbing
Rubbing is usually a sign that the belly wraps or diapers are too big, which makes the edges of these slide against the dog’s skin, causing blisters and inflammation. Rubbing can be managed by adding a liner such as the ones used for human babies to help equalize the tension between the elastic and the dog’s skin and also to relieve rubbing marks.
Bidding Pinching Goodbye
A diaper or belly wrap that pinches is usually too tight. A diaper liner will help if you’ve got no other options, but it’s better to size up to a better fitting size diaper or wrap.
Bunch No More
Another cause of discomfort for dogs is when the diaper or wrap fits well, but the overall dimensions of the dog doesn’t fit into the diaper or wrap. A belly band that’s too big will crumple up as the dog moves, creating a large fold of excess wrap around the dog’s genitals, which will make them uncomfortable. Find a belly wrap that is the same size, but narrower to prevent bunching.
Bye-Bye Soiling
A nappy or wrap that has been soiled and is filled with urine will become heavy and be more prone to rubbing too. It’s a good idea to change the nappy or wrap when you feel it’s wet (some disposable ones have a wetness indicator) or at least three times a day.
Never leave a soiled wrap or nappy on your dog as it’s a sure recipe to them feeling uncomfortable and resenting the product.
Belly Bands and Doggy Diapers FAQs
What is the difference between a belly band and a dog diaper?
Belly bands or wraps are for boy dogs, while diapers are mostly for female dogs.
Do belly bands stop dogs from peeing?
Belly bands or male wraps are mostly intended to stop dogs marking their territory or covering females, but it can also help absorb urine from incontinent dogs and prevent spills. Some male dogs feel uncomfortable in it and won’t intentionally pee in the wrap, but incontinent dogs don’t have a choice as they “leak” so they benefit from using a belly band.
Can dogs still poop with a diaper on?
A dog can indeed poop in their diaper, and the diaper will contain the droppings until you can change the diaper. However, it’s vital to change the diaper as soon as the dog has pooped or peed in it to keep your dog dry and comfortable.
The Final Band
Belly bands and doggy diapers are intended to help your incontinent dog manage without spills and also to stop them constantly licking their private parts (which usually then become raw). These are products that cover a sensitive part of your dog’s body, and they should fit comfortably.
Ensure your dog has no rubbing, pinching, bunching, or ill-fitting belly bands and doggy diapers to deal with and your dog will love you all the more.