Belly bands: Game-changing addition to your doggie's wardrobe or glorified diaper?
Human diapers are nothing new. We put baby diapers on infants and toddlers. People may wear them after giving birth, and older adults experiencing incontinence may use diapers as well. Doggie diapers are a bit of a newer concept. And then there are belly bands for dogs, which look like diapers and serve a similar purpose but are a bit different.
Some pet parents swear they’re game-changers for indoor urination problems, such as incontinence and marking behaviors. But are they worth a purchase?
“When coming in to see your veterinarian, it will be helpful if you can bring in a urine sample from your dog for it to be evaluated.”
- Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Belly bands are products made out of fabric or diaper material. The purpose of this doggie garment is to catch urine from either male urinary incontinence or marking. As the name implies, pet parents can apply a belly band by wrapping it around the middle of a male dog.
Whether you have a puppy still learning house manners or an older dog with incontinence, belly bands can be a lifesaver. Here’s a list of common reasons why you might want to use a belly band on your dog:
Like humans, some dogs can lose bladder control as they age. A belly band may help your senior dog if they’re having trouble making it outside. Be sure to check their belly band frequently.
Does your doggie get a little too excited when people come over? If you’re training them not to do this behavior, using a belly band in the interim can help prevent them from peeing on guests.
Dogs who submissively urinate display symptoms of fear, including cowered posture or rolling over. Using belly bands for dogs who engage in submissive urination can help mitigate messes.
If your dog marks in the house, belly bands can help prevent them from soiling furniture, carpeting, and other items you’d rather keep pee-free.
👉 If you have a female dog with incontinence or marking issues, use a dog diaper instead.
Belly bands are a quick-fix Band-Aid for marking. To nix this behavior long-term, try these tips:
👉 Belly bands aren’t a long-term solution for marking in male dogs. They don’t teach our fur babies not to mark; they only prevent urine from reaching the target.
Belly bands aren’t a catch-all for urinary issues (no pun intended). Pet parents should steer clear of belly bands in certain situations:
If you’re potty training a new puppy, you shouldn’t rely on diapers or belly bands as a training aid. We believe there are more effective methods for potty training.
Unlike diapers, belly bands for dogs aren’t designed to hold a ton of urine and can leak or irritate your pup if kept on too long.
Since belly bands can’t hold a lot of pee, they shouldn’t be left on your dog when you’re not home or sleeping for an extended period.
There’s no need to catch a pooch’s urine outside. Let them pee free.
Belly bands can be useful, but you’ll want to follow a few steps carefully to ensure they remain effective and your pup remains comfortable.
If you’re using belly bands, check them at least once an hour. Pet parents should replace wet ones with fresh, clean garments. According to our vet, Dr. Dwight Alleyne, urine scalding or irritation can occur if a soiled band is worn for too long, which can lead to an infection that can spread.
According to Dr. Alleyne, “If you find that your dog’s skin is still irritated despite checking the belly band frequently, sometimes a small amount of talcum powder underneath the band may ease the irritation. But the ultimate goal would be to attempt to correct the problem that requires your dog to wear a belly band if possible when skin irritation is becoming an issue.”
Additionally, you can try a barrier cream, like Aquafor, to protect against urine scald until you and your vet can get to the issue.
This step ensures your dog is comfortable and the belly band is a good fit.
Putting on a belly band is a pretty straightforward process. But anyone who has ever put a diaper on a human knows it’s essential to get it right, or else you may experience some unwanted surprises.
Pet Parents’ Belly Bands come in a pack of three, making them easy to swap out. They have a waterproof outer shell and are known for being absorbent, so leaks are few and far between—as long as you apply the band correctly. The inner layer’s moisture-wicking fabric picks up liquid quickly, protecting your pet from rashes and burns and enhancing their comfort.
These reusable belly bands are washable, so pet parents won’t have to buy more. This feature is a major plus if you have a senior dog needing lots of belly band changes.
Belly bands can be incredibly helpful for managing your dog’s marking or incontinence issues. By using them correctly and choosing the right type, you can keep your home clean and your dog comfortable. Remember, belly bands are just one part of the solution. Training and understanding your dog’s behavior are equally important. With the right approach, both you and your furry friend can enjoy a cleaner, happier home.
A dog can wear a belly band for several hours at a time, but it’s important to change it frequently to keep your dog clean and comfortable. Generally, you should check the belly band every hour at least. If it becomes wet or soiled, replace it right away to prevent skin irritation or infections. Always make sure your dog has regular breaks without the belly band to allow their skin to breathe.
Belly bands don’t stop a marking behavior, but they’ll catch the pee, giving you less to clean up. They are a short-term fix to marking issues.
If applied correctly, a quality belly band will do its job—to prevent urine from landing anywhere in your home.
Belly bands catch a male dog’s urine, keeping your home clean and potentially saving your sanity. Only male dogs can benefit from a belly band, and they should only be used for behaviors like marking, excitement peeing, submissive peeing, or incontinence.
Belly bands shouldn’t be uncomfortable for dogs, particularly if they’re the right size. It’s important to change them every hour, as built-up urine can cause burns and rashes. Be sure to get an accurate measurement before purchasing one. Apply them correctly so your pet can breathe comfortably.
