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?
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:
👉 If you have a female dog with incontinence or marking issues, use a dog diaper instead.
Belly bands aren’t a catch-all for urinary issues (no pun intended). Pet parents should steer clear of belly bands in certain situations:
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.
Check them often — 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.
Try talcum powder — 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.”
Use a tape measure to find the right size — 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.
We recommend staying away from Pinterest for belly bands. If you decide that your dog needs a belly band, it’s best to buy one. First of all, you’ll probably save money. Plus, it can be challenging to make one unless you have great sewing skills.
Belly bands shouldn’t be a permanent solution for marking. They don’t teach our fur babies not to mark; they only prevent urine from reaching the target.
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
DVM
Belly bands are a quick-fix Band-Aid for marking. To nix this behavior long-term, try these tips:
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.
