How do you measure a dog for diapers?

Place a flexible tape around your dog's waist—about an inch or two in front of their hind legs. If you don't have a flexible tape measure you can wrap a string around, and then use a standard ruler to find your dog's size. Sizing varies among manufacturers, so always measure your dog before trying a new brand and consult the size chart provided by the specific brand you are considering.

Can you use baby diapers on dogs?

It is not recommended, but if regular baby diapers are the only option available, they can be used on dogs. You will need to create a hole for your dog's tail (if they have one), and baby diapers will only fit a select weight range of dogs.

The 7 Best Dog Diapers And Wraps Of 2023

Commerce Photo Composite — The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

In addition to the prevention of accidents, a female dog can benefit from wearing a diaper while she is in heat. Diapers—or belly bands for are also useful if your dog is marking inside, experiencing urinary incontinence, recovering from surgery, or exhibiting mobility issues.

In general, dog diapers are designed to address issues specific to female dogs, while belly bands, also known as wraps, address problematic urination in male dogs. While diapers can also be used for male dogs experiencing diarrhea or other forms of incontinence, the way diapers fit—around the hind legs (and with an opening for tails)—sometimes prevent them from fully covering a male dog, making them inadequate for urinary issues. Wraps or belly bands fit around the midsection instead, leaving the hind legs exposed, but more reliably preventing urine marking.

We tested 19 diapers and belly bands, including both disposable and reusable products. Testers used each diaper or wrap with their dogs at home. Using a methodology developed with advice from experts, our testers evaluated each belly band or diaper for comfort, absorbency, build quality, and overall effectiveness.

After three weeks of testing, our favorite disposable diapers were Paw Inspired Ultra Protection Disposable Female Dog Diapers and Honey Care All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps. Both feature hook and loop closures in place of sticky adhesive, which makes it possible to adjust the diaper for a secure and comfortable fit. We also found several reusable options for dogs of all shapes and sizes in a variety of colors and price points.

From potty training a puppy to keeping a senior dog dry and comfortable, here are the best dog diapers.

Our Top Picks

Best Disposable Diaper:

Paw Inspired Disposable Dog Diapers at Amazon

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Best Disposable Belly Band:

HONEY CARE All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps at Amazon

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Best Washable Diaper:

Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers at Amazon

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Best Washable Belly Band:

Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Belly Bands at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Diaper:

Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Belly Band:

Paw Inspired Washable Wrap Around Diapers at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Designs:

Wegreeco Washable Male Dog Belly Band at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce?

4.8

Paw Inspired Disposable Female Dog Diapers

Amazon

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What We Like

Effective absorbency wicks away moisture
Tester did not experience any leaks
Opening for tail
Comfortable and easy to put on dog

What We Don't Like

Only available in white

The Paw Inspired Disposable Dog Diapers are designed for female dogs with an opening for their tail and an absorbent pad that converts liquid to gel. The closures are hook and loop, so you can adjust the diaper to find the right fit, which is not typically the case with disposable dog diapers.

With a soft, secure fit, and gathered leak-proof edges, your dog will be as comfortable as possible and less inclined to try to remove her nappy. Available in six sizes, with a flexible bands on the opposite side of the adjustable closures, the Paw Inspired diapers will fit securely on almost any dog breed. You can find helpful sizing charts on the retail page, which will pair your dog's waist with the right size.

"The absorbency of these was very good and helped pull away any moisture from my dog's skin to help prevent irritation, and there was no leaking," our tester said.

Price at time of publish: $20 (Small, 32-pack)

_{Design: Solid colors | Sex: Female | Care: Dispose | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Hook and loop}

The Spruce/Nicole Anderson
The Spruce/Nicole Anderson
The Spruce/Nicole Anderson

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Absorbency

5/5
Quality

4/5
Comfort

4/5
Effectiveness

5/5

What We Like

Tester did not experience any leaks
No "wings" covering adhesive which tester found cumbersome on other disposable dog diapers
Comfortable and easy to put on dog
Breathable outer layer
Hook and loop closures

What We Don't Like

Only available in white with light blue print

If you prefer a disposable dog belly band, the hook and loop closures of the Honey Care All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps make these eminently adjustable, instead of the sticky adhesive "wings"—which can stick to fur—typical of many disposable belly bands.

Our tester found it significantly easier to get these diapers onto their dog. "The better adhesive mechanism meant we didn't have to cinch this diaper down as much which seemed to be more comfortable than other disposable diapers we tried."

Each diaper is white with a light blue print. The outer layer is breathable and the internal pad is moisture wicking to keep your dog cool, dry, and as comfortable as possible. The absorbent pad is also quite large, ensuring wraparound coverage in case the belly band shifts during wear.

Price at time of publish: $17 (Small, 50-pack)

_{Design: Print | Gender: Male | Care: Dispose | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large | Closure Type: Hook and loop}

HONEY CARE All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps — The Spruce/Jason Devaney

4.9

Amazon

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What We Like

Tester did not experience any leaks
Opening for tail
Waterproof exterior
Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Elastic sides
Designed for female and male dogs

What We Don't Like

Our tester noticed some external dampness after a full night of use

Keep your dog's tail wagging with these versatile dog diapers that work for females and males. The Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers have elastic sides and an opening for a dog's tail to poke through. The absorbent inner lining quickly wicks away moisture and our tester did not experience any leaks or transfer onto their carpet and upholstery. However, after a full night of use in a kennel, our tester did find a slight external dampness.

The hook and loop closures allow for an adjustable and secure fit for your dog's unique shape and comfort. They are machine washable, durable, and available in a variety of colors and sizes.

"They have been washed multiple times and are as good as new coming out of the wash," noted our tester after repeated use.

The Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers are available in five sizes and three different colors.

Price at time of publish: $22 (Small, 3-pack)

_{Design: Solid colors | Gender: Female and male | Care: Machine wash | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Ho okand loop}

4.5

Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Belly Bands for Male Dogs

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Absorbency

5/5
Quality

4/5
Comfort

5/5
Effectiveness

4/5

What We Like

Tester did not experience any leaks
Less bulky for playtime and walks
Available in a variety of colors and sizes
Waterproof exterior with elastic sides

What We Don't Like

Hook and loop closure not as strong as other options

If you have active dog, the slim design of these wraps will make it easier for them to move around. "Our dog didn't seem to have any issues with comfort while wearing this diaper," our tester noted.

The Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Belly Bands are designed to wrap around male dogs and stay securely in place with hook and loop closures. Our tester found the hook and loop closures to be less adhesive than other dog wraps they've tried, but they didn't experience any leaks. They recommend these reusable and machine washable diapers for dog parents that plan to take their dog outside for walks and playtime with the wrap in place.

Price at time of publish: $18 (Small, 3-pack)

_{Design: Solid colors | Gender: Male | Care: Machine wash | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Hook and loop}

The 8 Best Cooling Dog Beds of 2023

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Our Ratings

Absorbency

5/5
Quality

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Effectiveness

5/5

What We Like

Snaps in addition to hook and loop closures for a custom, secure fit
Effective absorbency wicks away moisture
Tester did not experience any leaks
Elastic sides for comfort

What We Don't Like

Only four size options

Putting this reusable diaper on to your female dog is a snap—literally! The Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers have snaps in addition to hook and loop closures for a customized fit that can be adjusted as needed, which is especially convenient for pregnant dogs and growing pups whose sizes change frequently.

"The absorbency on these diapers really holds the fluid in and keep the dog dry, even after washing," our tester said.

The machine washable diapers have elastic sides and an opening for the tail. They are available in a variety of colors and often sold as a set of 3.

Price at time of publish: $14 (Small, 3-pack)

_{Design: Solid colors | Gender: Female | Care: Machine wash | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large | Closure Type: Snaps, hook and loop}

Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers — The Spruce/Nicole Anderson

How to Care for a Paralyzed Dog

4.4

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Absorbency

5/5
Quality

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Effectiveness

5/5

What We Like

Wider pad than other wraps
Strong hold hook and loop closures
Adjustable fit for comfort
Tester did not experience any leaks
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Big, beefy hook and loop closures can catch on carpet

Our tester was impressed with the effectiveness and the quality of the Paw Inspired Dog Wraps. "The pad section is wider than others we tested, it has the best velcro (hook and loop), and seem like the highest quality reusable diapers."

The doggie wraps are sold in packs of 2 or 3 in a variety of solid colors. They can be placed in a washing machine for repeat use. Throughout our testing timeframe, our tester and their dog did not experience any leaks. They also felt it was easy to adjust the size and positioning with the hook and loop straps to make sure their dog was comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $18 (Small, 3-pack)

_{Design: Solid colors | Gender: Male | Care: Machine washable | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Closure Type: Hook and loop}

Paw Inspired Washable Wrap Around Male Dog Diapers — The Spruce/Jason Devaney

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Absorbency

5/5
Quality

5/5
Comfort

5/5
Effectiveness

5/5

What We Like

Elastic sides
Tester did not experience any leaks
Waterproof exterior
Available in a variety of colorful prints and sizes

What We Don't Like

Takes a while to air dry after washing (can also be tumbled dry on low)

Add a touch of whimsy along with reliable absorbency, these reusable dog wraps are sold in a variety of colorful prints and designs featuring animals, stars, shapes, and plaids. In addition to the eye-catching exterior patterns on waterproof fabric, our tester was impressed with leak proof effectiveness and the comfort of the Wegreeco Washable Belly Bands.

"This diaper has good elasticity on the sides of the pad where it fits on the underside of our dog," our tester said.

When positioned on a male dog, the diaper has a slight curve to position the absorbency pad where it's needed most.

Price at time of publish: $12 (Small, 3-pack)

_{Design: Printed | Gender: Male | Care: Machine washable | Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large | Material: Polyester | Closure Type: Hook and loop}

Final Verdict

Hook and loop closures are essential for adjusting the fit of a dog diaper which is why we like Paw Inspired Ultra Protection Disposable Female Dog Diapers and Honey Care All-Absorb Disposable Male Dog Wraps. Both provided leak free protection and are available in multiple sizes. If you prefer a reusable diaper that's machine washable, the snaps on Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers and the cheerful designs on Wegreeco Washable Male Dog Belly Band set these apart from the others.

We selected 19 diaper products for real world testing with a dog in a home environment. Over the course of 3 weeks, each human companion of our canine testers recorded their experience.

Our participants also followed a precise methodology written with the help of pet experts—we consult veterinarians, vet techs, animal behavioral researchers, manufacturing specialists, and other expert sources while developing our testing protocols.

Our criteria for evaluation of these dog diapers focused on these categories: Absorbency, Quality, Comfort, and Effectiveness. At the end of our testing timeframe, each tester ranked the diaper on a scale of 1 to 5 in each category. They also elaborated on the features they felt made the diaper an item they would or would not recommend, including the ease of getting the diaper on their dog, the quality of absorbency after washing (if reusable), and the aesthetic appeal. We used the aggregation of ratings and feedback to inform our selections.

Reusable Or Disposable

Whether you are looking into diapers for your older dog that's suffering from urinary incontinence or you are trying to minimize messes while house training your pup, reusable and disposable diapers each have their own benefits as well as limitations. Some folks may not mind cleaning up after their dog if it's a little urine dribbling but a puppy in the middle of house training may make a bigger mess.

Let Their Tail Wag

Some diapers have built-in holes for your dog's tail to fit through. Not all dogs have tails, though. If you have a breed such as a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a diaper with a tail hole may allow for leaking. Diapers with no such hole will be a better option. On rarer instances, a dog may have had a rear limb amputated. Similar to the tail hole for a dog with no tail, a hole for a leg that isn't there may allow for leaking. There are diapers on the market for amputees.

Identify Why Your Dog Is Urinating

To help you determine if a dog diaper is needed and will be useful for you dog, you need to understand why your dog is urinating in places where they shouldn't.

Training: While training, if you need to keep your dog or puppy indoors for an extended period of time you can use a diaper, but it won't help your dog learn where it's appropriate for them to potty. Instead of relying on diapers to keep your home clean, we recommend positive reinforcement training. When your pup relives themselves outside and/or on a puppy pad, you provide a treat to reinforce the behavior to increase the likelihood of it happening again.

Post-Training Accidents: While traveling, adjusting to a new space, or if your dog needs to stay indoors for an extended amount of time, they may have the urge to relieve themselves and not understand the proper protocol because it's not part of their usual routine. In these scenarios, a dog diaper can help to prevent a mess, and is especially beneficial to their comfort in a confined, space like a kennel.

Incontinence: Also referred to as urine leaking is involuntary can be caused by old age, injury, or infection. You should consult with your veterinarian to determine the source, and a properly fitting dog diaper can help keep your dog comfortable and your space urine free.

Marking: Some dogs, especially males, display marking behavior in which they release a small amount of urine to "mark" a space. It's typically done outside and is driven by sex hormones, but the habit continues for some dogs even after they've been spayed or neutered. It's very common, but if you are concerned you should consult with your veterinarian.

FAQ

How do you measure a dog for diapers?

Place a flexible tape around your dog's waist—about an inch or two in front of their hind legs. If you don't have a flexible tape measure you can wrap a string around, and then use a standard ruler to find your dog's size. Sizing varies among manufacturers, so always measure your dog before trying a new brand and consult the size chart provided by the specific brand you are considering.
Can you use baby diapers on dogs?

It is not recommended, but if regular baby diapers are the only option available, they can be used on dogs. You will need to create a hole for your dog's tail (if they have one), and baby diapers will only fit a select weight range of dogs.
Do dog diapers help potty train puppies?

Diapers can prevent accidents while traveling and if you need to keep your puppy indoors for an extended period of time, but it won't help your puppy learn where it's appropriate for them to potty. Instead of relying on diapers to keep your home clean, we recommend positive reinforcement training. When your puppy relives themselves outside and/or on a puppy pad, you provide a treat to reinforce the behavior to increase the likelihood of it happening again.

This roundup was written by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a lovely pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

A previous version of this shopping guide was written by Theresa Holland, a professional writer and animal lover with lots of experience covering pets. You can find more of Holland's writing on MyDomaine and Byrdie.

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