10 Tips to Ensure Your Dog’s Diaper Stays Clean
Whether your dog is wearing diapers due to incontinence, being in heat, or housetraining, leaks and messes can be a hassle. But with a few smart tricks, you can keep your pup—and your home—clean and comfortable. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help prevent diaper disasters!
1. Measure for the Right Size
A snug but comfy fit is key. Your dog should be able to walk, lie down, and wag their tail comfortably. If they’re restricted or fussing with the diaper, it might be the wrong size or need a better fit. Too loose and you risk leaks; too tight, and it can cause chafing or discomfort. Always measure your dog and check the sizing chart.
Need help? Check out our blog post on how to measure your dog for dog diapers. Or, for disposable dog diapers, simply use our sizing calculator, developed using feedback from more than 20,000 members of our Paw Inspired® community.
2. Opt for a Belly Band for Male Dogs
When it comes to diapering, male and female dogs need different styles. Belly bands or male wraps are specifically designed to cover a male dog's genital area without restricting movement. To learn more about this, check out this post.
3. Use the Tail Hole Correctly
Our female diapers feature tail holes for comfort and mobility. If your dog has a docked tail or no tail, no problem! The diaper can still be used in the same way. Watch our video on how to diaper a tailless dog for a step-by-step guide. Male belly bands don’t cover the tail, so no adjustment needed there.
4. Adjust the Tabs or Straps Securely
Most dog diapers come with hook-and-loop closures or sticky tabs that can be adjusted. Make sure they’re secure but not too tight—snug enough to stay on, loose enough to not pinch or restrict movement. Our diaper tabs are fur-resistant and repositionable, so the process is easy and painless for both you and your pup!
5. Change the Diaper Regularly
Just like with baby diapers, leaving a dog in a wet or soiled diaper too long can lead to leaks, rashes, or irritation. Monitor your dog’s habits and check the diaper often—especially after meals, naps, or playtime.
6. Try a Diaper Liner or Booster Pad
Need extra absorbency? Add a booster pad inside the diaper for overnight use or long outings. Booster pads add a layer of absorbency, which is especially helpful for heavy wetters.
On the other hand, diaper liners have a waterproof backing, preventing urine and liquids from soaking through. They’re a great option to reduce laundry if you’re using a cloth dog diaper (watch a helpful video about that here).
Watch this video to learn more about the differences between booster pads and diaper liners.
7. Make Sure Fur is Tucked In
Stray fur can wick moisture out of the diaper and cause leaks. Before securing the diaper, gently tuck longer fur inside or brush it away from the edges.
8. Suspenders for Wiggle-Worms
If your dog is a master escape artist, diaper suspenders can help keep everything in place, even for the most active dogs. Our suspenders are made with strong hook-and-loop fasteners to prevent your diaper Houdini from slipping out of their diaper.
9. Keep Your Dog’s Rear Clean and Dry
Wipe your dog’s bottom between changes with pet-safe wipes. This helps prevent skin irritation and keeps the diaper area dry for better absorbency.
10. Unfold and Check the Leg Cuffs Before Putting It On
Just like with baby diapers, those elastic leg cuffs matter! If they’re tucked in, urine and messes can sneak out the sides. When you open a new diaper, give it a good stretch to fully expand the inner lining and leak guards.
Before securing the diaper on your dog, run your finger around the leg holes to make sure the elastic cuffs are pulled out—not tucked under. This helps create a better seal around your dog’s thighs and prevents leaks from behind.
Pro tip: If your dog has extra fluffy legs, double-check the leg area after they’ve moved around a bit—fur or movement can shift the cuffs back inside.
Wrap-Up
Accidents happen—but they don’t have to cause a mess. With the right products, fit, and routine, dog diapers can be a clean, stress-free solution. Got your own trick for stopping leaks? Leave a comment below. We’d love to hear it!