Dog diapers can be a useful accessory for pet parents of a dog that is prone to accidents. Using a dog diaper to assist in house training is only one circumstance in which your dog may need to wear a diaper in his lifetime. Keep reading to learn how to use dog diapers and which type might be best for your pooch.

What Is a Dog Diaper?

A dog diaper is exactly what it sounds like: a wearable cover for your pooch's hindquarters that he can relieve himself in if he needs to. There are two styles available: Male dog diapers typically include belly bands that wrap around the midsection, while female dog diapers are more full-coverage and typically have a hole cut out for the tail. This style is also good for pups that have trouble controlling their bowels.

Both styles also come in either reusable cloth or disposables, and each style has pros and cons. While disposable dog diapers are more convenient, the financial and environmental costs can really add up if your dog needs diapers for a long time. Cloth diapers tend to be messier and may cost more up front, but over time you'll save money and reduce waste.

Why Use a Dog Diaper?

There are a number of reasons why you may need to learn how to use dog diapers:

• Urinary incontinence: This could be caused by a number of health issues and is sometimes a problem as dogs age and lose muscle control. Incontinence should not be confused with behavior-related lapses in house training, and could be a sign of illness, including a urinary tract infection or diabetes. If your dog has a lot of accidents, you should take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible to check for health issues and get him proper treatment. In the meantime, a diaper can protect your rug and furniture and give you peace of mind while you and your vet work to get the problem under control.
• Illness or injury: Some dogs are unable to go outside or stand to relieve themselves while recovering from an illness or injury. A diaper can help make your dog's recuperation more comfortable for both of you.
• Elderly dogs: As some dogs age, they lose the ability to control when they go. Other elderly dogs have difficulty standing or going outside due to arthritis and joint pain. Another fairly common ailment in senior dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to Alzheimer's in humans, which the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals notes can cause a dog to forget his house training. A diaper could help prevent accidents in any of these cases.
• Medications: Some medications can cause drastically increased urination, writes the Tufts Cummings Veterinary Medical Center. One example is furosemide, a diuretic commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. Rather than trying to keep up with your dog's frequent urges and making sure he goes where he's supposed to, a diaper might make life easier for the two of you.