Dog Nappy

When a Dog Needs a Nappy

Three situations account for almost all of it. A female in season, where a nappy keeps furniture clean for the two to three weeks it lasts. An older dog with incontinence. And a dog recovering from surgery or illness. Puppies being toilet trained do not need one, and using a nappy at that stage slows the training down.

Disposable or Washable

Disposable nappies

Convenient and hygienic, and the right answer for travel, for a short season, and for anything infectious. From around $22 for a ten pack. The cost adds up over a full season.

Washable nappies

Better value for anything ongoing and considerably less waste. From around $28 to $41. Buy at least three, so there is one on the dog, one in the wash and one ready.

Choosing for Your Dog

Female dogs in season

A full nappy with a tail hole. Ours for dogs in heat sit around $41. Change it several times a day, more at the start of the season when discharge is heaviest.

Male dogs marking

A belly band is the better product, because it covers only what it needs to and is far more comfortable. See our Dog Belly Band collection.

Small breeds

Sizing matters more the smaller the dog. Our small dog nappies at around $41 fit where a general size will not.

Fit, Hygiene and What Goes Wrong

Measure the waist rather than trusting weight ranges. The tail hole should sit at the base of the tail, not above it. The thing that goes wrong is leaving a wet nappy on: urine against skin causes irritation and then infection quickly, particularly in a dog in season. Change on a schedule rather than when you notice, and let the skin dry between changes.

A Note on Seasons

A nappy manages the mess. It does not prevent a mating. A determined male and a receptive female will manage regardless, so separation is the only reliable answer.

Trusted by RPBA Breeders

Responsible Pet Breeders Australia members keep both washable and disposable on hand, disposables for the first heavy days of a season and washables for the rest.