How to Purchase the Best Fitting Dog Diapers in 3 Easy Steps

Posted by Uta Brotherton on 1/28/2012 to How To Guides

If you have a dog that is very young and not yet potty trained, recovering from surgery, is a girl dog in heat or an older dog with an incontinence problem, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to purchase diapers for your favorite fur kid. Styles vary from glamorous for little dog princesses to nautical styles for little sailor boy dogs. But with so many different dog diaper styles and manufacturers on the market, how do you ensure that they will fit properly? The answer: don’t guess, take measurements! So grab a tape measure, pencil and pad and let's go measure.

Diaper Length: Since dogs’ bodies vary in size just like humans do, determining the length of the diaper will ensure that all areas are adequately covered. To do that, run a tape measure from the approximate waist on the belly, through the back legs and up on to the back. Stop where the waist on the back should be. Allow some room for comfort; you don’t want the diaper to pinch. Write down that measurement.
Waist Size: This measurement ensures that the diaper will close properly and stay on while your dog is active and resting at nap time. You will find that most manufacturers will give you a range of waist measurements, for example: Size XS: 12" to 14”. To guarantee the best possible fit, it is advisable to use the smallest number as a size gauge because the tabs on the back overlap more when they are closed and provide a tighter fit. To get to this measurement, run a tape measure all around your dog’s waist and write down that measurement for future reference.
Waist to Tail Measurement: The purpose for this measurement is to make certain that the back part of the diaper is not too long or too short. If it is too short, your fur kid might find it uncomfortable to wear and if it is too long, your fur kid might step out of the diaper. To get this measurement, run your tape measure from the waist on the back to the beginning of the tail. Make a note of that measurement too.
Now you are ready to shop! With all three measurements ready to go, compare your measurements to the ones given by the manufacturer or designer in a size chart. If you find that some measurements are omitted, contact them before you order and ask about measurements and a possible custom fee (depending on actual measurements). Most designers will not accept diaper returns for hygiene reasons but will work with you to make sure that your pooch gets a great fitting diaper.