If you have an intact bitch you may have to deal with messy discharges when she’s in season. We Used female dog in heat diapers with our Springer Spaniel before she was spayed. They helped us keep the floors and furniture clean.
We reviewed 14 canine hygiene products to help find the best option for your little lady when she’s in estrus.
Before we look at our findings, let’s talk about heat in our four-footed pals:
Our Top Picks:
- Best Female Dog in Heat Diaper: Vet's Best
- Our Runner-Up Pick: Paw Legend
- Best Washable Dog Diapers: Wegreeco
- Best Disposable Dog Diapers: Paw Inspired
- Best for Budget: OCSOSO
Disposable Dog Diapers
Bodhi Dog Disposable Female Diapers
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They can hold a lot of moisture
- The hole is just the right size for the tail
- They’re easy to attach and reattach after going outside
- The diaper turns blue to indicate when the diaper is wet
What We Don't Like
- They slide off the butt of some dogs
- The sizes run big
Paw Inspired
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- You can detach and reattach the tabs multiple times if needed
- They’re easy to put on and fit well
- They seem to be comfortable for dogs
- They’re very absorbent
What We Don't Like
- They can slip off if your pooch wiggles a lot
- The tail hole is too high for some breeds
OUT! Disposable Female Dog Diapers
Our Rating:
Price Range: $
What We Like About It
- They do a good job catching the blood discharge
- They keep your dog’s skin clean and dry even when they’re wet
- The velcro lets you take the diaper off and reapply after your dog goes outside
- They’re very absorbent
- They’re easy to put on - like a baby diaper
What We Don't Like
- The size options are limited
- The tail hole is a little small for some breeds
Vet's Best Comfort Fit Dog Diapers
Our Rating:
Price Range: $
What We Like About It
- They’re easy to take off and put back on when your dog goes outside to potty
- It seems breathable and comfortable for dogs
- They offer a good quality for the price
- It doesn’t make noise when your dog walks around
What We Don't Like
- The tail hole is too big and cut too low in the diaper
- They don’t fit well
Pet Soft Disposable Female Dog Diaper
Our Rating:
Price Range: $
What We Like About It
- Dogs can move comfortably without losing the diaper
- They have sizes that fit tiny dogs like Yorkies
- The package includes 3 cute designs
- It fits snugly without being too tight
What We Don't Like
- The sizes run very small, so they’re hard to fit larger dogs
- They have a limited amount of padding
Simple Solution
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They’re easy to put on and fasten
- The material seems comfortable for dogs
- The velcro tabs make it easy to take off for pottying then reapply if still clean
- The tail hole is properly located
What We Don't Like
- They can chafe around the tail
- The sizes run small
Washable Dog Diapers
Pet Magasin Reusable Washable Dog Diapers
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They’re easy to adjust to fit
- Dogs can’t get them off
- They’re easy to clean and hold up well to repeated washings
- The diaper stays put pretty well when dogs are active
What We Don't Like
- The tail hole is a little too low
- They only go up to size large
Paw Legend Reusable Female Dog Diapers
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They fit well and are easy to adjust
- It has high-end velcro that dogs can’t undo
- The tail hole is snug enough to prevent leakage
- Owners say dogs look comfortable moving around in the diapers
What We Don't Like
- They don’t work well with stubby tails
- The leg section is too big for some breeds
Wegreeco
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- The velcro is really good quality
- They stand up well to repeated washing
- The buttons on top let you get a better fit for your pooch
- The padding is thick, and the product comes with detachable extra padding
What We Don't Like
- The tail hole can be too snug for some breeds
- The sizes tend to run small
JoyDaog
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They fit well and appear to be comfortable
- Dogs can move around and play while wearing the diapers
- They’re easy to wash
- The tail hole is snug but not too tight
What We Don't Like
- They tend to hold odors
- Some customers report chafing around the tail
Vet's Best Perfect Fit Washable Female Dog Diaper
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- The straps make it easy to custom fit to your pooch
- It’s easy to wash and air dry
- You don’t have to cut out the tail hole if your pup has a stub
- Dogs seem to be comfortable in this diaper
What We Don't Like
- It can be hard to put on big dogs
- They have limited absorbency
BWOGUE
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- They wash easily and air dry quickly
- They’re easy to adjust to fit your pooch
- You don’t have to cut out the tail hole if your pup has a stub
- Dogs can run and play comfortably while wearing these pants
What We Don't Like
- The tail hole is pretty tight on thick-tailed pups
- They have limited absorption
OCSOSO
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- The tail hole is an optional cut-out
- The suspenders help prevent your pooch from getting the diaper off
- They’re made to be durable
- Dogs can run and play comfortably while wearing these pants
- They’re a good value for the money
What We Don't Like
- The sizes run small
- The tail hole spot is too low on the diaper for some dogs
CuteBone
Our Rating:
Price Range: $$
What We Like About It
- The elastic cinch lets you adjust the fit to your pup’s waist
- Dogs have a hard time wriggling out of them
- They wash easily and dry quickly
- The tail hole fits well
What We Don't Like
- They have limited absorption
- The sizes are inconsistent
Heat in Female Dogs
Heat, or estrus, is the fertile period of a female dog’s cycle. The first estrus will occur somewhere between 6 months and 2 years depending on the breed and size of your pup. This period lasts around 21-28 day but can vary. Most bitches have two cycles a year. Signs of estrus include:
- Swollen vulva
- More frequent urination
- Behavior changes – acting more alert, distracted, or nervous
- Vaginal discharge – pink to bloody or straw-colored
- Increased licking of the genital areas
- Receptivity to males
How Long Does a Dog in Heat Bleed?
The length of bleeding during heat can vary between bitches. In most cases, the bloody discharge thins out and becomes pink or straw-colored as your furbaby approaches her most fertile period. An emission can continue throughout the heat in some dogs, but it will stop at the end of estrus.
The main benefit of diapers, as with menstrual pads for women, is sanitary. The garment should:
- Absorb the blood and any other discharges so that it doesn’t get all over your pup’s hair and the environment.
- Eliminate the need for your girl to lick her genitals.
- You may wonder if the product also serves a contraceptive function. While the diaper covers Fifi’s genitals, it will not necessarily prevent a male from mating with your furbaby.
How Can I Choose the Best Diaper for My Dog in Heat?
As you evaluate diapers for your girl, there are a few things you need to consider:
Diaper Type
There are two types of dog diapers that you can select for your pup, washable or disposable:
- Washable or reusable diapers are cloth products that you can wash and reuse. If you don’t plan to spay your pooch, these diapers could provide long-term savings. They tend to be more breathable than disposable varieties, but they can be a pain to clean.
- Disposable diapers are one-use products. When you change to a fresh garment, you throw the used one away. They come in handy for short-term or occasional use such as you have with a female dog in heat. These garments usually don’t breathe as well, and your pup could develop skin irritations with continued use.
Size
Diapers for female dogs are like pants or briefs. They come in different sizes based on your pooch’s weight and waist size. While she’s standing, measure your pal’s girth a few inches in front of the hind legs. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to pick the best fit.
Dog Breed
Doggie diapers come with or without a tail hole. If you have a pup with a stubby tail like a Corgi or a French Bulldog, you’ll probably want a product without the opening to prevent leakage.
Adjustability
Sizes cover a range of weights and girths. You’ll want a diaper that’s easy to adjust so that you can get the best fit for your sweet girl.
Attachment mechanism
Some diapers use an adhesive attachment, while others use an eye and hook/velcro option. There are trade-offs to both. Often an adhesive can catch on the hair or skin and may be irritating. Velcro tends to be more fur-friendly and can allow for re-adjusting the fit.
What Are the Potential Problems With Heat Pants?
It’s important to carefully select a doggie diaper based on your pal’s needs. If you choose the wrong product, she could experience:
- Chafing from non-breathable or harsh fabrics
- Skin rashes if the material doesn’t adequately absorb your girl’s discharge
- Discomfort from an elastic that’s too tight
4 Ways to Calm Down a Female Dog in Heat
When your bitch is in heat, she’s likely to act differently. She may seem nervous or more agitated. It’s important to remember that this is a natural response to hormonal changes in her body. There are some things you can do to help calm your furbaby down:
- Increase her exercise – By providing extra physical stimulation, you’ll help your girl burn off nervous energy and sleep better. Sleeping more can help reduce anxiety because your pup will have less time to get worked up.
- Provide mental stimulation – Another way to get your pal’s mind off her condition is to offer her interactive toys. Mental stimulation can help tire your pooch and prevent boredom.
- Provide a calm environment – The last thing a nervous dog needs is chaos. While your girl’s in heat, avoid loud music and other disruptions. Try making her bedding more inviting and comfortable with a soft blanket or new toy. Let her rest as much as she wants.
- Offer her more attention – Your girl may crave reassurance from you. If your pooch likes to cuddle, give her extra time. Take time to stroke her fur and speak calmly to her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove the diapers and put them back on again?
The diapers we reviewed all use a velcro closure that allows you to remove and reattach the pants. This allows you to readjust the fit without destroying the product. With velcro, you can also take the diaper off to let your girl go potty then put it back on if it’s still clean.
How do I keep the diaper from slipping off my dog’s butt?
Depending on the diaper, you may be able to tighten elastic bands for a more snug fit. Slippage is a common problem for many dogs. One way to solve this issue is to purchase a set of diaper suspenders. These products will connect the pants to your pal’s collar to hold them in place.
How do I know which size to get?
Refer to the individual manufacturer guidelines for size measurements. The best way to measure a diaper is by the waist size. Use a flexible tape measure to calculate your girl’s girth and compare it to the product recommendations to find the best fit.
How many diapers will a female usually need during her heat?
The number of diapers that your pooch needs will depend on how much discharge she has and how frequently you change diapers. For some pups, a heat will last 2-4 weeks. If you have a dog with a heavy discharge and longer heat period, get a large pack of diapers.
The Final Analysis
After comparing the above diapers to our criteria, we select Vet’s Best Perfect-Fit Washable Diapers as our Top Pick for female dogs in heat.
With fur-friendly velcro fasteners and adjustable elastic bands for the girth and legs, these pants have multiple adjustment points for a snug and comfortable fit. Because this product has an optional, cut-out tail hole, you can use it with any breed.
The materials include absorptive and breathable inner layers and a leak-proof barrier to keep both your pooch and the environment clean and dry. The absorptive capacity is sufficient for a female dog in heat.
The overall combination of features in the Vet’s Best washable product makes it our choice for the best female dog in heat diapers.
