Diapers For Dogs In Heat: 6 Best Diapers For Your Fluffy

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Being in heat is a normal part of a female dog’s cycle, and some owners use a dog diaper to keep the house clean while it lasts. The Dogs Trust explains: “Being in heat, or ‘in season’, refers to the fertile period of a female dog’s reproductive cycle – when they can become pregnant.”

This guide covers what a heat involves, how long it lasts, how to use a diaper safely and six diapers to consider. A diaper catches blood; it does not prevent pregnancy. Product details come from the Amazon listings and we have not tested them. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.

Diapers are also used for house training and for dogs with incontinence. If your dog leaks urine outside a heat, talk to your vet, because that can have a medical cause.

What Does It Mean When A Dog Is In Heat?

What Does That Mean A Dog Is In The Heat?

The PDSA says: “Although some people think that a dog’s bleeding during their season is a dog’s period, it’s actually a sign that they are at their most fertile.” It also says: “Being on heat isn’t painful, but can make a dog feel uncomfortable, unsettled and ‘under the weather’.”

That is why a calm routine and a little extra attention help, and why the bleeding should not be treated like a problem to stop.

At What Age Do Dogs Go Into Heat?

The Dogs Trust says: “Most female dogs will have their first heat at around 6 months old, but timings can vary depending on the dog. Smaller pooches often have their first heat season earlier than large dogs.” Some dogs do not have a first heat until about 2½ years old.

Once heats begin, the Dogs Trust says they “should occur every six to seven months – roughly twice a year”. The gaps usually get longer as a dog gets older, but an older dog can still become pregnant.

Not every heat is obvious. If you think your dog could be in season, treat her as if she is, and ask your vet about spaying if you do not plan to breed.

Signs Your Dog Is In Heat

The Dogs Trust lists these physical signs of heat: a red, swollen vulva, bleeding from the vulva (usually a red, watery red or yellowy brown discharge) and peeing more than usual. The PDSA adds that a swollen vulva that is causing pain or discomfort is a reason to contact your vet.

Behaviour can change as well:

A change in social behaviour, such as being over-friendly or more anxious.
Licking the back end more than usual.
Unusual resting behaviour, such as a change in bed or sleeping habits.
Roaming further than usual, or trying to find male dogs.
Humping or mounting.

You may notice only one or two of these. Talk to your vet if you are worried or your dog’s seasons are irregular.

How Long Does A Heat Last?

The Dogs Trust says: “Each heat cycle usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, your dog will likely bleed for around 7 to 10 days. Some dogs bleed heavily, while others bleed very little.” Bigger dogs tend to bleed more than small ones, the PDSA says, but it varies a lot.

A white discharge is different. The PDSA says: “a white discharge could be a sign of infection (such as a pyometra) and should always be checked by a vet.” Contact your vet if you see it, especially if your dog also seems unwell.

Bleeding cannot be stopped. The Dogs Trust says: “You can’t, so don’t try to.” Neutering prevents it, and the Dogs Trust adds that vets avoid spaying a dog in heat “due to a higher risk of bleeding during surgery”, so the timing is one to plan with your vet.

Can I Put A Diaper On My Dog In Heat?

Yes, many owners do. The PDSA suggests that to keep the house clean you “may want to limit your dog’s access to carpeted areas, sofas and bedding, use towels, or consider using a ‘dog nappy’/‘dog pants’ to catch the blood”.

A diaper is only about the mess. It is not contraception, so do not rely on it to keep male dogs away. To avoid an unwanted pregnancy, the PDSA says to supervise her the whole time she is in season, keep her on a lead and away from other dogs on walks, avoid leaving her alone in the garden, and keep her completely separate from any uncastrated males, including any in your household. The Dogs Trust adds that you should keep her on the lead for at least a week after the bleeding stops.

Tips for using a diaper:

Measure your dog’s waist, just in front of the back legs, and check the size chart before you buy.
Change it as soon as it is wet or soiled, and let your dog toilet outside first.
Take it off for part of the day so her skin can rest, and check for redness or soreness.
Try it for a short time before the heat starts, with a treat, so she gets used to it.
Keep her routine the same. The Dogs Trust warns that locking a dog in the kitchen so she does not bleed on the carpet “can cause distress”.

Talk to your vet if the skin looks sore, if your dog will not tolerate a diaper, or if you are unsure how long to keep one on. For dogs that leak urine all the time, see our guide to diapers for dogs with incontinence.

Washable Or Disposable?

Washable diapers cost more at first but can be reused, so they produce less waste across a heat of two to four weeks. You need two or three so one is always clean. Disposable ones are easier for travel or short stays and do not need washing. Which is better depends on your dog, your washing routine and your budget.

6 Best Diapers for Dogs in Heat

Sizes, colours and pack sizes change, so check the size chart and measure your dog before you order. The notes below come from the Amazon listings.

#1 Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers

The listing describes a pack of 3 washable diapers with a sewn-in absorbent pad that grows with the size, and an extender strap for a better fit. With 3 in the pack you can have one on, one in the wash and one spare.