Housebreaking a dog can be one of the most difficult aspects of pet care. While going through this trying time, belly bands can help facilitate the house breaking process, at least in the case of male dogs.
Best Belly Bands for Dogs: Quick Picks
- #1 Pet Parents’ Washable Belly Bands [Best Overall Belly Bands for Dogs]: Well made, super absorbent, easy to put on your pooch, and built with canine comfort in mind, these are easily the best belly bands for most owners and their pets.
- #2 Teamoy Washable Belly Bands [Most Affordable Belly Bands for Dogs]: No frills belly bands that are available in seven sizes and a variety of colors, which will help protect your floors from pee puddles without breaking the bank.
- #3 Amazon Basics Male Dog Wraps [Best Disposable Belly Bands for Dogs]: The perfect choice for pet parents seeking a disposable option, these belly bands even feature a built-in wetness indicator to take the guesswork out of changing time.
What Are Dog Belly Bands?
Dog belly bands are exactly what they sound like – a band of fabric that goes around your pet’s belly. Because your dog’s penis is situated in a rather forward position, a band going around his belly also covers it up.
They discourage urination to a degree, but their primary purpose is to absorb any urine your dog releases. They are often used in conjunction with an absorbent pad or liner of some sort.
There are similar products for female dogs, but because of their anatomical differences, belly bands for female dogs essentially equate to little shorts or underwear. They must provide crotch coverage to be effective, which means they have to deal with the troublesome tail area.
Although they are still called belly bands by some, they really have more in common with doggie diapers. They’re an entirely different thing, so we’ll cover them at some other time. For the purposes of this article, we’ll be discussing belly bands for male dogs only.
What Do Dog Belly Bands Do? The Belly Band’s Purpose
Belly bands are primarily designed to absorb urine, but they’re helpful in a variety of circumstances. Some of the most common uses include those detailed below.
Shielding for Sprinklers
Belly bands are great solutions for dogs who are housebroken, but unable to contain themselves when they become excited.
With a little practice, you can probably learn the differences between situations in which your dog will need the band and situations in which he can go au natural and feel the wind on his, uh, belly.
Note that pups who start peeing more often than usual may be suffering from a health problem. So, make sure to consult your vet if your dog is displaying any new or unusual pee-pee problem.
Housebreaking Aid
Like it or not, some breeds and some individual canines are simply harder to housebreak than others are. While you should still take steps to properly house train your pup, a belly band can help get you through this difficult time with a few less messes to clean up.
We’d suggest opting to grab a carpet cleaner for dog urine too in order to eliminate any lingering odors. This will ensure your dog doesn’t continue to smell the urine spot and use it as an ongoing potty relief station!
Discouraging Marking
Some male dogs are seemingly determined to claim your entire zip code as their territory, so they feel the need to “mark” various items with a few drops of pee.
Although neutering and training can help end the practice for some dogs, it doesn’t always work. For these dogs, a belly band can prevent damage to your furniture (and embarrassment, should your dog choose to mark a stranger’s bicycle or other inappropriate objects in public).
Incontinent Dogs
Like humans, dogs suffer from any of a variety of health problems. Others are simply of such advanced age that they often have trouble controlling their bladders. Belly bands can help prevent accidents in these pets, who simply cannot help it due to canine incontinence.
Dogs with accident issues may also benefit from a bed specifically designed for incontinent dogs. This won’t only prevent you from having to wash your wagger’s bed so frequently, but it’ll help give your senior dog a bit of dignity.
High-Stakes Situations
Perhaps you have a dog who is normally pretty good about peeing in the proper place, but you are heading to a high-stakes situation. This could be a relative’s house, the pet store, or anywhere else in which an accident would be exceptionally awkward.
Belly bands are an ideal solution for these kinds of scenarios.
Unaltered Females
As said above, females require a different type of belly band than males do, but some models marketed for female use can be helpful for preventing the mess associated with your dog’s heat cycle.
Note that a typical male-oriented belly band will not work for these purposes (unless you use some creative engineering, but it’s easier to just purchase those designed for girls).
Planning on getting your first set of belly bands? Keep these tips in mind:
- Pro Tip #1: Always purchase two or more dog belly bands. This way, you’ll have a fresh, clean band on hand whenever the band in use becomes wet. While you’re using the back-up band, throw the wet one in the wash.
- Pro Tip #2: Consider selecting an extra-wide band (5-inches-wide or larger) for your pug, basset hound or dachshund. These breeds require a slightly wider band to attain a proper fit.
- Pro Tip #3: If you have multiple dogs, but are not sure of which one is the culprit, band one at a time. When your belongings become wet, you’ll have identified the guilty party.
Best Dog Belly Bands
There are a million belly band options on the market, but they aren’t all created equally. The following six products rise above the masses and provide the best options for pet parents.
1. Pet Parents Washable Dog Belly Bands
About: Pet Parents’ Washable Belly Bands are are comfortable and capable belly bands that fit dogs securely. The feature elastic at the front and rear sides of the band and two strong Velcro strips to keep the band from popping off when your dog runs, jumps or plays.
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Pet Parents Washable Dog Belly Bands
Designed to be as comfortable as they are functional, these belly bands are the best choice for most owners.
Features:
- The sewn-in absorbent pad and waterproof outer layer work together to prevent leaks
- Machine washable (air dry), making cleanup easy and hassle-free
- Comfortable and soft fabric will keep your dog feeling great while wearing the band
- Available in three sizes: S, M, L
Pros
- Most owners were very satisfied with these neutral-colored, easy to wash belly bands.
- The bands were comfortable and leak-proof for most furry friends.
- Owners were impressed with the strength of the velcro, allowing these bands to stay firmly in place.
Cons
- A small amount of pooch parents had sizing issues, though this can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s provided sizing guidelines.
- Some owners noted that the velcro is notably strong, so you’ll have to be careful to avoid catching your canine’s fur.
2. Teamoy Washable Puppy Belly Band
About: Teamoy Washable Belly Bands are high-quality dog belly bands made from premium materials to ensure that your dog’s accidents stay contained. They feature a large, single, wide Velcro strip and elastic at the front and back to keep the band securely wrapped around your dog.
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Teamoy Washable Puppy Belly Band
Effective yet affordable, these belly bands provide everything you’re looking for at a low price point.
Features:
- Teamoy Belly Bands packages come with three different color bands to keep your pup looking stylish
- Available in a variety of colors, patterns and textures, including denim
- Double-layered microfiber liner and waterproof exterior layer prevent leaks
- Machine washable (air dry)
- Comes in 7 sizes: XS through XXL
Pros
- Most owners were very satisfied with these neutral-colored, easy to wash belly bands.
- The bands were comfortable and leak-proof for most furry friends.
- Owners were impressed with the strength of the Velcro, allowing these bands to stay firmly in place.
Cons
- A small number of pooch parents had sizing issues, though this can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s provided sizing guidelines.
- Some owners noted that the Velcro is notably strong, so you’ll have to be careful to avoid catching your canine’s fur.
3. Amazon Basics Male Dog Wraps
About: If you’re seeking a disposable option to keep your mutt mess-free, these single-use belly bands by Amazon Basics are perfect for your pooch. The absorbent belly bands have a clear wetness indicator so you’ll know when they’re ready to change.
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Amazon Basics Male Dog Wraps
Disposable, easy-to-use belly bands that are equipped with a handy wetness indicator to eliminate guesswork.
Features:
- 4 different sizing options ranging from extra small to large to fit most furry babies
- Leak proof diapers are easy to change and adjust with wrap design
- Breathable yet absorbent design
- Wetness indicator makes it easy to see when it’s time to swap out the belly band
- Small enough to be used underneath a reusable belly band if needed
Pros
- Owners appreciated the wetness indicator and loved the absorbent nature of these disposable bands.
- These flexible diapers can also be used underneath or on top of a reusable belly band for extra protection.
- Most dogs didn’t seem to mind wearing these disposable diapers.
Cons
- Since these are disposable, you’ll need to replace them on a regular basis.
- Being disposable, they’re not as eco-friendly as some other options.
4. Cuddle Bands
About: These made in the USA Cuddle Bands have a soft, fleece exterior to prevent chafing while in use. The premium bands are ultra-absorbent, and have a pouch for disposable pads to keep your pooch feeling his best. With a hook and loop closure, these bands are designed to stay put on your pooch.
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Cuddle Bands
Made from super-soft materials, these belly bands are great for owners willing to spend a little more for their dog’s comfort.
Features:
- Soft fleece exterior to prevent irritation
- Flexible bands feature a pouch designed for disposable pads
- Small, medium and large sizing options to fit most furry friends
- Adorable paw print design
- Machine-washable bands are made in the USA
Pros
- Pooch parents raved about the high-quality design of these belly bands.
- The band’s soft exterior helped keep canines comfortable while in use.
- These high-quality bands stayed firmly in place with the unique hook and loop closure system.
Cons
- You’ll need to use pads within these bands to absorb leaks.
- Fleece bands could be too warm for furry friend in hotter areas.
5. Wegreeco Washable Male Belly Bands
About: Wegreeco Washable Belly Bands are highly effective belly bands with a great denim-look. In actuality, they are made from an eco-friendly blend of fabrics, with a waterproof laminate to prevent leaks. More absorbent than most other bands, supplemental liners are rarely necessary for Wegreeco Washable Bands.
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Wegreeco Washable Male Belly Bands
Combining function with fashion, these great-looking belly bands will prevent puddles while looking great.
Features:
- Large, single Velcro strips provide a secure fit
- Machine washable and machine dryable on low-heat settings
- Elastic sections at the front and back help prevent leaks
- Available in five sizes (XS through XL) to ensure a good fit
Pros
- Denim-like aesthetic is doggone adorable.
- Owners appreciated how well these belly bands stayed secure with the embedded velcro straps.
- Most pooch parents had no trouble finding the proper fit for Fido and were satisfied with the performance of these bands.
Cons
- A couple of owners noted issues with the stitching, though these comments were few and far between.
- Some owners noted that the velcro’s strength starts to wear down over time.
Characteristics of Good Dog Belly Bands
As with virtually every other dog product in the world, there are good belly bands and not-so-good belly bands. Some of the traits that separate the best from the rest include:
- The best belly bands are made from high-quality fabrics. Your pup’s belly band is going to have significant contact with his body, including some of his most sensitive bits, so you’ll want to be sure it is made from a soft, comfortable fabric. This can include anything from 100% cotton to polyester blends; but, it must be comfortable for your pup.
- It is imperative that you use a belly band that fits properly. Dog belly bands that do not fit properly may fail to catch your dog’s urine, or even worse, they may be too tight. This can potentially cause damage, and it can definitely cause discomfort. Ensure you get a properly fitting belly band by measuring your dog carefully and selecting a well-rated product.
- The design should not allow wet fabric to remain in contact with your pup. Forcing your dog to wear a wet band around his body for prolonged periods is a recipe for bacterial and fungal infections – not to mention general discomfort. Fortunately, most well-conceived belly bands are designed to be used with an absorbent pad, which will wick moisture away from your pup’s skin.
- The best belly bands are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Your dog will not care at all if his belly band is blue, green or purple with pink polka dots. However, you may prefer to purchase a band in a given color (might as well rock that belly band in style), and most of the best brands produce a wide variety.
- Machine-washable belly bands are preferable to those that require hand washing. Because you’ll need to wash your pup’s band frequently, you’ll certainly appreciate a belly band that can stand up to the rigors of frequent machine washing.
The Importance of Liner Pads for Dog Belly Bands
Most dog belly bands are designed to be used with a liner, such as an incontinence pad, panty liner, or feminine hygiene pad. This is because these items are designed to wick the moisture away from your dog’s skin, thereby improving his comfort and helping to avoid infections.
Some bands come with their own liners, which are typically designed to be washed and re-used, while others are designed to be used with disposable pads. Convenience-minded consumers will probably prefer the disposable route, while environmentally conscious owners may prefer reusable options.
Note that for larger dogs, who may release a relatively large quantity of urine, it may be necessary to use two liners at a time.
Using a Dog Belly Band Properly: How to Put It On
When you first introduce your dog to a belly band, make sure lots of treats and praise are involved. Take baby steps and don’t force your dog into a situation he is clearly unhappy with.
Follow a process similar to how you introduce a dog to nail clippers, a dog treadmill, or any other kind of new – and maybe a bit scary – object.
Start by placing the belly band on the ground in front of your dog. Let him sniff it, and give him treats + praise. Next, try lying the belly band over his back area while lavishing him with those tasty training treats. Then finally, try placing it on him. Some dogs may need to go through this process more slowly than others.
It’s essential that you make sure your dog does not associate the belly band with a negative experience, and be sure you do not use it as a form of punishment. Belly bands should be used as a temporary measure in most cases, to help prevent messes while you train your dog where he can go and where he can’t. They aren’t a permanent solution, but rather, a training or situational aid.
It’s also important to make sure that the belly band fits your dog properly – it should cover his penis, without constricting it at all. He must still be allowed to urinate, should the need arise; you just want to prevent the urine from ending up on your carpet of pillow.
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Have you ever used a belly band for your pooch? What was your experience like? Did you find one particular brand or model to fit better than others? Let us know all about it in the comments below – make sure to tell us about the dog you used it for too (breed, size, etc.).
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