Should My Dog Wear a Diaper After Getting Neutered? [Post-Op Care]

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

One minute, you’re a pet parent bursting with pride as your pooch struts his stuff at the park, the next, you’re weighing the pros and cons of canine nappies.

I mean, seriously, who signs up for this?

But, as someone who’s been there, done that, and got the chewed-up diaper to prove it, I’m here to help you navigate this confusing conundrum.

If you have asked, “Should my dog wear a diaper after getting neutered?”, the answer is yes if you

So, ready to tackle this head-on? Let’s plunge into the not-so-glamorous, yet utterly essential world of post-neuter care.

Dog Diaper After Neutering: Yes or No?

The answer really depends on the individual dog and the recommendation of your veterinarian.

In general, neutered male dogs may not require a diaper as they do not experience menstruation or heat cycles.

BUT, a dog may wear a diaper temporarily after the surgery to protect the incision site from licking, biting, or scratching, and to prevent any accidental urination or defecation.

Why Use a Dog Diaper After Neutering?

After a male dog has been neutered, he may experience some discomfort and difficulty controlling his bladder. 

This inability to control peeing is common and can last for a few days up to a few weeks after the surgery. 

Using a dog diaper during this period can prevent accidents in your home.

This way, you won’t have to mop pee off your floors every hour or worry about your pup staining your carpets or furniture.

The diaper can also help keep your pet from licking or biting the incision site, which is extra helpful when the wound starts to heal and the area becomes itchy.

Plus, the diaper can serve as an extra barrier against dirt and debris. 

Doggy says, you might wanna read this too: Can you board a dog in heat?

How to Choose the Right Dog Diaper?

The biggest consideration when choosing a doggy diaper is size.

Your dog needs a diaper that completely covers the incision site and fits well.

It shouldn’t be too loose that your pet can get under it and bite or scratch the wound, and you want to get a size that stays put and doesn’t rub the area when your pet moves. 

Make sure that it isn’t too tight either as you really don’t want to put extra pressure on the wound. 

A pro hack is to put on the diaper and see if you can stick two fingers between it and your dog’s skin. A snug fit would be perfect.

Lastly, you also wanna decide whether you want to save and go for the reusable diaper or go hassle-free and opt for the disposable one. 

List of the Best Dog Diapers 

If you have decided that using dog diapers is the way to go during this recovery period, here are some of my top recommendations that either my team or myself have used before:

1. Amazon Basics Male Dog Wrap
2. Disposable Dog Diapers with FlashDry Gel Technology
3. Pet Parents Premium Washable Dog Diapers & Extendrs
4. All-Absorb A26 Male Dog Wrap

How to Put a Dog Diaper on After Neutering?

Putting a dog diaper on after surgery can seem difficult, but it’s actually a really straightforward process. 

Start by having your furry friend stand in front of you. I’ve found that the best position is where you stick your knees beneath its body to prevent him from running off.

1. Position the diaper so that the tail hole is facing the back and the absorbent pad is in the middle.
2. Lift your dog’s tail, slide the diaper through its tail (there’s a small hole designed for this), and place the diaper under its belly, making sure the back edge of the diaper is at the base of its tail.
3. Bring the front edge of the diaper up between your dog’s hind legs, and fasten the tabs snugly around their waist.
4. Adjust the fit of the diaper by ensuring it is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the diaper and your dog’s skin.

And voila! Your pup is ready to sail through the healing period with ease.

How to Handle Accidents and Clean the Diaper?

Even with a diaper on, oopsies can still happen. 

In the event of an accident, you’ll want to remove as much solid waste as possible before folding the diaper up and securing the adhesive tabs.

Toss the used diaper in the trash. 

For cloth diapers, rinse off any solid waste before washing it in hot water with a pet-safe detergent. 

If your furry pal managed to wiggle free of the diaper and had an accident outside of it, clean the area thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner.

This will remove any lingering odor and disinfect the spot.

Note: Do not bath your dog after spaying or neutering right away. This can aggravate the wound and delay the recovery.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: My dog has red spots on his privates

What Other Care Products Should You Have After Neutering Your Dog? 

Besides the doggy diaper, there are a few other helpful products that can make your pet’s recovery period a lot easier.

Dog recovery onesie

If you thought one-piece suits were only for human babies, think again!

Your furry pal can have one too in the form of a dog recovery onesie. 

This cozy garment covers your dog’s torso and provides extra comfort and protection during the healing period after surgery. 

It’s also great for preventing your pup from biting or licking the surgical site, which can lead to infection or slow down the healing process.

Elizabeth cone 

The Elizabeth cone, also known as an E-collar, is a plastic cone that is placed around your dog’s neck to prevent them from licking or biting his wounds. 

This cone can be uncomfortable, but it’s a small sacrifice to help ensure that your pup’s healing process goes smoothly. 

Inflatable donut 

You might be wondering why an inflatable donut is on the list of care products for your pup. 

Well, it’s a helpful tool to prevent your dog from lying or sitting on the surgery site.

By providing a comfortable surface to rest on, the inflatable donut can help your pet rest pain-free.

Belly bands

Belly bands are similar to doggy diapers, but they only cover the male dog’s private area. 

They can be used for incontinence issues after neutering. 

Bonus! They come in various colors and designs to make your pooch look stylish while healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Should My Dog Wear a Diaper After Getting Neutered?

While it’s not always necessary to let your dog wear a diaper after desexing, there are certain benefits to it.

If you find your dog having accidents or they are constantly trying to scratch its wound, this might be a good solution for you.

A check with your vet will probably help you with the decision too.

Looking for more tail-wagging tales? Check these other posts out too:

• How soon after neutering can a dog be groomed?
• Why does my dog keep sitting after neutering?
• How long after neutering dog is testosterone gone?