Belly bands are fast becoming a staple in every fur parent’s arsenal. Taking the place of disposable canine diapers, These layered cloth bands are wrapped around a male dog’s midriff and can come in handy in a variety of situations.

Whether you’re dealing with a pup who has yet to master potty training, handling a sick or senior dog who has difficulty controlling their bladder, or simply taking your furry buddy somewhere where territory marking is not welcome, a belly band is sure to come in handy. Belly bands can also act as a barrier, to help keep sensitive areas clean and covered, which can be very useful if your pet has abdominal rashes, hotspots, or is recovering from spay or neuter surgery.

But if urinary incontinence is the problem you’re trying to solve, belly bands are your first choice. Washable, environment-friendly, and easy-to-use, it’s no wonder these innovative new products are being purchased left and right.

But did you know you can easily make your own dog belly band in 4 simple steps? It might take a little more work than walking into a pet store and swiping your card, but you’ll get to choose your own material, pick a unique design, and customize the fit to match your dog perfectly.

4-Step DIY Dog Belly Band

Step 1: Get your dog’s measurements.

Getting a belly band that fits your dog perfectly is one of the advantages of making your own. The key to this is getting accurate measurements. 

You will need to get the length and width of the belly band. It should be long enough to wound around your dog’s abdomen, and wide enough to cover his dangly bits. To get the length of the belly band, measure the circumference of your dog’s abdomen at the level of the flank, which is the area right before the thigh. Add 1-2 inches to allow for a comfortable yet snug fit. 

To get the width of the belly band, measure from the level of the flank to the tip of its genitalia. It is advisable to add an inch just to make sure it covers the opening for the pee.

Step 2: Prepare the materials.

Belly bands should be made with at least three layers. You’ll want the innermost layer to be comfortable, non-irritating, and moisture-wicking to ensure maximum comfort for your dog whether the diaper is dry or wet. Polyester fleece or microfleece are popular choices. The middle layer should be absorbent and thick enough to hold a good amount of fluid. You can use microfiber terry cloth or put together several layers of flannel for this layer. The outermost layer should be water-resistant to serve as another barrier against leakage. Thick fleece is a great option that allows for good ventilation, but if you want the cover to be completely water-proof, try nylon or polyurethane laminate.

To secure the cloth, you’ll need to buy at least 2 pairs of velcro straps.

Step 3: Cut and sew.

Now that you have the measurements and the materials, it’s time to put the whole thing together! Each cloth will be cut into a rectangle. The width of all three is the same, but the length is different for the middle layer. The innermost and outermost lining should follow the full length of the belly band measurements you took in step 1, which means it can go all around your dog’s abdomen. Divide the length by 2 to get the measurement of the middle layer. The purpose of this layer is to catch the liquid, so it need not rest on your dog’s back.

Then all you have to do is sew the pieces together! Place the outermost layer design-side down, then place the middle layer right smack in the middle, then cover it with the innermost layer design-side up. 

After stitching the three layers together, affix the velcro straps at the ends of the outermost layer, and you’re good to go.

Step 4: Put it on your dog.

Call your dog over to try on their new belly band! Make sure that the middle absorbent layer lies right over their genitals, and secure the velcro for a comfortably snug fit. And there you have it: your own DIY doggy belly band!

Limitations of dog belly bands

Belly bands are handy tools for fur parents dealing with unwanted puddles from male dogs. However, there is no substitute for proper potty training. It may take time and effort, but the effects will be much more long-lasting. 

But if your dog continues to have accidents, or appears to have unlearned their potty training, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of a variety of infections and diseases. A visit to the vet will help determine if there is a condition that must be treated.

Belly Bands are not the ideal product to use post spay/ neither surgery or to cover up rashes, stop ointment from being licked off etc. Belly bands are often made of waterproof material, trapping air and moisture near the sensitive area which can hinder healing.

Belly Bands wrap around the waist and use elastic to keep them in place. This is not a full proof system. A persistent pet can get its nose under the elastic and push the band out of the way to lick at itchy sutures or rashes.

If you are looking for a post spay / neuter product, or something to protect rashes, hotspots on the body, as an alternative to the cone of shame Belly Bands may NOT be the product for you. 

That’s where BellyGuard dog onesies come in. This snug outfit is a great post-surgery product that can be used by both male and female dogs as a more comfortable (and stylish!) alternative to the dreaded cone of shame. Covering your furry best friend’s chest and abdomen, it helps protect this area from licking, scratching, or biting. Whether you’re preventing your dog from obsessing over a hotspot, or keeping their surgical incision site clean and protected, the dog onesie is a great tool to have at the ready. It is made from a breathable cotton material which keeps wounds dry and promotes healing. It also comes with a built-in pocket to hold gauze pads which absorb excess moisture or output from the surgery site.