Oh my gosh, someone please help me! I am a first time foster mom fostering a puppy with no use or limited use of his back legs. I have tried Petsmart diapers and the sizes are ALL wrong and are either too big or too small. I've tried pull-ups for a 30+ pound kid and those don't cover his penis! Any suggestions for a 30+ pound puppy for a really high diaper that will cover his rectum and penis?
Also am using a litter box b/c the puppy can hold it in his crate, but the minute he gets out, tinkle and poopy everywhere.
Overwhelmed is an understatement!
Cannot find the right diaper!!
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Welcome and bless you for fostering the puppy! First of all, read the Sticky under Incontinence. There is a wealth of information that will help you. If the puppy is going as soon as you take him out, it sounds like maybe he might be not getting enough bathroom trips. If he is having trouble urinating and deficating completely on his own, you will want to learn how to express him so he does not get a urinary infection. If you learn the "poop on demand" method that works for you, you will have more control over the situation. There is also a diaper chart somewhere on this site (help someone - I don't know where that is), but you might not even need diapers if the other methods work.
You did not say why he has limited to no use of his back legs. Depending on what the diagnosis is, he may need strict crate rest...only taking him out to potty. Some of the other ladies will be along to give you more information...in the meantime, just read and jot down questions you want to ask. Good information and moral support is here for the overwhelmed...promise! Take a deep breath and take care.
You did not say why he has limited to no use of his back legs. Depending on what the diagnosis is, he may need strict crate rest...only taking him out to potty. Some of the other ladies will be along to give you more information...in the meantime, just read and jot down questions you want to ask. Good information and moral support is here for the overwhelmed...promise! Take a deep breath and take care.
Christine... and Bailey, playing at the Bridge
?/1999 - 10/25/08
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
If you look at this link
https://www.handicappedpets.com/mediawiki/index.php/Diapers_and_male_wraps
you will find a diaper size chart at the bottom. If his pen*s is up close to the ribs and he's urinating out the waist band, you may need to go a size bigger. If you just can't get a fit, try the male wraps. They are like a belt around the waist and they hold an absorbent pad over the male area. The article (link above) lists some brands of male wraps that people here have recommended. The ones from Unique Accessories are the ones that Pam (Riley's Mom) says stay on her active dog best.
If you want to try the brand of diapers sold on this website, click here and they can send you a free sample of any size.
http://www.petdiapers.com/
People who use diapers sometimes recommend that you do not use them at night so the skin has a chance to breathe.
Is he lacking control because of his age, or because of his condition?
You know about Simple Solution for urine stains on the rug, right? Another brand is Nature's Miracle. They are enzyme-based cleaners for pet stains, spray them on and forget about it, no scrubbing or blotting needed. The enzyme goes into the urine spot and digests the organic material. It doesn't just cover it up, it truly eliminates it. Your house can still be presentable for the holidays!
Hang in there. Hope this helps!!
https://www.handicappedpets.com/mediawiki/index.php/Diapers_and_male_wraps
you will find a diaper size chart at the bottom. If his pen*s is up close to the ribs and he's urinating out the waist band, you may need to go a size bigger. If you just can't get a fit, try the male wraps. They are like a belt around the waist and they hold an absorbent pad over the male area. The article (link above) lists some brands of male wraps that people here have recommended. The ones from Unique Accessories are the ones that Pam (Riley's Mom) says stay on her active dog best.
If you want to try the brand of diapers sold on this website, click here and they can send you a free sample of any size.
http://www.petdiapers.com/
People who use diapers sometimes recommend that you do not use them at night so the skin has a chance to breathe.
Is he lacking control because of his age, or because of his condition?
You know about Simple Solution for urine stains on the rug, right? Another brand is Nature's Miracle. They are enzyme-based cleaners for pet stains, spray them on and forget about it, no scrubbing or blotting needed. The enzyme goes into the urine spot and digests the organic material. It doesn't just cover it up, it truly eliminates it. Your house can still be presentable for the holidays!
Hang in there. Hope this helps!!
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Thank you both for your recommendations and sorry I did not properly introduce myself. I'm just out of my mind exhausted and worried sick about this dog. I tried to read some of the stuff listed at the top of this section of the site but it didn't really help so I'll check out what you have listed. With a puppy you have to watch them every minute and that leaves little time for anything else, esp. this puppy. He's handicapped, but boy is he into everything. So not a cop out, just have very limited time to read without someone pointing me in the exact right direction, so thank you.
To answer your questions, I don't know what's wrong with him. I'll know more after his doc appt. Right now I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Anyway, if you want the whole story, please send me a private message. You would just be amazed.
To answer your questions, I don't know what's wrong with him. I'll know more after his doc appt. Right now I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Anyway, if you want the whole story, please send me a private message. You would just be amazed.
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Hi again,
We really would like the whole story so we can help you more. Unless it is too private, don't think it would be too long to post here. That is not a problem it will be read and those who have the answers or suggestions will help. Once the vet gives you a diagnosis and/or some guidance , we'll help you with a system that will allow you some time and sanity. Most of us are a tad sleep deprived around here helping our babies :0) It will get better.
Sounds like you don't have him contained in either a crate or a small area. That is one immediate thing that would help you in the exhaustion department. Don't know how big he is, but if not a crate, do you have a storage hamper or laundry basket that could be made comfortable for him and he could not get out of or tip over? A playpen or even a good size box might work. You could also just barricade a corner somewhere to keep him from roaming, peeing and pooping and possibly agrivating his injury. Put a shower curtain in the bottom with some blankets or a shower mat over that so at least he is not wetting your carpeting - of course, you will have to change out the soiled bedclothes so he won't get sores from it, but once he is on a bathroom routine it won't be as much. If he is into everything, sounds like he might be looking for you, so if he is small enough, you could bring him and his "crate" near you so he will feel safe. Sorry this is so long...see what I mean?
We really would like the whole story so we can help you more. Unless it is too private, don't think it would be too long to post here. That is not a problem it will be read and those who have the answers or suggestions will help. Once the vet gives you a diagnosis and/or some guidance , we'll help you with a system that will allow you some time and sanity. Most of us are a tad sleep deprived around here helping our babies :0) It will get better.
Sounds like you don't have him contained in either a crate or a small area. That is one immediate thing that would help you in the exhaustion department. Don't know how big he is, but if not a crate, do you have a storage hamper or laundry basket that could be made comfortable for him and he could not get out of or tip over? A playpen or even a good size box might work. You could also just barricade a corner somewhere to keep him from roaming, peeing and pooping and possibly agrivating his injury. Put a shower curtain in the bottom with some blankets or a shower mat over that so at least he is not wetting your carpeting - of course, you will have to change out the soiled bedclothes so he won't get sores from it, but once he is on a bathroom routine it won't be as much. If he is into everything, sounds like he might be looking for you, so if he is small enough, you could bring him and his "crate" near you so he will feel safe. Sorry this is so long...see what I mean?
Christine... and Bailey, playing at the Bridge
?/1999 - 10/25/08
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Hello and Welcome.
I've got a paralyzed 22 lb. dog that is incontinent. He's been a para pup for 2 years. There are a lot of loving owners of paralyzed pets who read this bb.
Some of the things you are dealing with include: deformity of the spine, allergies to dog food, severe skin condition,(could be related to food allergy), possible incontinence, and possible paralysis. And, did I mention frustration?
Incontinence: I used a male wrap with a half diaper for several weeks until I learned how to "completely" express* urine. Just be sure he doesn't eat the diaper filler. Did you read CarolC's link above?
*If he is truly incontinent, you need to learn how to express urine. I and many others on this bb do this about 4 times per day. We use "poop on demand" to control messes. Instructions are posted at the top of this forum. Ask if you need more help. Is he truly incontinent, or just untrained?
Christine gave you great advice about blocking him into an area. You wouldn't let a little kid rampage through the house chewing and destroying. Get a playpen or use a kitty gate to block him in the laundry room while you get things under control. We use a playpen for nighttime sleeping also.
Vet care: You really need a vet to check the spinal deformity. It could be a congenital defect or an injury that requires care, surgery, or ONLY crate rest. It is difficult to say what is going on without a vet looking at him. You mention that he already has a cart. Until you see a vet, I would keep him contained in a crate rest situation. I don't know what kind of injury you are describing.
A vet will prescribe a type of food for his allergy/skin condition. Perhaps it is mange, and perhaps it is food related.
You are NOT alone. Someone else is sure to come along a bit later with advice. Until then, contain this little guy in a small area to reduce the messes. Immediately drop a tissue on the feces to stop the smell. Read about expressing urine.
He's been through a lot in the last few days. You mentioned that he was possibly dehydrated, and additionally possibly sedated for the trip. That's a long trip for a young dog.
All of us felt frustrated and out of control in the early days of our pups paralysis. It's normal to feel that way. Perhaps seeing the vet and getting a bit more information will help you start getting control of the situation. We can provide the home support information.
Dianne
PS Is he leaking urine untrollably, or does he tell you when he needs to "go potty"?
I've got a paralyzed 22 lb. dog that is incontinent. He's been a para pup for 2 years. There are a lot of loving owners of paralyzed pets who read this bb.
Some of the things you are dealing with include: deformity of the spine, allergies to dog food, severe skin condition,(could be related to food allergy), possible incontinence, and possible paralysis. And, did I mention frustration?
Incontinence: I used a male wrap with a half diaper for several weeks until I learned how to "completely" express* urine. Just be sure he doesn't eat the diaper filler. Did you read CarolC's link above?
*If he is truly incontinent, you need to learn how to express urine. I and many others on this bb do this about 4 times per day. We use "poop on demand" to control messes. Instructions are posted at the top of this forum. Ask if you need more help. Is he truly incontinent, or just untrained?
Christine gave you great advice about blocking him into an area. You wouldn't let a little kid rampage through the house chewing and destroying. Get a playpen or use a kitty gate to block him in the laundry room while you get things under control. We use a playpen for nighttime sleeping also.
Vet care: You really need a vet to check the spinal deformity. It could be a congenital defect or an injury that requires care, surgery, or ONLY crate rest. It is difficult to say what is going on without a vet looking at him. You mention that he already has a cart. Until you see a vet, I would keep him contained in a crate rest situation. I don't know what kind of injury you are describing.
A vet will prescribe a type of food for his allergy/skin condition. Perhaps it is mange, and perhaps it is food related.
You are NOT alone. Someone else is sure to come along a bit later with advice. Until then, contain this little guy in a small area to reduce the messes. Immediately drop a tissue on the feces to stop the smell. Read about expressing urine.
He's been through a lot in the last few days. You mentioned that he was possibly dehydrated, and additionally possibly sedated for the trip. That's a long trip for a young dog.
All of us felt frustrated and out of control in the early days of our pups paralysis. It's normal to feel that way. Perhaps seeing the vet and getting a bit more information will help you start getting control of the situation. We can provide the home support information.
Dianne
PS Is he leaking urine untrollably, or does he tell you when he needs to "go potty"?
Last edited by Dianne on Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Sorry, I never got a notice that there was another post.
Just so you don't think I'm negligent, the shelter he came from said he was potty trained, but he wasn't and I spent over a week and a half now taking everyone's advice but still no diapers fit him (no fault of theirs, just every dog is different and the sizing chart did not help). I've tried the Petsmart ones, the child pull-ups, Huggies, and even Depends. And though the Depends were huge at least they covered his winky for once.
Worse, the dog has had two very severe allergic reactions, the last one of which had his throat closing off and had I not known about anaphyllactic shock and known what to do he might've died. That's enough to make you cry your eyes out for a week right there! The vet said he has a T10, 11, and 12 fracture and I don't know what that means and told me he cuold be a spinal walker. Don't knwo what that means either. He also had hook worms, Coccidia, demodex, an ear infection, and pustules on his skin from the severe allergy, so he was in bad shape. I thank God every day for the kind people like you folks on this board and the nice woman who out of the blue sponsored a new specialized wheelchair for him and the vet who gave me a 10% discount and his meds for free! Without all of you and your kindness I don't know what I'd do!
He appears to have some bladder function as he is now able to go outside after a week and a half. But the bowel still seems to have a mind of its own. I won't know until he sees the specialist if he has any control and of course I wouldn't dream of potty training him until I know he has the ability. I also have learned how to express his bladder, but will need to read up on how to express his bowel. I've heard people stick a cue-tip on the rim of the rectum to stimulate it. So I might try that. I read all the links listed but will have to go back adn do it again b/c my head has been spinning this week.
He doesn't like his cart and will use it a little but not as much as he'd probably like to if it fit him properly. But you're right. It may be better for him to lie still until we find out if he could be doing damage to his spinal chord with the cart or scooting around (which I try to prevent but he's a puppy and he's fast!).
Thank you all again for your help!!! It is heartfelt and so very appreciated!
Just so you don't think I'm negligent, the shelter he came from said he was potty trained, but he wasn't and I spent over a week and a half now taking everyone's advice but still no diapers fit him (no fault of theirs, just every dog is different and the sizing chart did not help). I've tried the Petsmart ones, the child pull-ups, Huggies, and even Depends. And though the Depends were huge at least they covered his winky for once.
Worse, the dog has had two very severe allergic reactions, the last one of which had his throat closing off and had I not known about anaphyllactic shock and known what to do he might've died. That's enough to make you cry your eyes out for a week right there! The vet said he has a T10, 11, and 12 fracture and I don't know what that means and told me he cuold be a spinal walker. Don't knwo what that means either. He also had hook worms, Coccidia, demodex, an ear infection, and pustules on his skin from the severe allergy, so he was in bad shape. I thank God every day for the kind people like you folks on this board and the nice woman who out of the blue sponsored a new specialized wheelchair for him and the vet who gave me a 10% discount and his meds for free! Without all of you and your kindness I don't know what I'd do!
He appears to have some bladder function as he is now able to go outside after a week and a half. But the bowel still seems to have a mind of its own. I won't know until he sees the specialist if he has any control and of course I wouldn't dream of potty training him until I know he has the ability. I also have learned how to express his bladder, but will need to read up on how to express his bowel. I've heard people stick a cue-tip on the rim of the rectum to stimulate it. So I might try that. I read all the links listed but will have to go back adn do it again b/c my head has been spinning this week.
He doesn't like his cart and will use it a little but not as much as he'd probably like to if it fit him properly. But you're right. It may be better for him to lie still until we find out if he could be doing damage to his spinal chord with the cart or scooting around (which I try to prevent but he's a puppy and he's fast!).
Thank you all again for your help!!! It is heartfelt and so very appreciated!
Last edited by Maider on Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
So glad to hear that you are finally getting to take him to a vet. Write down every question you can think of so you can get all of the information you need and can share with us so we can help more. Also glad to hear that you finally got a playpen. All you can do is take it one step at a time. I am just so glad he is not in the shelter. Keep us posted and get as many details as you can.
Christine... and Bailey, playing at the Bridge
?/1999 - 10/25/08
-
Pam (Riley's mom)
- Posts: 279
- Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2002 7:00 pm
- Location: Washington State
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
I have a dog who wears the unique accessories wraps and they stay on him well. I buy a huge size though. You can let the manufacturer know the specifics of how you want them to fit and they will customize them for you. They are expensive, but I'm still using the belts I bought five years ago. He is also a dog that still gets occasionally gets into trouble if left to his own devices. I know this will sound funny but it is true; at one point in time I had tried everything to keep him out of trouble and, in total exhaustion (this is a guy who ate through the wall, ate through the rug, ate through his crate bed, you get the picture), told him that there was very little hope for his survival if he continued this behavior, that I had spent all my time, love, patience and money to keep him alive and safe, and if this was how he was going to behave, then fine, go ahead, I give up. Believe it or not, he stopped being such a brat. He still gets into occasional mischief, but nothing like before. Just normal stuff now. Of all the dogs I have owned, this is the one that seems human, in a telepathic way.
I would not trade this experience for anything.
I would not trade this experience for anything.
-
mydogfarted
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:31 pm
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
Welcome. I understand your frustration as we too are new parents to an incontinent kitten. He's a little too small for some diapers and too big for the others. Learning to express the bladder is a great help.
Good luck with the pup and when all else fails, take a deep breath, walk away and then come back to attack the problem.
Good luck with the pup and when all else fails, take a deep breath, walk away and then come back to attack the problem.
Re: Cannot find the right diaper!!
How are you and the puppy doing? What did the vet say? Has he totally wrapped you around his little paw yet?? Hope things are going well.
Christine... and Bailey, playing at the Bridge
?/1999 - 10/25/08