How does a dog pee while wearing a surgical suit?

Many pet owners have questions when their dogs need to wear a surgical suit after an operation — especially about something essential like urinating.

It’s an understandable concern: does the suit get in the way? Will the dog be able to pee normally? Will it get dirty?The answer is that when chosen carefully and used correctly, the surgical suit should not prevent your dog from relieving itself comfortably and safely.

Surgical garments designed specifically for dogs are made with strategic openings in the genital area, allowing the pet to urinate without having to remove the suit. These openings vary depending on the model, so it’s very important for the owner to choose a suit that’s appropriate for the dog’s sex.

For male dogs, the opening needs to be positioned farther forward, allowing the penis to be free for urination. For female dogs, the opening should allow urine to drain from the rear area without soaking the fabric or causing discomfort.

In addition to the placement of the opening, the type of fabric used in the suit makes a big difference. Breathable materials that dry quickly and don’t easily absorb urine help keep the skin dry and reduce the risk of infection. Even so, regular checks are essential to ensure the garment remains clean, dry, and properly fitted.

In some cases — especially when the dog urinates while sitting or lying down due to pain or limited mobility — it may be necessary to temporarily remove the suit or use dog diapers as a backup.

Another important consideration is how well the suit fits the dog’s body. Suits that are too loose may shift with movement and end up covering the urinary area, making it hard for the dog to pee and soiling the fabric. On the other hand, suits that are too tight can cause discomfort, interfere with urination, or even create pressure sores.

The ideal garment fits snugly enough to stay in place but with enough room to keep the dog comfortable.

So, the answer to the question “How does a dog pee while wearing a surgical suit?” depends on choosing the right model, ensuring a proper fit, and monitoring the pet closely. With these precautions, surgical garments become a valuable ally during recovery — protecting the surgical site without interfering with basic physiological needs.

For dogs that have been neutered, the ideal suit fully covers the abdominal area and prevents the pet from licking the stitches.

One model that works very well is this surgical suit with velcro closure and breathable fabric, which offers comfort, protection, and ease when putting it on or taking it off. Click the image below to view the product on Amazon.

Surgical garment for neutering and abdominal procedures. Sizes 00 to 14.

Referências:

• Bexfield, N., & Lee, K. (2015). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Surgical Principles: A Foundation Manual. British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
  

• Fossum, T. W. (2019). Small Animal Surgery (5th ed.). Elsevier.

  
  

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.