Dog pee pads can be a helpful tool in many situations. I don’t use them regularly, but they’ve come in handy for some of my foster dogs. Some dog parents use them to help with potty training while others rely on them for dogs with poor bladder control. Regardless of your reason, having the best dog pee pads around can be helpful for many dog parents.
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When Should You Use Dog Pee Pads?
It’s up to you when you use dog pee pads (if at all). Most people associate these products with potty training puppies, but they have many other purposes beyond that. Some people train their dogs to use pee pads so they can have a place to relieve themselves indoors if needed.
You might be wondering why anyone would want an adult dog to pee inside. While it’s not an ideal situation, there are times when dogs cannot go outside, such as in extreme weather like hurricanes. If you live in a really high apartment, it may be easier to use potty pads now and then. And if you have a senior dog that can’t hold their bladder long, potty pads can be a lifesaver when you’re gone for long periods.
While many dog parents find pee pads beneficial, others advise against using them whenever possible. For some dogs, using potty pads can make the potty training process longer because they’re learning to pee in two spots (outside and on pee pads). Yet, pee pads can be a lifesaver if you have to leave a young puppy alone for more than an hour or two.
Pros and Cons of Dog Pee Pads
Since dog lovers have mixed feelings about dog pee pads, let’s take a look at the pros and cons to help you decide if they’re right for you and your dog.
Pros:
They provide an alternative during potty training when your puppy can’t go outside.
They’re great for dogs with poor bladder control.
You can use them in an emergency, such as during extreme weather.
They make messes easy to clean up.
Most absorb odors.
Cons:
They could confuse puppies during the potty training process.
Disposable pee pads are wasteful.
They can be unhygienic if not cleaned up fast enough.
Puppies might chew on them.
Like most products, there are benefits and downsides to dog pee pads. It’s up to you to determine if they make sense for your furry friend.
Best Reusable Dog Pee Pads
For dog parents wanting dog pee pads, I always recommend reusable ones. Not only are they better for the environment and less wasteful, but they can also save you money. All you have to do is wash these pads when they get dirty, so there’s no need to keep buying more all the time.
You can get these in packs of two, four, or six, and you can choose the color pattern you like best. It’s made with a quilted, quick-drying material and it has a non-slip bottom. Not only is this option good for the environment because it’s reusable and machine-washable, but it also looks nicer than disposable pads.
These gray pee pads have heart and paw print patterns across them. It has several layers, allowing it to absorb and dry quickly. The bottom layer is slip-resistant to ensure it stays in place on smooth surfaces. It comes with a pack of two, and you can choose from four sizes (ranging from 36 x 34 inches to 72 x 72 inches).
I absolutely adore the dinosaur pattern on these pee pads, but there are also plenty of other patterns to choose from too, such as dolphins, daisies, and pineapples. There’s also a wide range of sizes to choose from so you can pick a pack that’s perfect for your space. These machine-washable pee pads are soft with a non-slip bottom for easy use.
These potty pads come in orange or gray patterns, and there are multiple sizes. Like the above options, they have multiple layers and a non-slip bottom. They dry fast, are super absorbent, and don’t leak, making them the perfect floor for a puppy pen.
This is a dog grass pee pad to help dogs associate pee pads with the grass outside. Some dogs feel more comfortable peeing on these types of pee pads because they closely resemble the areas they normally pee on. It comes in a roll and you can cut it to any size to fit your needs. You can easily clean it with a hose and soapy water.
Best Disposable Dog Pee Pads
While I personally recommend reusable dog pee pads, I know that’s not an option for everyone. Sometimes, disposable dog pee pads are easier to clean up, especially if you don’t have easy access to a washer and dryer. So, here are some popular disposable options.
This is a great option for pet parents looking for disposable pee pads. You can get a pack of 18, 30, or 50 pads. They’re super absorbent and leak proof. One pad can protect your floor for up to 24 hours, but if it gets soiled, it’s best to clean it up.
These disposable pads are perfect for large dogs. You can order them in packs of 18, 30, or 40. Using multiple layers, they’re super absorbent and leak proof. Plus, the quality materials make these pads less likely to scratch and tear than other disposable pads.
These puppy pads come in packs of 40 or 60, so they’re perfect for when you need to buy in bulk. One pad can hold up to nine cups of liquid without leaking, so they’re sure to keep your floors clean until you’re able to change them. These pads have plenty of durable layers to quickly absorb liquid and prevent tears.
These disposable puppy pads give off a different look than similar products. They have a gray surface with a white base, which looks nicer than the typical blue and white design of pee pads. The layers are thick and absorbent, holding up to nine cups of water without leaking. The size is ideal for large dogs and the packs come with 18, 30, or 40 pads.
Since disposable pee pads are usually not ideal for the environment, these pee pads are partially made with plant materials to help with that. Even though they have different materials than the competition, they can still successfully lock in moisture and reduce odors. They come in a pack of 50 so you have plenty to use.
Finally, the Wee-Wee Pads are a classic disposable pee pad option. This size is 28 x 34 inches, and the packs range from 14 pads to 200 pads, so you can choose the perfect number for you. They’re made of six layers for maximum absorbency and odor control. They dry quickly and are tear-resistant.
How to Train a Dog to Use a Pee Pad
Everyone handles potty training differently, but here’s how I recommend training a dog to use pee pads:
Restrict your dog to a small area of the house that has potty pads.
If you see your dog about to do their business, quickly direct them to the nearest potty pad.
Whenever your dog does their business on a potty pad, reward them.
Be consistent - everyone in your home should be on the same page about how to handle pee pads to avoid confusion
While these steps can teach your puppy to pee on pads, most dog parents also want to teach their dogs to go outside. So, if your dog learns to use pads before going outside, you can try moving the pad closer to the door and eventually placing one outside to entice them to go where they’re supposed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pee Pads for Dogs Come in Different Sizes?
Yes, dog pee pads come in a wide range of sizes to cover different floor spaces and cater to dogs of all sizes. Consider the size options and choose one that best fits your needs.
How Can You Attract a Dog to a Pee Pad?
Encouragement is key for attracting dogs to pee pads. If you notice your dog about to do their business, direct them to a pad and reward them when they successfully use the pad.
Do Pee Pads Smell?
All pee pads can smell if they’re sitting out too long while soiled. Yet, most are great at absorbing moisture and trapping odors so your house doesn’t stink.
Do Pee Pads Encourage Dogs to Pee Inside?
Yes, pee pads do teach dogs to pee inside, but only in a specific area. If that’s not okay with you, train your dog only to pee outside rather than pairing your training with potty pads.
How Often Should I Wash My Dog Pee Pads?
You should clean up your dog pee pads whenever they're soiled. This will likely be about once per day. Leaving a soiled pee pad out too long could cause an unpleasant smell in your home.
Puppy Pads are Good to Have Around
Even though dog parents have mixed feelings about dog pee pads, they’re usually good to have around. They can help with training while also being a lifesaver when dogs become incontinent or if an emergency prevents you from going outside.
So, it can never hurt to have a pack of pee pads around. (Especially if you foster dogs like me).