Dog Pee Pads: An Indoor Bathroom Solution!

Does your dog or puppy have potty issues that cause him to “go” all over the house?

Don’t worry — there is a solution!

They’re called pee pads. Essentially absorbent diaper-like sheets that your dog can use during potty training or just whenever nature calls, they are just what many owners need.

We’ll explain what pee pads are, list some of the cases in which you may want to use them, run down the basics of pee pad training, and identify a few of our favorites below. Let’s jump right in!

What Are Dog Pee Pads?

As the name implies, dog pee pads are mats or sheets designed for your dog to potty on when you can’t or don’t want to take him outdoors.

Pee pads are usually multi-layered to make them more effective for absorbing urine, thereby preventing any messes from running off or leaking onto your floor. They can also have nifty features, such as a gripped bottom to prevent slippage or an added pheromone attractant to entice your dog to do his business on the pad (and not your floor!)

The 9 Best Pee Pads for Dogs

Now that we know what dog and puppy pee pads are and what they’re used for, we can get to the best options available. From affordable options to those with extra features, we’ve retrieved our top picks.

1. Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads

About: Pee pad training your pooch is made a little easier with Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads, as the potty aids feature five leakproof layers for maximum floor protection. The quick-dry surface prevents urine from pooling while the core turns liquids into a gel, containing the mess and minimizing odors.

Features:

• Built-in attractant encourages pups to potty
• Available in Regular, Heavy Duty, and Odor Control absorbancies
• Plastic border designed to prevent leaks and runoff
• Package counts range from 25 to 150, depending on size and absorbency

Size Options:

• Regular (22″ x 22″)
• X-Large (28″ x 34″)
• Giant (27.5″ x 44″)

2. ScratchMe Super-Absorbent Pet Training Pad

About: Tackle your terrier’s tinkles without denting your budget with ScratchMe’s Super-Absorbent Pet Training Pad. Featuring five moisture-absorbing layers of non-woven cloth and tissue paper, these pads are made to trap urine and protect your floors with package counts ranging from 20 to 40.

Features:

• Each pad can hold up to 3 cups of liquid
• Attractant added to aid in housetraining
• Plastic backing provides extra protection against leaks
• Inner layer turns liquids into a gel

Size Options:

• X-Small (13″ x 17.7″)
• Small (17.7″ x 23.6″)
• Medium (23.6″ x 23.6″)
• Large (23.6″ x 35.4″)

3. JdPet Washable Dog Pee Pad

About: Cut down on waste with the reusable JdPet Washable Dog Pee Pad, a blanket-like housetraining cloth that you can toss in the washer as needed. The manufacturer guarantees absorbency for up to 300 washes, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact.

Features:

• Offered in a single gray and black bone print
• Made with a polyester exterior and polyester and rayon interior
• Comes in 1-, 2-, and 4-packs (depending on sizing)
• Anti-slip bottom prevents your pup from sliding

Size Options:

4. Glad Activated Carbon Training Pads

About: Combat the stink of potty training your pup with odor-absorbing Glad Activated Carbon Training Pads. Made with an inner charcoal layer for neutralizing smells, these pads also absorb liquids and turn them into a gel, preventing leaks.

Features:

• Designed to absorb liquids in under 30 seconds
• Five layers include two linings of polymer tissue, odor-blocking carbon tissue, cushioning, and a PE liner for leak protection
• Larger sizes feature adhesive, keeping them in place on your floor
• Package counts vary by size, ranging from 14- to 300-count

Size Options:

• Regular (23″ x 23″)
• Jumbo (28″ x 30″)
• Giant (30″ x 36″)

5. Frisco Eco-Conscious Dog Training Pad

About: Go green in your housetraining adventure with Frisco’s Eco-Conscious Dog Training Pad, a piddle patch featuring 50% recycled materials and a dye and bleach-free interior. The fast-drying quilted top sucks in liquids, preventing pooling, while the tissue and pulp interior absorb the mess to prevent runoff.

Features:

• Made with five layers for maximum absorption
• Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to be made with materials sourced from forests that meet rigorous conservation standards
• Attractant encourages barkers to do their business
• Package counts between 21 and 100, depending on the size

Size Options:

• Large (23″ x 22″)
• X-Large (34″ x 28″)
• Giant (44″ x 27.5″)

6. Frisco Training Pad Holder Bundle

About: Start your pup’s bathroom lesson off on the right paw with Frisco’s Training Pad Holder Bundle, a set featuring a 100-count pack of absorbent pads and a tray for keeping them in place. Ideal for puppies who may nip at pads or older dogs who may slip and side, the elevated tray features a rubber-gripped base and a grate-style cover.

Features:

• Tray be used with the included pads or those of your choosing
• Spritzed with dog attractant to promote pottying
• Grated top keeps tinkle tucked inside, keeping your floof’s feet clean
• Plastic base prevents leakage below the pup pad

Size Options:

• Single size measuring 24″ x 24″

7. Dogcator Charcoal Puppy Pad

About: Take care of your big barker’s bathroom breaks with the Dogcator Charcoal Puppy Pad, a six-layer mat featuring a tear-resistant non-woven topper, odor-controlling activated carbon shield, and multiple layers of absorbent pulp. The PE film packing is designed to hold in liquids, preventing leaks.

Features:

• Holds up to 7 cups of liquid
• Quilted topper designed to keep liquids on the mat (and prevent them from running off)
• Packages include 30-, 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-counts
• Offered in two material types: Heavy-Duty and Odor-Control

Size Options:

• Single size option measuring 28″ x 34″

8. PETSWORLD Mastiff’s Massive Dog Potty Pads

About: Give your giant buddy room to do his business with PETSWORLD Mastiff’s Massive Dog Potty Pads, a huge training mat designed specifically for the largest dog breeds. Featuring five layers, its pulp and paper core turns liquids into a gel while the plastic border prevents side leakage.

Features:

• Fast-drying, non-woven surface prevents urine tracking
• Core traps messes and offers odor blocking
• Features an attractant to encourage pottying
• Available in packages ranging from 50-count to 1200-count

Size Options:

• Single size option measures 28″ x 44″

9. Rocky & Maggie’s Pop-Up Dog Pee Pads

About: Rocky & Maggie’s Pop-Up Dog Pee Pads provide the perfect target for pricky piddlers at its center: A fire hydrant! Holding up to 4 cups of liquid in its five layers, it’s a clever gadget for getting resistant male mutts to do their business indoors.

Features:

• Made of cotton and synthetic fabric
• Dog attractant applied to the pad and fire hydrant target to get your dog’s attention
• Leak-proof packing keeps liquids contained
• Available in 10-, 25-, and 50- count packages.

Size Options:

• Offered in a single size that measures 23″ x 22″ with an 8.5″ piddle post

Four Great Pee Pad Alternatives

Standard wee-wee pads aren’t the ideal solution for everyone. If you’re looking for an alternative approach, check out these options.

1. Fresh Patch Real Grass Training Pad

About: Keep barkin’ bathroom breaks au naturel with Fresh Patch’s Real Grass Training Pad, a cardboard tray containing a sod pad that brings the outdoors indoors. The thick sod pad is dirt-free and absorbs liquids, while the natural green look won’t be a major eyesore.

Features:

• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Made with sod hydroponically grown in California
• Fully disposable for easy, fuss-free replacement as needed
• Lasts 1-4 weeks, depending on your dog’s size and potty habits

Size Options:

• Mini (16″ x 12″)
• Standard (24″ x 16″)
• Large (24″ x 24″)

2. PETMAKER Artificial Grass Puppy Pad

About: Give your dog a glimmer of the great outdoors with the PETMAKER Artificial Grass Puppy Pad, a reusable thatch of faux greenery that rinses clean with soap and water. Featuring inner layers of cotton atop a plastic base, it absorbs liquids to contain messes between cleanings.

Features:

• Made with synthetic plastic grass as a hard plastic tray and inserts
• Low faux grass height allows for easy cleanup of solid waste
• Offered in a 3- and 4-layer system
• Made in China

Size Options:

• Small (20″ x 16″)
• Medium (24″ x 20″)
• Large (30″ x 20″)

3. PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan

About: Litter boxes aren’t just for cats — doggos can use them too! However, most dogs will prefer using a litterbox that is specifically designed for dogs, like this one from PuppyGoHere. Featuring high sides to keep your canine’s mess contained as well as a built-in, low-cut “door” to make it easy for your four-footer to access, this is the best litterbox around for doggos.

Features:

• Made of lightweight yet durable recycled polypropylene
• Comes in your choice of 6 colors: Harbor Blue, Black, Green, Sand, Recycled Black, and Recycled Gray
• Works with conventional litter or a pee pad of your choice
• Made in the USA

Size Options:

• Small (20″ L x 15″ W x 5″ H)
• Large (24″ L x 20″ W x 5″ H)
• X-Large (28″ L x 22″ W x 9″ H)

4. Bark Potty

About: One other option more and more pet parents are trying is Bark Potty. It’s basically like a grass pee pad, except that it’s filled with dog-safe mulch. You can use it for up to one month at a time, and once it is ready for replacement, you can actually recycle it. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it dying quickly, as sometimes happens with grass pee pads.

Features:

• Each box is basically the equivalent of 60 traditional dog pee pads
• Built-in netting helps keep the bark inside the box
• Real bark smells great and helps cut down on odors
• Made in the USA

Why Dogs Need Pee Pads?

Dogs may need to use pee pads for many reasons, including:

• Puppies Being Housebroken: When you are first house training a puppy, he will doubtlessly have accidents. Pee pads can help make potty training puppies easier, especially if going outdoors constantly isn’t a viable solution.
• Older Incontinent Dogs: Older dogs can’t hold their bladder for as long as younger dogs can. Sometimes they just can’t make it outside in time. Senior dogs also may suffer from kidney issues or arthritis, making it much more difficult for them to make trips inside and outside all day. But indoor pee pads allow your senior dog to relieve himself without feeling ashamed or stressed.
• Dogs with Health Issues: Dogs who have mobility issues, or who can’t go outside to relieve themselves following a surgery may be great candidates for dog pee pads. Dogs who have general bladder issues may also require an indoor potty solution.
• Dogs Who Need Frequent Potty Breaks (for Any Reason): Some dogs just have to poop or pee more often than others. So, if your dog has a sensitive tummy or a nervous bladder, you may want to consider pee pads. There’s no getting around it: Having to take your dog out to pee again after a brief period of time is a drag.
• Bad Weather: In some cases, weather can be so bad that owners would rather not (or are physically unable) to take their dogs outside. In these cases, indoor pee pads provide a great alternative.
• #ApartmentLife. Apartment dwellers (especially those living in high-rise apartment buildings with dozens of floors) often find taking your dog out for frequent potty trips to be very impractical. Doggy pee pads can make things considerably easier.

Which Dog Potty Pad Is Right For You?

Knowing that you want to use pee pads is one thing; picking out the specific ones you want to use is an entirely different thing. For that matter, you may also be considering some of the pee pad alternatives on the market, such as doggy litter boxes or grass patches.

Ultimately, your decision will need to reflect your preferences, your dog’s preferences, and things like your budget. But we’ll try to provide a few basic tips for making your choice:

• If you’re considering trying pee pads for the first time, just go with one of the most affordable choices so you can make sure you and your doggo both like them before you spend much money.
• If you are worried about the environmental footprint of all those discarded pee pads, opt for a live or artificial grass patch. The former will biodegrade in a short time and the latter will last for a long time — you’ll just have to wash it.
• If you don’t want your pup to tear up the pee pads, consider using a pee pad holder (or a complete system). Or, you can opt for an indoor litter box.
• If you’re worried that your pup will be reluctant to use a pee pad, consider one of the live grass options — these often trigger even the most pee-pee shy pups to piddle.
• If you’re worried about odors, opt for one of the disposable pee pads that features odor-controlling layers (which are typically infused with carbon or baking soda).

Common Dog Pee Pad Problems and Solutions

Sometimes, hiccups happen in training, and you may run into obstacles while getting your dog used to pee pads. Let’s run through the most common potty pad problems together.

My dog won’t use the pee pads.

A little practice may be necessary before your dog gets the hang of going on a pee pad.

Always take him to the pad when it’s time for him to potty and reward him if he does go with plenty of praise or a tasty treat. Using a poop training spray can also help signal to your pup that he should potty on the mat.

Successful potty training requires a ton of patience and effort, so just stick with it until your pupper gets the idea!

My dog is moving or chewing the pee pad.

Using a potty pad holder is recommended for dogs who chew or slide pee pads around. These devices store the pee pad in a way that (at least partially) protects the pad from your pupper’s chewing, digging, or sliding.

Potty pad holders are also a great option if your dog causes the pad to slip and slide during use.

The pee pads make my house smell bad.

Unfortunately, all pee pads aren’t created equally. Some are too thin and leak while others offer zero odor control. In either case, you end up with a house that has the smell of pee.

If you’re noticing issues with leaking or smells despite changing the pad regularly, it’s time to upgrade to a more absorbent option. You may want to look for a brand that includes carbon (charcoal) in its absorbent layers, as this helps prevent odors and ensure a fresh scent in your home. Charcoal versions aren’t hard to find in the modern marketplace (we recommend several charcoal versions above).

My dog uses pee pads, but I end up with a wet floor anyway.

There are two primary reasons you could be experiencing wet floors: Either your pet’s urine is rolling off the edge of the pad before it can be absorbed, or your chosen pee pads are simply not absorbent enough. If you suspect the former, try using pads with a larger surface area; if you suspect the latter, you’ll just need to look for better overall puppy pads.

I am out of pee pads and need a quick fix.

If you’re in a pinch, you place a large cardboard box with plenty of newspaper at the bottom on a tiled or concrete floor and encourage your dog to potty. You could also use newspaper only. Neither are the most waterproof option and should be cleaned up promptly after use, but they can get you by if you’re in a bind.

Dog Pee Pads FAQ

While dog pee pads are a training staple for some pup parents, others may be totally new to them. Let’s run through the most commonly asked questions surrounding them.

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Do you have any dog potty pad solutions you want to suggest? Have wee-wee pads worked well for your woofer? Have any of the ones you tried combatted the smell of pee better than others? Do you have any general puppy potty training tips to share?

Let us know in the comments!