About The Expert: Lindsay Pevny has been using and reviewing dog-related products and gear for over 10 years—everything from dog seat belts and coats to doghouses and puppy pads, and more. For the last seven years, she’s lived in an apartment with her chihuahua mix, relying on puppy pads when the dog was younger and now occasionally while traveling or when the snow is too cold for her pet’s tiny paws. Pevny also used them post spay surgery during her pup’s recovery time. She’s tried many different puppy pads and indoor potty systems, including some she’s evaluated here.
Puppy pads can be a lifesaver if your dog can’t go outside due to extreme weather, recent surgery, or simply, old age. They’re also a perfect training tool for new puppies who are in the process of being housebroken. While generic pads get the job done, some pet owners find them to be leaky, unsightly, and, worse, unable to lock in odors. By stepping up to a premium puppy pad, you can keep your floor clean and your home smelling fresh.
Using Puppy Pads for Housetraining Success
Because your puppy may not develop full bladder control until the age of 6 to 10 months, puppy pads can be a helpful training tool during those early stages when they’re unable to hold it until they can go outside. And small breeds tend to take even longer to master housetraining.
If your new puppy is not yet pad-trained, you can set your pet up for success by lining a confined area—a corner of the kitchen, for instance—and keep the pee pad on a surface that’s easy to clean like a tile floor. You can also use scent cues, such as an attractant spray or pads that have attractant built in or even by sopping up accidents with a clean pad to load it with their own scent. Dogs are drawn to the subtle smell of fresh grass or even ammonia (urine contains this) so they will gravitate to these aromas.
One common issue with pad training is that it can make your dog think it’s acceptable to relieve themselves anywhere in your home. To prevent this, always place pads in the same spot every time. Choose a low traffic area that is far from your pup’s bed, food, and water bowl. Never place a pad in your puppy’s crate—which is essentially their “den” and needs to remain a comfy, safe space that they instinctively avoid soiling.
What to Consider
Disposable vs. Reusable
You’ll likely use a few different types of puppy pads during your dog’s lifetime, or even over the course of a week. Disposable puppy pads are convenient for busy weekdays, though even eco-friendly pads claiming to be made with sustainably sourced and recycled materials are not biodegradable since they need a plastic lining on the bottom to prevent leaks. You might want to consider rotating in a washable, reusable one to save money and lower your pup’s carbon pawprint. Some are sold in two-packs—one in the wash, one on the floor.
We also included a few box-type setups on our list, which are essentially portable backyard potties. These reusable systems, which offer outdoor ambiance to appeal to your pet, consist of some type of container or tray, filled with either mulch or grass, and plastic lining.
More Products for Your Pup: Best Doghouses • Best Seat Belts for Dogs • Best Dog Car Seats
Absorbency and Layers
Pads with more layers tend to be more absorbent, resulting in fewer leaks. A few options here have four, five or up to six layers. On top might be gauze or fleece followed underneath by a plastic liner and nonslip bottom. Some also have a carbon layer to neutralize odors and absorb yellow spots.
Some puppy pad manufacturers state the liquid cup capacity per pad, while others have guidelines based on your dog’s weight or breed. As a general rule of thumb, dogs produce around 20 to 40 milliliters (ml) of urine per kilogram (kg) of body weight every 24 hours, so for a 25-pound dog, that would translate to about two cups of urine per day. Large dogs need a high-absorbency pad that won’t overflow while smaller dogs can use high-absorbency pads multiple times before they need to be replaced.
Pad Size and Scent
The standard disposable pad is about 22 inches square. Larger pads have more surface area to wick away moisture and promote evaporation and, therefore, have more room for multiple usage. However, oversize pads may not work for small spaces. Disposable pads have a border material that stops runoff, so if you cut or fold the pad, it’s more likely to leak.
While high-capacity pads don’t need to be replaced as often, a soiled pad can give off an odor as urine evaporates. Scented pads or those with odor-absorbing additives like activated carbon are great for keeping your home smelling fresh. Pads with a built-in attractant are helpful during the initial training period, but they’re not necessary once your dog is fully trained.
How We Evaluated
As I tested different pads, I learned that the cheapest option isn’t always the most affordable—flimsy pads need to be replaced more often—and not all expensive pads are worth the cost. Also, your pup may be attracted to certain brands more than others, especially those that have a built-in attractant or have a distinctive texture. You may need to try different pads until you find the one that works for your pup. These are the best puppy pads I recommend for keeping your home clean without blowing your budget.