There’s no doubt that pee pads are the easiest, most stress-free way to potty train dogs indoors, but how do you know which one is best?
Think of pee pads as a kind of exterior diaper for your dog. Ideally, they should have multiple layers for better absorption, and some even contain pheromones to attract dogs, as well as an odor neutralizer to eliminate bad smells.
While some owners prefer their dogs to eliminate outdoors, in some cases, it may make more sense to use a solution like pee pads (more on this later).
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your dog outside anymore. Despite what you may have heard, dogs are absolutely capable of doing their business both inside and outside.
Below are our favorite best pee pads for dogs, and some of their unique, little features. At the end of this post, I’ll tell you how you can implement them as part of your dog’s potty training strategy.
What Are the Best Pee Pads for Dogs?
1. BarkBox Odorless Puppy Pads
These pee pads are an excellent choice for any pet parent whose pup or dog needs an indoor potty option.
They have six layers of protection, and they also contain a super absorbent gel. This means that one pee pad can quickly absorb up to five cups of liquid in about a minute or less.
Finally, you can stop worrying about your dog’s urine pooling up and spilling over, as it’s almost instantly whisked away.
Additionally, they use activated charcoal as a method of effectively absorbing and neutralizing unpleasant bathroom odors.
You can put the pee pad in a discreet area of your home, and you won’t be able to tell that it’s even there.
There’s even a border on all four sides, which guards against accidental leaks that can damage your floor. Plus, they utilize pheromones to help attract your dog to the right spot.
No matter the size of your pup, these pads come in three different sizes, so you can be sure to cover the exact area your dog needs.
As a bonus, each box includes a satisfaction guaranteed warranty, and a free training guide, which provides you with helpful hints and tricks for helping you potty train your dog.
Pros
- Super absorbent
- Activated charcoal for odor control
- Contains pheromones
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- Pads are pretty thin
Bottom Line: These pee pads use activated charcoal, which makes them great for house training puppies and adult dogs while keeping your home smell-free in the process.
2. Bulldogology Premium Puppy Pee Pads
If you’re going to housebreak your dog while you’re at work, these pee pads are perfect.
They have six layers which instantly absorb liquid and turn it into a gel, leaving your floor dry to touch. Their large size and superior absorbance also allow them to last longer than regular-sized pads.
In addition, they include sticky adhesive tape to prevent your dog from moving or tearing them. This way, whenever your dog is excited or bored, he won’t make such a mess.
On top of that, they manage to neutralize odors quickly, and since the waterproof backing is made out of polyethylene, they shouldn’t leak or cause damage.
The size of the pads is 24″ X 24″, meaning they’re big enough to fit medium-sized dogs. For large breeds and multi-dog houses, I highly recommend using their extra-large pads.
This product also has a 110% money-back guarantee! So if for any reason you don’t like it, you’ll get all your money back, plus 10%. You literally have nothing to lose.
Pros
- Turns liquid into gel
- Above-average size
- Includes sticky adhesive tape
- 110% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Adhesive tape may leave some easy-to-clean residue
Bottom Line: These pee pads are specifically made for owners who have a dog that tends to play with his pad when they’re out of the house, or for those who need a more substantial pad for their dog’s size.
3. Four Paws Wee Wee Pee Pads for Dogs
These pee pads are a great choice for both potty training and as an alternative to outdoor relief.
They have a five-layer construction that locks in wetness and moisture for maximum absorption, and guarantees 100% leak-proof training pads, as the top layer dries fairly quickly.
That means you can place them on your ceramic or wooden floor, without having to worry about tiny little pee paw prints all over the house.
Additionally, they’re designed to be tear-resistant and come with a built-in additive that’s meant to attract your dog when he needs to relieve himself, as well as a built-in urine odor neutralizer.
Plus, the backing is made of plastic, so liquid can’t pass through it. That said, if your dog tends to pee on the edges, it will absorb around and under the pad. If that happens, you’ll need to make sure to train your dog to go near the center of the pad.
The pad size is 22″ X 23″, and should fit puppies and small dog breeds perfectly. Since they don’t take up that much space, you can pretty much use them anywhere. For easy cleaning, just lift the pad from its corners and throw it away.
If you have a large dog or more than one pet, you should check out their extra-large pads, which are 80% larger and more absorbent.
Pros
- Leak-proof dog pads
- Tear-resistant
- Ideal for puppies and small dogs
Cons
- Pee on the edges may leak
Bottom Line: These pee pads will serve you well on your housebreaking journey. Although they’re not the largest pads around, for puppies and dogs up to 10lbs, they should be enough.
4. Gridlock Housebreaking Wee Wee Pads
These pee pads are a popular choice for housebreaking your puppy, and they’re also ideal as an indoor toilet for older dogs.
They’re constructed from an antibacterial polymer, a material that absorbs liquids in less than a minute, and there’s also built-in odor control to keep your smells away.
In fact, they’re so good at locking in liquids that your dog can use a single pad multiple times before you need to replace it with a new one. This isn’t only very convenient, but cost-effective as well!
While they don’t necessarily stick to the floor, these pads don’t move out of place easily. Plus, the backing is made out of plastic to ensure they don’t leak.
If that’s not enough, they even include a unique attractant to draw in your dog, which makes potty training a whole lot easier.
With pads size of 24″ X 24″, these are great for medium-sized dogs. They’re also very easy to carry and can be disposed of fast and without dripping.
In case the regular size isn’t enough, or you just want your dogs to share the pads, you can always get their extra-large ones.
Pros
- Absorbs liquid fast
- Can be used multiple times
- Don’t move easily
- Above-average size
Cons
- Some say the pads are a bit flimsy
Bottom Line: These pee pads are the only ones to use an antibacterial polymer that absorbs and traps liquids in a flash to prevent paw marks. Moreover, the regular pad size is pretty generous and will fit both small and medium dogs.
5. Simple Solution All Day Premium Dog Pads
What I really like about these pee pads is that you can count on them to last your dog for the whole day.
They’re made with InstaShield technology, which makes them highly absorbent. Also, they have six layers, as well as a quilted, tear-resistant top sheet that instantly draws liquid to the pad’s core.
That’s great news for anyone who has a pet that tends to pee on or close to the edges.
Due to the pad’s ability to absorb up to 10 cups of liquid, you can leave your dog at home without worrying about having to clean up his mess when you get back. Since it’s ideal for repeated use, it should be easier on the wallet, too.
As a bonus, each pad has a light lavender scent that should be pleasing for both you and your dog’s nose.
Once it’s full, simply gather all four corners together, and toss it in the trash. Because all of the liquid is locked in the core, you don’t have to worry about accidental leaks or splashes.
Measuring 23” X 24”, these pads are well suited to small and medium-sized dogs, and you can quickly toss them in the back of your car for easy protection while traveling.
While laying two pads side by side is a good option for larger dogs, their extra-large pads are much more convenient.
Pros
- Highly absorbent
- Don’t leak
- Very cost-effective
- Light lavender scent
Cons
- Some say the pads are a bit thin
Bottom Line: These pee pads are incredibly absorbent, and an excellent option for busy dog owners. Thanks to their unique technology, your dog can relieve himself on the same pad multiple times a day without ruining your floor.
6. Mednet Direct Dog Training and Puppy Pads
These pads are great for maximizing the comfort of an elderly or ailing dog who has limited mobility, or for a pup who just started potty training.
They have six layers of protection, along with a core that uses polymer technology to quickly convert liquids to gel.
This means there’s no danger of leaks that can risk your floor.
There’s also an attractant that encourages your dog to use them, and a plastic backing that provides a final layer of protection, and helps prevent it from sliding around.
No matter what dog you have, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane, this product will fit perfectly. The extra-large pads are made for very large dogs, measuring 30” X 36”, while the smallest pads measure 17” X 24”, and are ideal for small breeds.
Pros
- Quickly converts liquids into gel
- Available in various sizes
Cons
- Inside layers can shift, causing thinner areas on the pad
Bottom Line: These pee pads are a good option no matter what your need may be. They can be selected to fit even the largest or smallest dog to ensure rapid absorbency and leak-proof protection.
7. EZwhelp Reusable Pee Pad
This pad allows your dog an indoor spot for relief that’s easy to clean, and also inexpensive.
It’s made from a quilted, machine washable fabric that quickly absorbs and traps liquid. The bottom layer is laminated and textured, which protects against leaks or slipping, while the rounded corners provide a seamless fit in crates or corners.
If you’re economically inclined, this is an investment of sorts. Unlike most pee pads which are used for a relatively short time and then thrown away and replaced, this product is meant to be simply tossed in the washing machine and gently dried.
Not only do you save money, but if you purchase more than one, you’ll almost always have a clean pad available for use. Also, reusable products like these are far friendlier for the environment.
This pad comes in a range of sizes to fit different dogs and applications. Besides for potty training, you can even use it as an entry mat, a furniture cover, and even a car seat cover.
It’s also very lightweight and easy to fold up, so you can take it with you wherever you go, making it one of the best washable dog pee pads out there.
Pros
- Washable pee pad
- Economical choice
- Eco-friendly
- Comes in various sizes
- Excellent for different uses
Cons
- Doesn’t include an attractant
- Somewhat slippery
- Requires frequent washing
Bottom Line: If you want to provide your dog with an ideal spot for indoor relief, coupled with a benefit to your wallet and the environment, this pad is a wonderful choice.
How to Pick the Best Pee Pads for Your Dog?
Construction
By definition, pee pads are made of some kind of absorbent material. The vast majority are constructed from gauze, complete with a waterproof backing.
For good absorption, you have to get a pad that’s relatively thick and has multiple layers. Also, some products use a technology that either draws the liquid in or turns it into a gel.
In many pee pads, there’s even adhesive tape to prevent the pad from moving around when your dog uses it.
Durability
You want something that will hold up to wear and tear, not a pee pad that’s going to disintegrate or fall apart as soon as your dog uses it.
One of the best ways to gauge the durability of a pee pad is to test it yourself — if you can easily tear the material with your hands, odds are, it won’t stand up to your dog’s paws.
Odor Control
Most pee pads are designed to absorb the unpleasant odor of urine. One of the most effective methods of odor control is activated charcoal.
The advantage of this is that it quickly whisks away odor, yet it doesn’t produce an overly artificial scent. In short, it absorbs and eliminates the odor, rather than simply masking it or covering it up.
Other pee pads use things like baking soda to absorb odors, while some are infused with Febreeze or another substance designed to eliminate the urine smell.
Attractant
The way that pee pads are designed to attract dogs is through scent. Because dogs have such an incredibly strong sense of smell, they’re able to pick up scents that you probably won’t.
This is why many products include some sort of attractant, which is meant to naturally draw your dog to the pee pad, rather than having him think of it as something to be avoided.
There are a few different things that pee pads use to attract dogs. These include:
Grass Scent: Most dogs are naturally drawn to the smell of fresh grass. Pee pads that use real grass are particularly useful for pups who are used to doing their business outside the majority of the time, as it’s very familiar for them.
Likewise, these products can be helpful if you’re trying to help your dog transition from using the pads indoors to going outside.
Pheromones: Pheromones are what attract animals to one another. By utilizing pheromones on pee pads, your puppy or dog will almost certainly be instantly attracted to the area.
The disadvantage is that pee pads with added pheromones aren’t only by definition treated with chemicals, but they can also trigger an overly enthusiastic response in some dogs, which can lead to them actually destroying the pad.
Ammonia: You may have heard that you shouldn’t use ammonia to clean up pet messes. This is because ammonia is a natural byproduct of urine, so when you use it to clean up urine, you’re really just intensifying and spreading the smell of pee in that area.
This is why dogs who have accidents tend to have them in the same spots time after time, because they can smell the ammonia that still remains from the last accident.
Size and Package Count
You’ll need to tailor the size of the pee pads you buy to the size of your dog. A smaller breed can easily get away with a smaller pad, but a larger one will need something bigger.
Also, pee pads need to be replaced on a regular basis, so you want to look for a product that provides you with the best value.
Keep in mind that the bigger the package is, the cheaper it gets overall. To save a few bucks, consider ordering the 100-count packages. If you prefer, you can always start with less before you work your way up.
Warranty
Look for a product that offers some sort of guarantee on the product. If you aren’t satisfied, you want to be able to either get your money back or at the very least, have the product replaced.
When and Why Should You Use Dog Pee Pads?
Pee pads can be a great option for puppies, senior dogs, and small breeds.
They’re also quite convenient since you don’t have to go outside every time your dog needs to pee or poop, and you can simply pick the pad up and throw it away once it’s full.
Here are a few specific situations where pee pads come in very handy.
Unvaccinated Puppies
A puppy should finish all of his vaccines before going outside. In the meantime, you need to make sure he doesn’t soil in the house by using pee pads.
Don’t want to be committed to using pee pads forever? Keep in mind that you can always stop using the pads later on. Just be sure to do it gradually while transitioning to outdoor potty training.
Bad Weather
Whether it’s a hot day where the pavement can scorch your dog’s paws or a snowstorm which makes it difficult to go outside, climate is a very important factor in potty training your dog.
Either way, if you decide to stay inside, you need to make sure a pee pad is available, and that your dog knows where to find it.
Busy Schedule
If you’re running a busy schedule, then walking your dog several times a day may not be a real option.
While large-breed dogs might get away with that, small to medium dogs have a relatively small bladder, and it will be difficult for them (not to say unhealthy) to hold their bladder for a long time.
If this is the case, you’ll need to use pee pads. Additionally, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t find any accidents when you get back home and that your dog can relieve himself whenever he needs to.
Senior or Sick Dogs
As your dog gets older, his bladder control deteriorates. Senior dogs also tend to have joint problems, which makes it difficult for them to take long or frequent walks.
Additionally, a dog who just got out of surgery will probably need to stay home for a while, and using a pee pad seems to be necessary.
Apartment Dogs
Living in an apartment building in the city is far different than a home on a farm or in the country. You can’t just open up your back door and let your dog romp around.
Tall buildings are challenging when you need to rush outside. Most of the time your dog will end up relieving himself in the elevator or the stairwell, especially if you have a puppy or a small-breed dog.
Under these circumstances, it’s usually far better to have an indoor toilet option like pee pads available.
Small Dogs
Truth is, small breed owners are already using pee pads, as their dogs need to go outside more frequently. On the other hand, don’t pee a lot each time, so one pee pad can go a long way.
Other Pet Messes
You can use pee pads under your pet’s food and water bowl, and even your kitty’s litter box to further protect your floor.
On the other hand, there are few downsides you should be aware of:
- With pee pads, it’s very easy to forget to do outside. You need to understand that they aren’t a replacement for regular walks. Every dog needs a chance to get some fresh air and experience the outdoors, so be sure to set aside regular times for this, which will also prevent pad dependency.
- Some dogs may have trouble understanding that pee pads are the right spot to relieve themselves. In this case, you should try a grass potty pad, which is usually easier to train on.
- Some people get frustrated with pee pads because their dog ending up playing with them. This can easily be fixed by making sure your pup has plenty of other options to entertain himself, like teeth cleaning treats and toys.
- Pee pads are more fitted to small and medium dogs than for larger breeds. However, there are also extra-large pads in case you need them. In a pinch, you can always use two or more pads to cover more ground.
How to Use Pee Pads to Potty Train Your Dog?
Finding the best pee pads for dogs is just the first step, the next one is to know how to use them right:
- Pick an appropriate pad size and indoor location.
- Place the pad away from your dog’s bed, food, and water. Most animals will resist going to the bathroom in a place that’s close to where they sleep and eat.
- Keep an eye on your dog at all times, and be aware of any signs that your dog needs to go to the bathroom.
- Pick a command that works and stick with it.
- Reward good behavior by using praises and dog treats. Positive reinforcement works much better than yelling or punishing your dog for experiencing an inevitable accident.
- React calmly when things go wrong. Don’t raise your voice or get impatient. Instead, understand that your dog is doing the best he can and that all he wants is to please you.
- Use a high-quality enzyme cleaner to remove dog pee accidents and prevent remarking.
Other FAQ’s
Are pee pads good for dogs?
That depends on what you’re using the pee pads for.
Pee pads are excellent for training puppies or older dogs that aren’t housebroken, and they can even be used for when you know you’ll be gone for long periods of time, so your dog doesn’t have to painfully hold his urine.
However, it’s important to wean your dog off pee pads from time to time, so he doesn’t become too attached to them. More importantly, owners shouldn’t get used to letting their dogs use pee pads either.
Dogs need that valuable time to run, play, and use the bathroom outside every day. It’s extremely important for their mental, as well as physical health that they get quality playtime outdoors every single day.
Do pee pads work for older dogs?
Yes! This can be a great use for pee pads. Older dogs may have a hard time making it outside in time, have limited mobility, or many other issues that make getting outdoors to go to the bathroom difficult.
While you should still take your older dog out for fresh air, even if he can’t run around, pee pads can be a great solution for keeping your floor clean.
The old expression “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply isn’t true in this case. Even if your dog wasn’t housebroken using pee pads, you can certainly teach him how to use them.
Will human pee pads work for dogs?
Human pee pads, such as the ones used for bedwetting, will work for dogs in that they’ll absorb urine, yes.
But dog pee pads are designed for dogs, and as mentioned above, many are scented to attract your dog to urinate on them. So while human pee pads may work in a pinch, dog pee pads are the better option.
Can male dogs use pee pads?
Yes, both male and female dogs can use pee pads. Male dogs, however, have a tendency to lift their legs when they pee, which can lead to splashing or missing the pad.
If you have a male dog, you might want to consider moving the pee pad away from corners or positioning it in a corner and lining the walls with additional pads for easier cleanup.
Why does my dog pee next to the pad?
There are a couple simple reasons why your dog may be peeing next to the pee pad instead of on it.
One is that he simply hasn’t grasped the concept of pee pads yet, and still needs some training. Make sure you don’t scold him for missing, but lift him onto the pad to pee, and reward him with treats when he does.
Another reason dogs may not pee on the pad is if they’ve already used it. Dogs often don’t like to step where they’ve already peed. If your dog won’t pee on the pad, it may mean the pad is used and needs changing, even if it doesn’t look like it to you.
How often do you change pee pads?
As mentioned in the previous answer, dogs will often not step on a pee pad after it has been used once, so you may have to change pee pads after every use. Otherwise, use your nose as your guide — if you smell urine or can see the pad is soaked, it’s time to change it!
How do you keep washable pee pads from smelling?
To keep washable pee pads from smelling, change them as frequently as you would change a disposable pee pad, even if that means after one use.
Wash it in the laundry machine in warm water with detergent, but don’t use bleach or fabric softener. Adding white vinegar or baking soda to the wash can also help reduce extra stinky pee pads.
How to make pee pads for dogs?
