Puppies are the best creation ever! That is until they start peeing and pooping in every corner of your house. Housebreaking a new puppy, even after using several packets of the best puppy pads, is typically a long-drawn, often frustrating part and parcel of bringing a new friend home.
Puppies of all breeds have small bladders that they need to empty frequently, and they will not magically start doing their business out of the house or even at a designated area within the home. That’s when pee pads can come to your rescue.
Most pet pee pads for dogs feature a soft and absorbent top sheet and a leak-proof bottom sheet with several other layers in between — ensuring your floors remain clean and dry. But when should you start training your puppy to use them? And more importantly, can only puppies use these pads? We reveal answers below.
When Can My Dog Start Using Puppy Pads?
You can start using pee pads for your puppies as soon as they come home. It is an essential tool that helps you housebreak and potty train your new friend. Expect lots of accidents in the first week or two, but with consistent use and guidance, your dog will learn to use it before finally learning to do their business outdoors. Here is a quick guide on how you can use these disposables to train them.
Prepare the Area
Choose a designated spot in your home for the pee pad, away from your puppy’s eating, play, and sleeping areas.
Unfold the Pad
Put the pee pad on the floor with the absorbent side facing up and the plastic lining facing down.
Introduce Your Puppy
Encourage your puppy to explore the pad and associate it with potty time by leading them to it and offering positive reinforcement when they investigate it.
Monitor and Guide
Keep an eye on your puppy’s behavior and guide them to the pee pad when they show signs of needing to go potty, such as sniffing or circling.
Clean-up Accidents
Promptly clean up any accidents outside the pad area using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors.
Replace as Needed
Replace the pee pad with a fresh one after each use or when it becomes soiled to maintain a clean potty area for your puppy.
Is it Okay for My Adult Dog to Use Puppy Pads?
Most puppy pads are designed in a way that they can easily be used for adult dogs. They are super absorbent and feature layers that lock in moisture, making them spill and leakproof. There are a number of scenarios where adult dogs may need to use them, including post-surgery temporary incontinence. Some others are:
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs are precious and need special treatment to remain comfortable and hygienic. Loss of bladder control is common in adult dogs, which usually results in leaks while they are lying down or sleeping. You can put down the dog pee pad where they usually rest to ensure they remain dry and do not make a mess of their beds or the floors.
Extreme Weather
If you stay in a climate region that prevents you from taking your dog out often to relieve themselves, consider training them to use an indoor area with pee pads. This way, when the weather worsens, you don’t have to worry about your furry friend whining and becoming restless.
High Rises
If you live in a high rise, taking the dog out every time they want to go can be cumbersome. A single trip can take 15-30 minutes. So, if you have a pet who is trained to use pee pads in emergencies, you’ll be better off. Of course, they are not to replace daily walks, which are essential to your dog’s well-being.
The Best Puppy Pads to Buy in 2024
Popularly used for training puppies, these pads can even come in handy if you have a senior dog experiencing incontinence. Additionally, they can be helpful if you live in a high-rise or in an extreme weather climate where taking your dog outdoors is not always an option.
At DogTime, we’ve rounded up the best puppy pads available in 2024. So, browse our list and choose one that suits your needs the best. Happy training!
BEST OVERALL
Bulldogology Puppy Pee Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: Bulldogology
Why We Love
Super absorbent
Effective odor control
Converts liquid to gel
Pheromones attractant layer
Easy to pick up
Sticky tape ensures the pad stays in place
But…
The adhesive may stick to wooden flooring
When you buy a puppy pad, you expect it to be absorbent, leak-proof, with odor-controlling features, durable, easy to pick up and dispose of, and finally one that your dog uses! Our top-pick, the Bulldogology puppy pads, check all these boxes and more. Featuring six layers — each with a specific purpose — these pads are super absorbent and quickly turn liquid into a gel. One of the layers provides effective odor control, making sure to neutralize the nasty smells.
Two features set these pads apart from others on our list: they have an optional sticky tape at the bottom, which secures them in one place, and a pheromone-attractive layer that can act as a map for your puppy to reach its correct destination without any human assistance.
BEST XL PADS
BV XL Puppy Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: BV/Amazon
Why We Love
Extra large size
Turns liquid into gel
Minimizes odors
Ideal for puppies and large dogs
Quick-drying action
Available in smaller sizes too
But…
Doesn’t feature adhesive sticky tape
With their biggest size measuring an impressive 30 by 36 inches and able to hold up to four cups of liquid, these pads from BV Pets are ideal for puppies as well as older, larger dogs. Their six-layer technology makes training your puppy a more convenient task — simply keep placing them on the mat several times a day, especially if you expect them to take a leak, and then let the pad do the rest.
In addition to the absorbent core that locks in the pee, the pad also features a fast-drying quilted top, a dry sheet, an attractant layer, a locking layer, and a protective lining at the bottom that keeps your floors and carpet spill-free. However, not all pet owners may need the XL or the XXL sizes, so the brand also offers these pads in smaller sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for every pet and owner.
BEST CHARCOAL PADS
GLAD Black Charcoal Training Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: GLAD
Why We Love
Features a charcoal layer
Activated carbon neutralizes odors
Quick absorbing
Suitable for puppies and senior dogs
Leak-resistant edges
Available in varying quantities
But…
Slower in completely absorbing liquids
The activated carbon in these pee pads is a game-changer — it is most effective in absorbing, trapping, and neutralizing odors. If you are bothered by the unpleasant smell of dog waste inside your home, these GLAD pads are for you. Use them with puppies or senior dogs, and let your house remain smelling clean and fresh.
Designed for your convenience, these pads are quick-absorbing, locking in liquid to keep the surface beneath the pad dry. They also feature leak-resistant folded edges, ensuring everything stays put. This makes it easy to pick up and dispose of the pad without touching any soiled parts. For multi-pet households, the 100-quantity single packs are a cost-effective choice, saving you time and money.
BEST VALUE
COCOYO Best Value Training Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: COCOYO
Why We Love
Ideal for puppy training
Budget-friendly option
5 layers of protection
Turns liquid into gel
Easy to pick up
Attractant layer
But…
Does not control odors as well as charcoal pads
The COCOYO training pads are the most affordable option on our list. A pack of 30 pads costs under $7, making them ideal for puppies who may use several pads in a day. They offer five layers of pee protection and a wide border that ensures no spillage, helping your house stay clean and dry, even if you have little paws around it.
Although they are perfectly fine to be used with adult dogs, if you are using them to train your puppy, you will be happy to know that the pads have a built-in attractant layer. This layer helps puppies find the mat and use it when they have to go — aiding greatly in housebreaking the puppy before they learn to do the job outdoors.
BEST HEAVY DUTY
Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pee Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: Amazon
Why We Love
5 layer design
Built-in attractant
Leak-proof
Available in various sizes
Turns liquid into gel
Minimizes odors
But…
Does not have an adhesive on its bottom liner
When you look for fuss-free brands that do the job they claim and at an attractive price, Amazon Basics is sure to feature in your search. Their heavy-duty pee pads for dogs are no different. Designed with five layers and a built-in attractant, they offer heavy-duty absorbency for puppies or senior dogs while keeping the top quilted layer dry — minimizing wet tracking across your floors.
The absorbent core of the pad converts urine into a gel, trapping moisture and odor inside its multi-layers. The plastic bottom lining and border ensure that when your puppy uses the pad, it can easily keep the liquid within the edges before it gets absorbed. When not saturated, the pads are also easy to clean up without getting your hands messy.
BEST TEAR-FREE
Best Pet Supplies Disposable Puppy Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: Best Pet Supplies
Why We Love
Quilted, non-woven top layer
Quick-drying surface
Available in fun colors
Reinforced pulp absorbent layer
Ideal for crate training
Made from durable, tear-free material
But…
Does not have an attractant
If you have a bored puppy at home, they will likely shred anything and everything in sight. While the correct way to deal with this would be to keep them engaged with mentally stimulating activities, a durable pee pad made from tear-free material can be helpful in the meanwhile. These disposables have a five-layer design, and the middle layer, which converts liquid into gel, is sandwiched by two absorbent pulp layers, making it mess-free.
The quilted non-woven top sheet efficiently directs the liquid down to the absorbent layer, which makes the surface dry quickly. This feature comes in handy when you don’t want your puppy to take their pee-soaked paws all around the house. Also, if you’re not a fan of the traditional look of dog pee pads, you might want to check out the color options these come in. Who knows, you might find one that matches your style.
BEST ODOR-CONTROL
Arm & Hammer Puppy Training Pads
PHOTO CREDIT: Arm & Hammer
Why We Love
Unique baking soda formula
Neutralizes odors
Five-layer leakproof design
Quilted top sheet
Pheromone attractant
Polymer gel technology
But…
Some pet parents found the pad too thin
Featuring Arm & Hammer’s signature baking soda formula, these puppy training pads are perfect for pet parents who want a fresh-smelling home, even with a puppy under potty training. The unique ingredient naturally absorbs and eliminates the common odors when you have a pee pad lying around the house.
These disposable pads aid in potty training and provide five layers of leakproof protection to your hardwood floors and carpets. This ensures all surfaces remain dry, a practical benefit that pet parents will appreciate. The pads can retain 2 cups of liquid converted into a gel, making them ideal for puppies with smaller bladders who need to go more frequently. The pheromone attractant also helps draw the puppies to the mat, making the training process easier for you.
How We Choose the Best Puppy Pads
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best puppy pads by assessing factors such as absorbency, durability, value for money, ease of cleaning, and odor control. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products, using their guidance and experience to bring our readers the very best. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What are the best pee pads for dogs?
The best pee pads for dogs offer high absorbency, leak-proof protection, and odor control. Look for pads with a quick-drying surface and adhesive strips to keep them Bulldogology, AmazonBasics, and Glad.
Are pee pads a good idea for puppies?
The best pee pads for dogs offer high absorbency, leak-proof protection, and odor control. Look for pads with a quick-drying surface and adhesive strips to keep them Bulldogology, AmazonBasics, and Glad.
At what age should you stop using puppy pads?
This depends on the individual puppy’s progress, but you should gradually transition away from puppy pads once your dog consistently goes potty outdoors. This typically happens around 16-24 weeks of age.
Are charcoal puppy pads better?
Charcoal puppy pads usually offer better odor control due to their activated charcoal layer, which absorbs and neutralizes odors. However, this feature varies from brand to brand.
Why do dogs destroy pee pads?
Dogs may destroy pee pads due to boredom, anxiety, or the instinct to shred. They might see the pad as a toy or become frustrated if they’re unable to go outside. To address this behavior, you must keep them mentally stimulated and engage them in proper training..
How do you stop pee pads from smelling?
Change them regularly, clean the area underneath, and use enzymatic cleaners to neutralize odors. A sprinkle of baking soda around the pad may also help prevent them from smelling.
Can dogs poop on pee pads?
Yes, dogs can poop on pee pads. While they are primarily used to absorb urine, some dogs may also use them for pooping, especially during the potty training process.
Can puppies use pee pads at night?
Yes, puppies can use pee pads at night. However, be mindful to place the pad where it is easily accessible to them..
How to potty train a puppy fast?
A consistent routine, along with the use of positive reinforcement and immediate cleanup of accidents, can help you potty train your puppy faster.
Are dog pee pads safe?
Yes, dog pee pads are generally safe when used as directed. However, keep an eye on your dog to prevent ingestion of the pad and to replace them when soiled.
Are washable dog pee pads good?
Washable dog pee pads are a good, eco-friendly, and cost-effective option. They’re reusable, reduce waste, and are often made from absorbent materials. However, they require frequent washing and may not be as absorbent as the disposable ones.
