Anyone who has ever raised a puppy knows how stressful it can be to clean up after him. That’s why it’s important to proof the floors with the best pee pad possible. Not only will this save you some nerves, energy, and cleaning supplies, it’s also useful for housebreaking the dog. The information we have prepared here will help you determine whether you need a potty pad for your dog and how you can choose the best pee pad according to your needs.
When do you need a pee pad for your dog?
There are a number of situations when a pee pad can be useful. Let’s start with the most obvious.
If you’ve just gotten a new puppy, accidents can happen anytime. When they’re very young and in a new environment, they might eliminate just about anywhere. And unless you get the best pee pad to potty train them, expect a lot of unpleasant surprises.
In addition, dogs who aren’t vaccinated yet shouldn’t go outside to relieve themselves. Instead, you can teach them to use the pee pad indoor. Later, you can slowly adjust them to go outside to do their business.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are older dogs and dogs who are sick and have incontinence issues. If your dog just can’t hold it in until he goes outside, you need to have the best pee pad to accommodate him. Remember, it’s not your friend’s fault if he didn’t have a designated spot to relieve himself. Getting upset and punishing the dog is counterproductive.
If you have a submissive dog or a dog who gets overly excited when you come home, pee pads can provide some extra safety for your carpets.
Other circumstances when you might need a pee pad include:
- When you’re out of the house for long periods of time
- If your dog won’t go out in the rain (I know mine won’t)
- When the weather is too hot, too cold, or there’s a storm approaching
- If you don’t have quick access to a safe outdoor spot
Choosing the best pee pad for your dog
Whether it’s housebreaking, dealing with health issues, or something else, you want to choose the best pee pad out there. The reason is simple – you want it to do the work. Imagine getting a pee pad that’s too small, leaks or doesn’t prevent odors. There’s really no point.
You should look at a few things when shopping for the best pee pad for your four-legged friend.
First of all, you want to look at size. This needs to be determined according to your dog’s size and needs. However, there’s one general rule – you can never go wrong with bigger pads.
If you get a smaller size, your dog might miss the spot or it might not have the right capacity. For puppies and small to medium breeds, 24’’ x 24’’ is usually enough. For bigger dogs, you want to go for 24″ x 35″ or larger.
A close second is absorbency. The best pee pads have multiple layers (at least four or more) and enough polymer material. They help turn urine into a gel to prevent leaking and spreading the odor.
Odor control is the next important thing that all premium brands have covered. This can also be achieved with the use of polymers and activated carbon technology. However, some brands have taken this to a whole new level with fragrance included. The added fragrance might be a good idea, but if it bothers you or your dog, you should avoid it. In addition, it can confuse your dog when you’re potty training him.
Additional features of the best pee pad brands
One of the key concerns when getting a pee pad for puppies is that they might see the pad as a toy. This is not uncommon, but it can be very unpleasant. Other than dragging a soaked pad around the house, your dog might also tear it into small pieces.
To prevent this, you can get the best pee pad that has adhesive sticky corners so it stays in place. Another option is getting a pee pad holder.
Some owners just hate the sight of pee pads around the house. That’s why certain brands have taken the looks into account when designing the best pee pads for dogs. In addition, there are many eco-friendly and washable options for those concerned about the environment.
Other desired features include quick-drying surface, durability, multi-layer construction, and odor attractant to encourage dogs to use the pads.
As we have shown here, buying the best pee pad for your dog can bring multiple benefits. However, keep in mind that your dog might get used to the pad. When this happens, he might be reluctant to relieve himself outside and decide to do the deed indoors every time. Be careful with using potty pads and always reward your furry friend when he eliminates outdoors.
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