What Dog Pee Pads Are and How They Work

Updated: April 05, 2023

"Keep your dog on leash and whenever you think he’s about to pee, say any magic word of your choice and then take him to where the pee pad is"

What Are Dog Pee Pads and How Do They Work?

What is a pee pad for dogs? What are pee pads used for? And how do dog pads work? Dog pee pads also known as potty pads, wee-wee pads, piddle pads, or dog training pads are either square or rectangular layers of absorbent material meant be a life saver to any pet parent for multiple reasons, but especially for their ability to soak up any sort of puppy mess!

There are different kinds of pee pads out there today for you to choose from. All have different features that give pet parents different perks and benefits. Some pads have odor-eliminating scents to reduce strong pee odors (because no one wants a stinky house!). Others have adhesive tabs to help them adhere to the floor.

If you have trouble taking your dog outside for their bathroom time (which is a common concern for city dwellers and for people with mobility issues), take a deep breath and release some stress off your shoulders because we are about to tell you about pee pads. These pads can make things a whole lot easier and more convenient in your busy life as a pet parent!

Uses of Dog Training Pads

What are pee pads used for? Dog pee pads are beneficial for lots of different reasons! Pee pads for dogs are a great choice for pet parents:

  • Who want to create an appropriate potty spot for their furbabies
  • Of small dogs who easily get scared
  • Of anxious dogs who are not comfortable with going to potty outside, during thunderstorms or other conditions
  • Of sick dogs who experience incontinence or lack of bladder control
  • Of puppies who are still learning potty training or who get easily distracted outside, especially when they have to go potty frequently
  • That are apartment dwellers or those that do not have access to a lawn
  • Who have furbabies with mobility issues and can’t go outside easily
  • Who want to keep their floors clean as pee pads were specifically made to protect floors

Aside from traditional uses, dog pee pads can be used for a variety of creative reasons, like under water bowls, over furniture, and inside crates. You can see more uses of washable pee pads here.

Puppy pads, dog pad, dog pee pads, dog pads

How do Puppy Pads Work?

How do pee pads work? Dog pee pads are designed to make life easier for both pet parent and furbaby. Puppy pads offer an absorbent, safe spot for your dog to go potty inside without ruining your floors or carpet. Place the puppy pad in an area of your home where your dog can relieve themselves as needed. This make a great option for puppies potty training, senior dogs, or dogs who have to stay home during the day. With a little bit of training, dog pee pads can be a great option for convenience and comfort!

Reusable puppy pads are a great option for pet parents who are looking to utilize pad training for their dog. This provide a more eco-friendly solution to disposable pads and can offer more protection and durability. With reusable dog training pads, like Pet Parents® Pawtect® Pads, you can enjoy extra features like superior absorbency, WickQuick® material that prevents tracking of the urine around your house, and triple-stitched edges for durability.

How to Train Your Dog Using Dog Pee Pads

How do dogs know to pee on pads? It is no shock that dog training pads will require some training for proper use, just like any potty training will. Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can follow to train your dog with puppy pads.

1. Keep your dog on leash and whenever you think he’s about to pee, say any magic word of your choice (pee or potty, for example) and then take him to where the pee pad is and let work him work his magic.

2. Successful? Praise your dog for a job well-done and offer a treat! Tell your dog "good potty" so that they associate the new word with the action. Not so successful? Don’t yell at your dog but take him to the pad instead. It’s best that you don’t install fear in your dog as he will think that it’s okay to pee anywhere he wants as long as you’re not around (so you won't get mad). This can be very confusing and stressful for the both of you. If your dog does not have to potty yet, try the process again in a few minutes.

3. Stick to a schedule. 15 minutes after your dog’s meal or drinking, say your magic word and take him to the pee pad. Also, take him to pee pad trips a few times every day, not just after eating, to remind him that it is there when he needs it. You can set a timer for every two hours to help them learn the routine and prevent accidents. After a playtime, after a bath, after a short nap - go and just take him there. Note: how long your dog can go between potty trips will vary depending on age and health status be sure to monitor for the proper times during training.

4. Practice this routine every day and reward your dog’s positive behavior and eventually you will be good to go!

But do pee pads really work for pet parents? Here, we have broken down the pros and cons of using pee pads which dogs (and pet parents) can most benefit from, and which potty pads are the best in the market.

The Cons of Puppy Pads

  • Dogs get used to it (so they think it’s okay to go inside the house and pee in their designated area)
  • Can cause dogs to avoid going potty outside 
  • Requires training to start

The Pros of Puppy Pads

  • Comfortable and convenient for dogs since they do not have to "hold it"
  • Makes easy clean-ups
  • Great options for senior dogs/dogs with health issues who are incontinent
  • May work for pet parents who have no access to yard
  • Great for dogs who might be left alone during the day or for multiple hours at a time

If you have a dog that must use a pee pad for the rest of his or her life or even just an extended period of time, using Pet Parents® Pawtect® Pads is certainly the more economical way to go. Since these pee pads are made to be used and washed over and over again, they are tougher and won’t rip or tear when you are changing pads.

We lead with our WickQuick® fabric blend that is more absorbent and holds the moisture inside, StickyPaw™ backing that prevents slipping and sliding on your floors, and triple stitch binding for durability. Paired with our multi-layered approach to protection, these machine washable dog pee pads mean clean floors & a stain free home for pet parents. These dog pads come in packs of two for convenience and multiple different shapes and sizes to fit your home and dog.

To Avoid Pet Hair in Your Laundry from Pee Pads

Some pet parents are concerned with washing pet laundry frequently because of all the dog fur that it can add to their washing machines and dryers. FurBall® can help avoid this problem! FurBall® is a hands-free pet hair remover that you can add to your washer and dryer to keep your laundry fur-free. Plus, you can use FurBall® over and over again. That way, you can wash pee pads or other furry laundry (yes, even your own laundry) as often as needed without worrying about clogging your washer and dryer. Just be sure to empty out your lint trap after each cycle as you normally would.

At Pet Parents®, all of our products are rigorously tested. In fact, we ourselves experience the product first hand with our pets so that we know they will hold up to actual use, solving the pet parenting needs for you and your furbabies.

Dog pee pads are an excellent option for many pet parents. Wether you are using dog pads to aid in potty training, provide a spot for senior dogs, or because you do not have easy access to a lawn, remember that every dog and pet parent is different. Find the method that works best for you and your furbaby.

"If you have a dog that must use a pee pad for the rest of his or her life or even just an extended period of time, using Pawtect® Pads is certainly the more economical way to go."

The author

MICKA V.

Author Bio

Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.

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