10 Best Dog Potty Pads

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

The same is true for our four-legged family members. Unfortunately, they rely on us to let them in and out of the house to use the bathroom which, for them, is primarily outside.

But what if your dog’s bathroom doesn’t always have to be outside?

Yes, most dog parents are aware of potty pads, but not all of us know the full range of products available when it comes to potty pads and the many benefits dog potty pads can bring to our lives as pet parents.

So, if you’re on the fence about getting your dog trained to use potty pads and aren’t sure if it’s the right move for you and your pup, then this is the article for you.

Today, we are going to learn a bit about the pros and cons of dog potty pads and then I’m going to share with you ten of my favorite dog potty pad brands.

Let’s get started!

Are Dog Potty Pads Only For Puppies?

No! Potty pads are not only for puppies! And as a dog potty pad connoisseur myself, I can say that with loads of pride and confidence. Of course, that doesn’t mean dog potty pads are for every dog and dog owner.

Potty pads are great for people like me who live in small apartments or have busy or unpredictable schedules.

Dog potty pads are also great for older dogs, dogs who suffer from incontinence and multi-dog households with dogs who like to mark.

If you do choose to give potty pads a go, however, make sure you take time to work with your dog to train him how to use a potty pad properly. Otherwise, you’ll just have a dog who is confused and marks all over any surface inside your home.

Potty pads aren’t only for puppies!

With that being said, there are pros and cons to potty pads, so keep that in mind before deciding to invest in them.

While potty pads are excellent for helping you keep your floors free of stains and odors and make for easy clean up with pets who know how to properly use them, they do take up space and, if left unattended or dirty, potty pads will cause excess odor and be otherwise unsanitary.

Why Might I Need To Use Potty Pads For My Adult Dog?

If you have an adult dog who suffers from incontinence, than a potty pad is a great way to help keep your home clean and sanitary.

Like humans, as dogs age their bodies age, and they may have less control over bodily functions. Poor things.

Along with investing in some quality potty pads for your adult or aging dog, you can also look into doggy diapers.

Senior dogs may also benefit from potty pads in the home.  

Senior dogs aren’t the only adult dogs who may benefit from dog potty pads, however.

Disposable dog potty pads are great for adult dogs who are working on crate training, dogs who are recovering from an injury or surgery, or adult dogs who may still be working on potty training.

With that being said, potty pads are not meant to be an alternative for going outside. Remember, your dog is a dog and walks and exercise are necessary.

If you have a busy schedule, you may invest in some potty pads but also a local dog walker or pet care company. You can also look into alternative ways to keep your dog entertained while he is home alone.

Doggy daycare options or boarding are also good alternatives for owners who live busy lifestyles but still want to offer their pet a happy, healthy, and quality day-to-day life.

Do I Have To Choose Between Training My Dog For Potty Pads and Training My Dog To Go Potty Outside?

When I began potty training my pup, I was warned that I had to choose between potty pads and outdoor training.

I was told that my dog would only do either one. That is not true.

I potty trained my dog without a crate and used potty pads. Today, she goes potty like a princess on both her indoor potty pad as well as outside during walks and outings.

Your dog can go potty both outside and on a potty pad.

With that being said, there are some dogs who can be particular about where they do their business.

It is easier to acclimate your dog to using both potty pads and going outdoors if you start them young and keep them on a consistent schedule.

But how do you train your dog to use a potty pad?

Let’s find out.

Training My Dog To Use Dog Potty Pads

When it comes to training your dog, regardless of if you are potty training, crate training, or teaching your dog new tricks, you should always train using positive reinforcement methods.

Avoid punishment when training your dog and instead, use treats and praise to keep your dog or puppy focused and engaged.

Potty training your dog or puppy to use a puppy pad is similar to training them to go potty outside.

Keeping your dog on a healthy diet and consistent eating schedule will also help you monitor when they need to use the bathroom and help you direct them to their potty pad in time.

When you sense that it is time for your dog or puppy to use the bathroom, take them to the puppy pad and tell them to “go potty”. Be patient. Use training treats and consistency.

When your dog does finally use the potty pad, give them treats and lots of praise!

Remember, training doesn’t stop for dogs no matter how old they get. It should be consistent. My dog is seven years old and to this very day when she uses her potty pad I make a very big deal about it and she gets a treat.

I’m happy to say that we are accident free.

If you are still curious about how to train your dog to use a potty pad, there are multiple resources online.

Take a look at the video below regarding the five most common mistakes people make when potty training. Remember, these mistakes can apply to both potty pad training and outdoor training.

What To Look For In The Best Dog Potty Pads

Before you go out and purchase dog potty pads, make sure you have a good idea of what you need the potty pads for and what you are hoping to get out of them.

Consider your household and lifestyle. Are there multiple dogs in the home? Are you going to use potty pads simply for puppy training, or do you want your dog to use a potty pad for the duration of his life?

You should also consider the size of your dog, as that will determine the size and durability of pad you are going to need. Remember, bigger dogs mean bigger puddles.

Choosing the right potty pad depends on your dog. Photo Credit: Madison Guthrie

The best puppy pads will be multi-layered pads, quick to dry, be slip-free, and offer leak proof edges so that potty puddles don’t seep off onto your carpets or flooring.

If you are looking to get potty pads, don’t skimp. This is a pro-tip from someone who tried to go the cheap route and ended up with stains on the carpet.

Potty pads that are not well made or potty pads that are not compatible with the size of your dog will leak, which completely defeats the purpose of a potty pad.

So, what are some of my favorite potty pad brands? Below you’ll find ten tried and tested brands I love.

Take a look!

BESTLE Extra Large Pet Training and Puppy Pads

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As I mentioned above, potty pads aren’t just for puppies and little dogs. So, to prove it, first on my list of potty pads for dogs is the BESTLE extra large pet potty pads.

My favorite thing about these extra large potty pads, aside from the fact that they are extra large, is that they are made with a five-layer design and built to hold up to nine cups of potty.

So if your pup has a tinkle, no matter his size, this pad should hold up and protect your carpets, rugs, and floors.

I also prefer unscented potty pads for dogs, so if you’re like me, you’ll love that these are unscented and quick to dry so your home shouldn’t smell like lavender dog pee when you walk through the door.

Extra Large Canocleana Washable Pee Pads for Indoor and Outdoor Use

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I didn’t know reusable potty pads were a thing until recently, and perhaps one of my most favorite things about Canocleana washable potty pads (and other potty pads brands like it) is that it’s washable which saves me money and is also good for the environment.

Reusable dog potty pads like this brand also make it possible for your dog to go both in and outside of your home, which is great if you have a dog with strong urine that destroys your lawn or you want an easier way to pick up potty and poop immediately.

I wouldn’t recommend getting the washable and reusable potty pads unless you plan on using them for a while, however. If you are simply in the training process with your dog, I’d stick to regular disposable potty pads as clean up is just easier and less messy.

After all, it is only temporary.

But if your pooch is a senior dog or a small dog who is going to be using the bathroom both inside and outside your home for his lifetime, then reusable pads are an excellent choice!

Four Paws Gigantic Potty Pads for Large Dogs and Multi-Dog Households

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If you are living my dream life and have a household with more than one dog, I’m super jealous.

Still, more dogs can lead to more messes and having several dogs in the home can sometimes make potty training difficult. Dogs like to mark, and they may mark more often when other dogs are present.

To combat potty accidents in the house and help eliminate odor and reduce stains, I would suggest investing in some gigantic potty pads suitable for either very large dogs, or homes with multiple dogs roaming about.

Dog potty pads like the ones listed above are wonderful for both training and incontinence purposes. They are also just great for that extra assurance that your dogs won’t leave you some stinky surprises on the rug if you’re running late coming home from work.

All-Absorb Training Pads

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If you are looking for your basic training potty pad for small dogs or puppies, then dog potty pads like the All-Absorb training pads would be your best bet.

I have a six pound Yorkie-Poo who uses these pads and I’ve never had an issue with them. However, I would only recommend these pads for those of you with very small dogs or puppies who are working on crate training or general potty training as they only hold about 1.5 cups of potty.

These pads and pads like them are smaller training potty pads ideal for doggy playpens, crate training, potty training, and travel.

KOOLTAIL Washable Potty Pads For Large Dogs

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Let’s get real for a second, shall we? No one likes walking into their house and seeing potty pads lying all over the floor.

But what if your dog’s potty pad didn’t actually have to look like a dog potty pad?

Yes, stylish and adorable potty pads do exist. KOOLTAIL potty pads, for example, is just one option I love for adding that stylish “design” feel to your dog’s bathroom routine.

They come in plaid designs, which is great for fall, and best of all these are reusable and washable.

They are also super absorbent, which is the most important thing, of course, and are extra large for multi-dog households or very large dogs.

Again, these kinds of potty pads are ideal for homes with adult dogs who are perhaps incontinent or multi-dog households with dogs who like to mark despite your best efforts in potty training.

Top Dog Deluxe Puppy Pads With Black Carbon Technology

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Black carbon technology sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, but really it’s just a fancy term for “you won’t see it and you won’t smell it”.

Basically, what Top Dog has done here is provide us with potty pads that are black so there is no obvious yellow stain after your dog potties and a carbon design that helps eliminate the smell of potty.

This is great if you have a dog who goes potty while you are at work so you won’t have to come home to a house stinking of dog tinkle.

The downside is that you can’t see the urine, so if you have older dogs, or dogs who have bladder or health issues, this may not be the best choice for you.

One of the things I like about dog potty pads for my girl is that I can look at her potty and evaluate her health based on its color.

Does she need to drink more water? Is her potty consistent in amount and color? Is there blood in her urine? (She is prone to bladder infections).

Of course, if you don’t have these concerns or issues with your dog and if you are looking for a more subtle and less gross way to go about the potty pad situation with your pooch, then you just might love this brand and brands like it.

PetSafe Pet Loo Portable Dog Potty Pad

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So, yes. Dog potty pads with the look and feel of grass are a thing and I’m all about it. But what kind of dog would use this type of potty pad?

I mean, you certainly wouldn’t want this in your home, right?

Well, it depends.

This is a potty pad generally ideal for dogs and puppies who need to get used to going outside in the grass, or for dogs who are only accustomed to going potty in the grass and will have a difficult time adjusting to potty pads. (Dogs can be picky like that).

This particular product comes in three different sizes and is an easy-to-clean alternative for owners looking to help their pet transition to a puppy pad, or for dog parents who have moved somewhere without a convenient lawn for their pet to potty on.

Bent & Freck Washable Potty Pads for Small Dogs

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If you’re like me and have a little dog who uses potty pads, then smaller, reusable potty pads may be a wonderful and eco-friendly alternative to disposable potty pads for dogs.

What I like about the brand above is that it comes in a two pack so while one pad is being cleaned, another can be laid down to prevent any accidents or slip-ups.

I also like that these pads are small and perfect for small spaces and little dogs or puppies.

Of course, because these are smaller pads made for smaller dogs, they are not ideal for larger pups who produce more potty.

So if you have a larger dog or a multi-dog household, I would certainly go with one of the larger pads above or choose to lay out multiple, disposable pads.

AmazonBasics Pet Training Potty Pads Regular and Heavy Duty

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Sometimes simplicity is key. Amazon Basics offers standard puppy pads for a great price and they come in both regular size and large for any and every dog in your home.

These pads can also be modified in size depending on your dog’s needs.

The regular pads are ideal for puppy training and smaller dogs while the heavy-duty pads would be great for larger dogs or multi-dog households.

Pet Kindness Washable Potty Pads for Large and Small Dogs

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Last on this list are some of my favorite reusable potty pad products by Pet Kindness. These pads are ideal for dogs who suffer from incontinence, but they are great for any dog, really.

They are a fashionable color and are wonderful for dogs who travel with you often, have busy or unpredictable schedules, or multiple dogs in the home.

I actually recommend these pads to my clients who have older dogs who suffer from incontinence based on the fact that they have non-slip technology so they stay in place on your floor and make it easier for dogs who may stumble a few times trying to get their balance to potty.

If you choose a disposable potty pad for your dog like any of the pads listed above, make sure they are strong and absorbent, and that they are durable.

So, what are some of your favorite potty products for dogs? Do you use potty pads or do you prefer to keep your dog going tinkle outdoors?

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.