Dog Pee Pads: How to Choose, Place and Clean Up
Pee pads give a dog a designated indoor spot to go. They are popular with puppy owners, people in apartments, and anyone dealing with long workdays or bad weather. This guide covers how to pick a size, the main pad types, where to put them, and how to keep cleanup simple. Every product mentioned below comes from the PetLavo catalog, with its listed price.
Start With Size
Pad size is the first decision, and bigger is usually easier. A dog that has to hit a small target will miss it more often.
- Small puppies and toy breeds: a pad around 24 in x 18 in covers the basics.
- Medium and large dogs: look for pads in the 34 to 36 inch range so the whole squat lands on the pad.
- Males who lift a leg: consider a holder or tray with a raised edge, since pads alone do not stop spray at the sides.
Measure your dog while squatting, not standing. Add a few inches on every side. If your dog grows fast, buy a mid-size pad now rather than starting tiny and switching in a month.
Disposable vs. Washable Pads
Disposable pads
Disposable pads are the simplest option. Use one, fold it up, throw it out. They suit house-training phases, travel, and busy households where laundry is the last thing you want. The tradeoff is ongoing cost and trash volume, so buying in bulk can make sense if you go through several a day.
- Dog Pee Pads, 10-Pack is from $51.79. It is described as a box of 10 pads for house-training and everyday cleanup. A small pack like this works if you want to test pads with your dog before committing to a large order.
- Dog Training Pads, 50-Pack, 24in x 18in is $98.99. The listing says these 24 x 18 inch pads give puppies and kittens a designated spot to go and help keep floors and carpets clean.
- Dog Training Pads, 50-Pack is $101.99. It is described as absorbent training pads for housebreaking and indoor potty cleanup. The listing does not give a size, so check the product page before ordering.
- 150-Pack Activated Carbon Dog Pee Pads, 35.5" x 24", Extra Large is $254.99. The listing describes 6-layer pads at 35.5 x 24 inches with an activated carbon layer for odor control. This is the high-volume pick for larger dogs or multi-dog homes.
Washable, reusable pads
Washable pads cut down on trash and can be cheaper over a long stretch. They usually need regular laundering, so owning at least two lets you rotate one while the other is in the wash. Most have a non-slip backing, which matters on hardwood and tile where a sliding pad is both messy and discouraging for the dog.
- Washable Reusable Pee Pads for Dogs, 36 x 41 in (2 Pack) is $101.99. These have a soft flannel surface and a leakproof, non-slip backing, and the listing mentions use on floors, crates and couches. At 36 x 41 inches, this is a larger coverage area.
- Three-Layer Waterproof Reusable Pet Absorbent Pad is from $18.89. It is described as a soft, reusable three-layer pad with a waterproof barrier layer that absorbs liquid and helps keep floors dry. It is the lowest-priced option here, which makes it a reasonable first washable pad to try.
Holders and Trays
Pads slide, bunch up, and get chewed. A holder keeps them flat and in place, which can also make a pad feel more like a defined "spot" to your dog.
- Foldable Dog Pee Pad Holder with 3 Disposable Pads, 33.9" x 24.4", Gray is $136.99. The listing says it keeps pads in place for tidier cleanups, and it includes 3 disposable pads.
- Foldable Dog Litter Box with Pad Holder is $168.99. It is described as a foldable potty tray with a 33.9 x 24.4 inch surface, pad clamps and non-slip feet. You can use it flat or fold up one side to make a 90-degree wall, which is handy if your dog tends to aim at the edge.
- Indoor & Outdoor Dog Grass Potty Pad is $166.99. This is an artificial grass pad with a tray, listed for indoor or outdoor use with small to medium dogs. It suits owners who want a grass-style surface rather than a paper-style pad.
Where to Put Pee Pads
Placement matters as much as the pad itself.
- Pick a low-traffic spot. A corner of the bathroom, laundry room or a hallway works well. Avoid placing pads right beside food and water bowls or the dog's bed.
- Keep it consistent. Moving the pad around makes the habit harder to build. Once you choose a spot, leave it there.
- Use a hard floor if you can. Tile and vinyl are easier to wipe down if something goes past the edge. If the pad is on carpet, a holder or tray gives you extra protection.
- Take your dog to the pad on a schedule. Common times are after waking, after meals, after play, and before bed. Reward when they use it.
- Shrink the pad zone gradually only if you are moving toward outdoor training. Otherwise leave it alone.
Cleanup Tips
- Disposable pads: fold the soiled pad inward, bag it, and toss it. Wipe the floor underneath with a pet-safe cleaner.
- Washable pads: shake off solids outdoors or into the toilet, then follow the care instructions on the product page or label. Do not guess at water temperature or dryer settings.
- Odor: use an enzyme-based cleaner on any spill that reaches the floor. Plain household cleaners can leave a scent that draws a dog back to the same spot.
- Frequency: change a pad once it is clearly soiled. Dogs often avoid a pad that is already wet or smelly.
Who Pee Pads Are Not For
Be honest about fit before you buy:
- Dogs that chew or shred pads. A pad is not a toy, and a chewed pad can be a mess to clean up. A holder may help, but a determined chewer may be better served by a different approach.
- Owners who want to housetrain fully outdoors fast. Pads add a middle step. Some people prefer to skip it.
- Very large dogs on small pads. If the pad is smaller than your dog's squat, you will get misses. Go bigger or use a tray.
- Households that hate laundry. Washable pads need regular washing. If that sounds like a chore, stick with disposables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pee pad should I buy?
Measure your dog squatting and add a few inches on each side. Small puppies do fine with around 24 x 18 inches, while medium and large dogs usually do better with pads in the 34 to 36 inch range or larger.
Are washable pee pads better than disposable ones?
Neither is better for everyone. Washable pads create less trash and can cost less over time, but you need to launder them and ideally own a spare. Disposable pads are more convenient, especially during early training or travel.
Do I need a pad holder or tray?
Not always, but it helps if your pad slides, bunches up, or your dog tends to go near the edge. A holder keeps the pad flat and in place, and a tray with a raised side can catch more.
Where should I put the pad?
Choose a quiet, easy-to-reach spot away from food, water and bedding, and keep it there. Consistency helps your dog learn where to go.