The Problem
The common belief is that a dog will always go outside to use the bathroom. While that’s certainly true for the majority of healthy pets, there’s a lot of things that determine how effective that strategy is. If you work all day and little Whiskers has to hold it in until you get home, he’s at risk of developing some concerning conditions like urinary tract infections, crystals, or even kidney infections.
Similarly, as dogs get older they start to experience some issues with proper waste disposal. Incontinence is a key problem plaguing many owners of older pets, and if you’re one of those people then you really can’t afford to leave your dog home all day. Leaving them outside is one option but can greatly increase the risk of heat stroke in your pets in the warmer summer months.
The Solution
Indoor dog potties are incredibly useful solutions to these problems. Serving almost as a litter box for your dogs, these indoor waste stations are great for all ages since they eliminate the need for doggy doors or prolonged waits between walks. They slot right in as essential accessories for your canine companion.
The Options
In this article, we’re going to be looking at the top five choices you should be considering when it comes time to purchase. Check them out below and see which one you like best.
#1 – Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with Grass
Debuting on the hit reality TV show “Shark Tank” to rave reviews, the Fresh Patch Dog Potty has since become one of the top choices for both apartment dwellers without easy access to a backyard, and commuting couples who can’t find a sitter throughout the day.
The key feature of this model is the hydroponically-grown grass that works to attract your best friend and encourage him to “go” regularly at his preferred spots. It’s not a replacement for the exercise a walk can provide, but it does a serviceable job recreating the smells and texture of the outdoors for smaller breeds of dogs.
Pros
- Decent size accommodates dogs up to 25 pounds
- Real grass serves to mask odors of urine
- Easy to replace
- Dogs are naturally attracted to the texture of the potty, making it easy to train them to use it
- Much cheaper than alternatives
Cons
- Can occasionally leak if you go too long without cleaning it
- More expensive than DIY solutions
Customer Feedback
Most customers appreciate the quality of the construction and convenience of using it in an apartment, condo, or in cold winter climates. The Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty is cited as being easy to use and clean, and lasts for as long as one month depending on the frequency of use.
Customers also appreciate the sense of familiarity it provides to their dogs after a stressful move. However, there are some complaints that without a container to store the urine, it’s prone to occasional leaks and is more expensive than a do-it-yourself solution using materials from places such as Lowes.
#2 – UGODOG Indoor Dog Potty
The UGODOG’s drab grey design may not be much to look at, but after just one use you’ll see that the company took a form-follows-function approach to its construction, and it works. The plastic is sturdy enough to stand up to even medium sized dogs and is composed of multiple pieces to make cleaning up a breeze.
The top grate holds solids in place, while still allowing urine to pass through to the bottom tray where it can be collected, contained, and disposed of. This design also ensures that your dog can’t track anything back all over your floors. This is a great, simple daily potty since you can come home, quickly clean up, and have it ready for use again the next day!
Pros
- Easy to clean since waste is separated by design
- Construction holds up to chewing, tearing, and weight
- Can be customized with a lining to help absorb liquids for extended periods away from home
Cons
- Expensive compared to its competitors
- Not a “natural” design, so some dogs are hesitant to use it
Customer Feedback
Most reviewers are in unanimous agreement that the UGODOG is one of the best performing indoor dog potties for puppies and young pets. Once trained, most dogs don’t have a problem jumping on and using the pad on a regular basis.
They also appreciate the non-porous construction that resists odors and is easily washable after a long day at work. Just be warned that some older dogs have had trouble adjusting to this pad since it’s alien to what they’re used to, so diligent training is often required.
#3 – PetSafe Piddle Place Indoor/Outdoor Dog Potty
Combining the best of both worlds of our two previous entries, the PetSafe Piddle Place is an extremely versatile option that has made it a great general recommendation for most consumers. Every feature here is tailored towards convenience.
It features a snap-on lid to make it easy to transport, includes Bio+ Enzymes for improved odor control, and even has a drain spout, making it easy to dispose of waste once the reservoir is full. It’s slightly larger than previous entries at 30×19 which might not suit you if you live in a smaller place, but is a good option for larger floorplans, especially since you can connect multiple potties to accommodate larger breeds.
Pros
- Rubber mat is porous, allowing for easy drainage
- Works well for even large dogs
- Color and design naturally attracts dogs
- Lots of accessories for customization
Cons
- Product can sometimes emit a strong plastic odor, which can keep dogs from using it
Customer Feedback
The standout feature that customers rave about is the natural-feeling surface it provides for their dogs which encourages them to use it regularly. The Bio+ Enzyme is touted as being extremely effective that, while expensive, does a great job at eliminating unwanted odors from the house.
That said, many reviewers said it wasn’t needed and simply drives up the price and can even sometimes push dogs away from using it. Others complain that the plastic turf is easy to tear apart, which creates a mess of its own.
#4 – PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer
For something a little smaller that will slot in nicely into any home office or living room, the PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer is an affordable option for small breeds and puppies that stands out for the quality of its fake grass.
Made of safe, non-toxic ingredients that will keep it safe even as your dog learns not to chew on it, the layer stays dry thanks to its efficient drainage down to the base tray. This design means that it’s weather resistant for outdoor use and is easy to clean thanks to the synthetic materials that take well to water and soap. Ultimately, this is a great value-oriented option for getting your feet wet in the world of indoor dog potties.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean and transport
- Two different sizes accommodate multiple pets
Cons
- Puppies love digging at the top layer of synthetic grass
- Grass develops strong odors after multiple weeks of use
Customer Feedback
For occasional use, the PETMAKER Puppy Potty Trainer is well-regarded for its ease of use and general cleanliness. Dogs seem to prefer this potty over other alternatives and will consistently use it after even little training. Customers love the synthetic grass that feels comfortable and natural for even older dogs and holds up well to abuse.
However, some customers have noted that after consistent daily usage by their pets, this product begins to absorb the smell of urine even after regular cleaning. This means it might not last as long as you want it to, but it’s still cheap enough to replace regularly if you don’t mind going that route.
#5 – Silver Paw Potty Patch Dog Potty
With a similar design philosophy as the PETMAKER, the Silver Paw Potty uses the same three-layer system but enhances it both with reinforced strength to accommodate even large dogs, and microbe-resistant material to keep the various layers sanitary after extended use. With two sizes that come in either 27×17 or 27×34, even your largest dogs should feel comfortable using the pad.
Their synthetic grass is made of polyester and nylon, which gives it a solid, durable feel that should up to the wear and tear of daily use. It is in the pricier side of this list though, especially for the larger model, but you’re getting a package that’s extremely worth it if you know that your dog takes to “going” indoors.
Pros
- Cleans easily with just soap and water
- Extremely durable and non-toxic
- Resists odors if cleaned regularly
- One of the few options with sizes for large breeds of dog
Cons
- Grass layer doesn’t tie down, which encourages biting and tugging
Customer Feedback
This model receives high praise for the quality of the construction. It’s strong and provides confidence to their dogs that it can support their weight. Customers report that puppies love to play with the synthetic grass until they’re fully trained, but that it holds up well to the abuse. This means that you shouldn’t have to replace it on a recurring basis unless your dog is particularly destructive.
However, due to this some reviewers expressed concern over the sanitation and smell it might produce over months and years of use but have thankfully expressed that’s easy to sterilize with quick baths in bleach.
Final Say
For the cold winter months or long days away at the office, an indoor dog potty is an invaluable accessory that’s great for training purposes and can even keep your pets comfortable well into their old age. In this article, we looked at the five best options for you to purchase, so now that you found some, give them a shot! You’ll be glad you did.