Advantages of Dog Pads and How to Use Them
For pet parents with indoor dogs, dog pads or training pads can be a great solution for potty training puppies and providing senior dogs with a designated bathroom area.
If you have a dog or puppy that isn't fully house-trained or has trouble holding its bladder, dog pads can be a convenient option for preventing accidents at home. They can also be helpful for busy pet parents who may not always be able to let their dog out for frequent bathroom breaks.
In this article, we discuss why you might consider using dog pads, as well as how to use them properly to prevent accidents and potty train successfully.
Benefits of Using Dog Pads
Dog pads are the go-to solution for many pet parents because they offer convenient and easy cleanup. Unlike outdoor potty breaks, there's no need to worry about navigating poor weather, finding the right spot for your dog to go, or taking pooper scoopers or waste bags with you on your walks.
Dog pads can also be useful for apartment dwellers or pet parents with limited outdoor space – and many pet owners find them helpful during travel and overnight stays, where a designated bathroom spot may not always be available.
Here are just a few reasons why you might want to use dog pads for your pet:
Make Bathroom Time Convenient
Dog pads can be placed in any indoor area, always giving your pup easy access to a bathroom spot. This is especially helpful for older pets or pets with bladder or mobility issues that make it difficult to go outside frequently.
Protect Your Floors from Stains and Damage
Urine can cause permanent staining and damage to your floors if not cleaned up immediately. Dog pads help protect your floors and carpets from accidents, eliminating the need for constant cleaning and odor control.
Maintain Your and Your Pup's Privacy
Depending on where you live, finding a regular bathroom spot can be challenging. Training pads can be a discreet solution for apartment or city living where outdoor potty areas may not be easily accessible.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable, Anywhere You Go
Like most animals, dogs are creatures of habit. When you're traveling with your pet, pads provide a familiar bathroom spot when you're visiting unfamiliar places.
Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Just because you own a pet doesn't mean your home has to smell like it. Regularly cleaning and changing dog pads can help keep your home smelling fresh, even with indoor pets. But you might also consider scented dog pads to help neutralize unwanted smells.
Make Cleanup Easier
Let's face it, cleaning up after your dog is not the most pleasant task in the world. But dog pads make it a whole lot easier. Simply remove the pad and throw it in the trash – no mess, no stress!
How to Use Dog Pads Effectively
Now that we've gone over some of the advantages of using dog pads, let's talk about how to use them effectively. Here are a few tips:
- Place the pad in an area that is easily accessible to your dog to ensure that your dog can reach the pad easily when he needs to go. A good rule of thumb is to place the pad away from your dog’s bed and food, near the door that you use most often to take them outside.
- Train your dog to use the pad to make the process easier. The best way to do this is to place your pup on the pad regularly (preferably after he eats or drinks) and shower them with praise (and even treats) after using it.
- Keep an eye on your pet when they first start using dog pads, so you can take them outside immediately if they decide to go anywhere else.
- Replace the pad regularly. Be sure to replace your training pads often so they aren’t oversaturated and no longer effective. Depending on how often your pup uses them, it’s best to replace pads every 2-3 days at most.
Dog pads can be a great solution for pet parents with young, indoor, or senior dogs. They offer many benefits including protecting your floors, keeping your home smelling fresh, and making cleanup easier. If you’ve been on the fence about using dog pads or you’re about to bring home a new furry friend, these tips should help make the transition go smoothly!