Which puppy pads are best?
The challenge of potty training often tempers the joy of having a puppy. Teaching a puppy how to go in one place — and eventually outside — can take a long time and a lot of patience.
Puppy pads offer an easy, clean and effective way to start teaching a puppy the right behaviors. Puppy pads are also ideal for people living in apartments, traveling with their puppy or living in cold climates with snow and subzero temperatures. For overall absorption and effectiveness, the Four Paws Wee-Wee Pads are the top pads of choice.
What to know before you buy a puppy pad
Pads, like puppies, aren’t perfect
While many puppy pads are very absorbent, they often work best when the puppy is going in the center of the pad. For a spry, active puppy, their aim is still part of the training learning curve. Be patient when they miss the center, but also keep an eye on your pad as the further from the center they miss, the more likely there may be some seepage at the edges.
One size doesn’t fit all
Pads intended solely for puppies will normally be around 2 feet by 2 feet. Large breed puppies may require jumbo pads, just as a larger adult dog with a temporary need for pads would, too. Keep your dog’s size in mind when choosing a pad size.
Pads don’t always have to be used inside
If your dog prefers going outside, or you are focusing on getting them to go in the grass, some puppy pads mimic the look and feel of grass. You can use them inside or outside. Look for these uniquely styled puppy pads when purchasing the ones best for you.
What to look for in a quality puppy pad
Odor control
One of the essential features of a puppy pad is quickly absorbing urine and masking the smell. Pads with black carbon are best at doing this. Keep in mind that eventually, even the best pad will get saturated or use up the available carbon, so if you want to keep the smell at bay, you will need to replace pads periodically.
Adhesive backing
If your puppy pads do not have a sticky backing, you will find the pad in different positions and sliding across the room. Puppies are active and will take the pads for a ride if not properly anchored. Many puppy pads have sticky bottoms to help keep them in place.
Package quantity
A standard-size box of puppy pads is usually 100 pads. However, if you are raising a litter, you may need a lot more. Or, if your dog is only using pads temporarily following a medical procedure or condition, you may need a lot less. Most manufacturers have different quantities available, so look for the package size that best fits your situation.
How much you can expect to spend on a puppy pad
Most disposable puppy pads cost $20-$30 for a package of 100 pads. Larger-sized packages and one-time washable pads will cost more than $30.
Puppy pad FAQ
Why are pads with black carbon recommended?
A. Black carbon does an excellent job absorbing the smell of urine and feces. Remember that odors will resurface once the carbon has been used up, so the pads will need regular replacement.
Will the ingredients in puppy pads harm my dog if eaten?
A. Most ingredients are not harmful to dogs, but you should check the manufacturer’s packaging and instructions. Try to discourage your dog from eating the pads. Consider offering a chew toy to distract them if this becomes an unwanted habit.
Are treats recommended for when puppies use a pad?
A. Yes. Dog owners know that a yummy treat is an excellent incentive to deliver the proper behavior. When your dog successfully uses the puppy pad, consider giving them something tasty as a reward.
What are the best puppy pads to buy?
Top puppy pad
What you need to know: These extra-absorbent pads are ideal for dogs of all sizes and do a good job keeping floors dry even after multiple uses.
What you’ll love: The pads are 22 by 23 inches and should accommodate all sizes of dogs. The Floor Armor leakproof system has six layers for extra absorption. A built-in attractant draws dogs to the pad for fewer accidents.
What you should consider: The pads are not sealed closer to the edges, so if the puppy does not hit the center, there could be minor leaking.
Top puppy pad for the money
What you need to know: For the price, these puppy pads do a good job of absorbing urine while allowing for frequent replacement.
What you’ll love: These affordable puppy pads can hold up to three cups of liquid and quickly turn urine into gel. The pads include a built-in odor neutralizer and attractant. The pad surface dries quickly to prevent tracking by the dog.
What you should consider: The pads require accuracy toward the center, or some leakage could happen. There have been reports of puppies chewing these pads.
Worth checking out
Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads
What you need to know: These pads are affordable, lightweight and do a good job absorbing for small-sized dogs.
What you’ll love: These puppy pads are 22 by 22 inches and include a 1.5-inch sealed border to help prevent leaks. The pads turn urine into a gel and dry quickly. They have a built-in attractant to encourage dogs to use the pads.
What you should consider: The pads can slide around easily and do not come with adhesive bottoms.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
