Being people who have always had large dogs with a yard and walks our dog to do their business, we never gave indoor dog potties a thought. Is an indoor dog potty even a thing?
Yup! Sure enough it is! This post will look at what an indoor potty for dogs is, why you might want to use one for your dog, and the types of indoor potties available.
Table of Contents:
Related: Best Incontinence Pads For Dogs
What Is An Indoor Dog Potty?
An indoor dog potty provides a way for your dog to relieve themselves indoors without creating a mess inside your home.
Why Use Indoor Dog Potties?
There are various reasons why someone may want to use an indoor dog potty for their pup.
- They may work long hours where the dog is left home alone for an extended period of time.
- Living in an apartment without a yard for their dog to go in. They may also live several flights up and may want to avoid always having to go up and down the stairs, especially first thing in the morning.
- A person might have mobility issues where they are not able to easily walk their dog.
- The dog might have mobility issues causing them to not be able to move quickly enough before needing to eliminate.
- Some dogs might be incontinent and are unable to hold it in long enough or they urinate in their sleep.
- Other dogs just don’t like or want to go out in the rain, snow, or cold weather.
Can A Dog Be Indoor And Outdoor Potty Trained?
Yes! It takes patience, but you can train a dog to go both indoors and outdoors. Make sure you have decided on the best indoor potty system for you beforehand so you don’t change it up mid training.
Do Indoor Dog Potties Smell?
All of the indoor potty systems need to be cleaned on a regular basis. If they are not, undoubtedly there will be some kind of smell. Some types may hold onto a smell more than others. It is important to find a system that fits your needs and cleaning preferences.
What Are The Different Types Of Indoor Dog Potties?
There are a few different types of indoor dog potties that people like to use. With each system pay attention to the size you may need. Most dogs like to circle before they go, so make sure that they have enough room to do so.
Dog Litter Box
We honestly had no idea this was a thing! It is an actual litter box for a dog. It is larger and more durable than a cat box.
There is specially made dog litter that you can buy to put into the box for your dog to do their business, from brands like So Phresh.
The front of the box is usually a little lower to allow your dog easier access to the box.
The downside to this system is if your dog is the type to eat anything and everything. Our dog would have a field day eating the litter!
So Phresh Dog Litter Box
Small 19.5 x 14.5 inches
Large 19.5 x 23.5 x 5 inches high with walk-in opening of 3 ⅛ inches high.
Pros:
Most people found this easy to clean and of a sturdy construction.
Cons:
Some reviewers wished the sides were higher; others wished it was little bigger.
Puppy GoHere Puppy Indoor Litter Box
This is good for dogs up to 20 lbs.
- This comes in 3 sizes:
- Small: 20 x 15 x 5 inches
- Large: 24 x 20 x 5 inches
- XLarge: 28 x 22 x 9 x 3 inches.
Pros:
- The inside is of the box is curved and the corners are rounded to allow for easy cleaning.
- Most people found this to be durable and easy to clean.
- There is a training guide included.
Cons:
- For some, the size was not right for them.
- Reviewers felt the cost was a bit much.
- Some people did not like the curved bottom, as it made it difficult to have pee pads lay flat inside it.
Artificial Grass
This provides a more “ natural” place for your pup to go. The artificial grass has drainage holes on the bottom to allow for urine to pass through.
Some people might just put this on their deck or balconies. Others may use the indoor potty system. This uses the artificial grass on top of a tray that collects the urine that drains through the grass.
Most people like that the grass is easy to clean. Just rinse off with a hose.
The downside to this system is if you live in an apartment and do not have access to a hose to clean the grass. Washing it in the shower may not clean it thoroughly enough.
Dog Grass Pee Pads For Dogs With Tray
This is a tray bottom that you put a pee pad into. On top of the pee pad is a grid and the artificial grass is on top of the grid. The purpose of the grid it to keep a separation between the grass and the pee pad.
- This comes in 3 sizes:
- Small: 18 x 14 x 2 inches for dogs up to 6 lbs.
- Large: 34 x 23 inches. This is good for most dogs.
- XLarge: 4 5x 35 inches. Good for XLarge dogs.
Pros:
- Reviewers noted the lack of smell when using this product.
- People felt the grass was soft to touch.
- This comes with extra turf to switch out while one is being washed.
Cons:
- Users noted residue from the back of the turf came off when it was washed.
Hompet Dog Potty
This comes in a 30 x 20 inch size.
This is a 3 layer system similar to the one above. It is a tray bottom with a grid on top of the tray and turf on top of the grid. This also includes a pee baffle for male dogs. It does not use a pee pad in between, but you can add if you want to.
Pros:
- Reviewers stated it was easy to clean.
Cons:
- One reviewer stated it might be too high for very small dogs.
Pee Pads
These are yet another way to get your dog to use the bathroom indoors. You can opt to just put the pad on the floor where you want. Unfortunately, from our experience, (We had a dog who was incontinent and used these) they would never stay in place.
Pee Pad Holders
Pee pad holders aim to resolve the above mentioned issue. You place the pad into one of these and a mesh top goes over the pad. The pad stays in place and the mesh top helps to prevent your dog from standing in the spot they relieved themselves.
The downside of this type is that you need a size large enough for your dog to circle on.
Some brands include a clip to hold the pad in place and this is not always secure enough.
Smart Paws Pet Training Tray
This is 40 x 28 x 2 inches and is for large dogs.
Pros:
- Due to its large size, it is good for dogs that may miss the pee pad or pee on the edges of the pad.
- Users stated it was easy to clean and very sturdy.
Cons:
- This product was too large for some people.
- The price is a bit high.
Reusable Pee Pads
Having to constantly buy pee pads may not seem economical for some people. For you, reusable pee pads may be your answer.
These pads can be machine washed and reused.
Of course there is a downside to these as well. Most are more leak resistant than they are leak proof. For every person that says it is leak proof, there is someone else that this didn’t work for.
If they are washed too frequently, they seem to lose their absorbency.
Reusable Pee Pads For Dogs
Products comes in a large variety of sizes. Look for multiple layers with an absorbent middle layer and a non slip bottom.
Pros:
- They are leak proof for most people.
- There is a no-slip bottom.
- It is machine washable and can be put in the dryer.
- A quilted top layer can stay dry.
Cons:
- May have to try a few to find the right size for your dog.
- Can hold on to a urine smell and may have to wash it several times.
Are There Indoor Potties For Male Dogs?
There are several options that are available for your leg lifting dog.
Dog Tray With Wall
This system is similar to the artificial grass potties. It is a tray that you can opt to put a pee pad into with a grate on top. The difference is that there is a wall you can attach to the side of the grate to prevent your dog from urinating onto your own wall or furniture.
Hamiledyi Dog Potty Tray
This is 20 x 15.6 x 1.2 inches, with a wall height of 11 inches.
Pros:
- The grate prevents dogs paws from getting wet.
Cons:
- This is only good for small dogs.
If spending the money on an indoor toilet is not in the cards for you, or they are too small for your dog, there is another option if you like using pee pads.
Pad Holder
These are products that stick to your wall that will hold your current pee pads in place. This allows for you to create a space as large or as small as you would like for your dog to do their business, using whatever type of pad you choose.
Pee Pad Holder For Dogs
This comes in a pack of 4.
Pros:
- The holder is a peel and stick design.
- It is held together with strong magnets that keep your pee pad in place.
- This will hold both reusable and disposable pee pads.
Cons:
- Some people felt it was a little expensive for what you got.
Indoor dog potties are a thing! Whether your dog is unwilling or unable to go outside to use the bathroom or you are unable to take your dog out for any reason, indoor dog potties can help. With a bit of training your dog can use one of these systems and you won’t have to worry about accidents in the house anymore (hopefully)! 😀
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.