A puppy sitting on a pee pad (Photo by smrm1977 on Shutterstock)
Training a puppy or dealing with an older dog that has accidents can frustrate pet parents. Enter the pee pad, an absorbent, disposable mat designed for pets to relieve themselves indoors, simplifying cleanup. The pads, also called puppy pads or training pads, are not only a lifesaver during the initial stages of potty training but a reliable option for pets home alone for extended periods. Not every pee pad is created equal, though. They come in a variety of sizes, and some are infused with scents, while others have odor-neutralizing properties. If you're searching for a puppy pad and don't want to try them all, you're in luck. We have curated a list of the top pee pads, according to dog experts across nine websites. We compile our lists by combing through existing consumer rankings and weeding out the top consensus recommendations. Which ones hold up to even the smelliest pet urine? Read on. Did we miss one you love? Comment below.
Which Pee Pads are the Most Absorbent for Dogs?
1. Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads
You will never have a wet floor while using these pads unless the dog decides to pee on the carpet instead. The pads have a perfect score in every category tested by The Spruce Pets, except the price, because they are expensive. But, they are well worth the money, if you don't want to clean up a big mess. They come in many different sizes and have a permanent attractant to attract your puppy.
These pee pads are highly recommended by Dog Lab, due to their impressive absorbency, capable of holding up to six cups of urine. They feature six layers of protection and include a “Bullsorbant Gel Polymer,” which ensures that the liquid remains locked in even after your dog uses the pad, allowing for easy clean-up. Additionally, the pads come with stickers on the back to keep them securely in place. They are a miracle solution for pet owners wanting a reliable pee pad.
This brand stands out because the pee pads are soft, absorbent, and stay in place, especially if you have slippery floors. They also come in extra large sizes if you have a bigger dog. Canine Journal also loves the charcoal option to keep things smelling fresh!
Key Features:
- Six absorbent layers
- Adhesive sticky tape to keep them in place
- Built-in attractant
- 100% money-back guarantee
2. Frisco Dog Training Potty Pads
Dogster gives these potty pads an overall best rating, thanks to their built-in attractant and fast-drying quilt top. They also have a leakproof liner on the bottom, to keep your floor dry. Best of all, they're affordable and handle the needs of most potty-training pups.
If you're on a tight budget, you'll be very pleased with the performance of these pads. While DogLab considers the Bulldogology pads the best on the market, you don't need to spend a ton of money on something you'll eventually throw away. These pads are an excellent, cost-effective alternative.
Frisco Dog Training & Potty Pads come in scented and unscented versions. The scented pads have a mild wildflower scent that The Spruce Pets found pleasant and effective at masking odors during three months of testing. Both the scented and unscented pads did a great job absorbing smells, so it comes down to your personal preference.
Key Features:
- Scented or unscented options
- Built-in attractant
- quick-drying quilt top
- Leakproof liner
- Affordable
3. Glad Charcoal
The company known for making trash bags also makes these pads that include a charcoal layer. It does a great job neutralizing odors and Alpha Paw reports they are super absorbent with no leaks. The pheromone attractant also makes it easier to train your pet to use the pad.
The Spruce Pets recommends these as the best budget pads because they stay dry even after soaking up three cups of vinegar and water. The dry paper margins make it easy to replace the pads without getting puppy pee on your fingers. The only downside? It took a little longer than other brands for the liquid to absorb.
Your pet can use these pads multiple times as they quickly absorb urine, neutralize odors, and won't leave yellow spots. The regular size holds up to three cups of liquid, while the Jumbo size holds six cups. If you like to recycle, Popular Mechanics points out these pads are not environmentally friendly.
Key Features:
- Charcoal layer
- Pheromone attractant
- Budget-friendly
- Can handle multiple uses
4. Immcute Extra Large Dog Training Pads
These pads are so big they're perfect for dogs that like to circle before relieving themselves. Dogtime is impressed with how absorbent they are and how well the borders stay dry. The only con — no adhesive tape to keep the pad in place.
If you're looking for all-day protection, these are the pads for you and your dog, thanks to the flash dry technology. They may be too large for smaller pets and Alpha Paw reports they can be noisy due to the plastic backing. Additionally, they might not stay in place well on smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood.
You won't have a wet floor if you use these pads. The Spruce Pets also notes the paper margins stay dry, so you won't get your finger wet when lifting the pad to throw away.
Key Features:
- Flash-dry technology
- Large surface area
- Dry paper margins for easy cleanup
5. Four Paws Wee-Wee Puppy Pee Pads
Alpha Paw testers praised the Wee-Wee pads for their effective odor elimination and seven-layer leak-proof technology. They found the fresh spring scent pleasant and appreciated the perfect size and easy disposal. However, the pads didn't hold as much urine as expected, requiring frequent changes and some may find the scent too strong.
These pads also come in a grass scent that Popular Mechanics approves of, effectively luring dogs with their built-in attractant. The liquid-trapping gel core prevents leaks, and the tear-resistant top layer ensures durability. The high-visibility blue liner is familiar to pad-trained dogs, making training easier.
If you don't like the spring or grass scents, there's also a Febreze version to keep your home smelling fresh. Like the others, they are guaranteed not to leak for 24 hours and absorb liquid quickly, preventing your pet from tracking urine across the floor, according to Rover.com.
Key Features:
- Seven leakproof layers
- Scented
- Easy disposal
- Built-in attractant
- High-visibility blue liner
- Leakproof for 24 hours
- Fast absorption
6. Hartz Home Protection Unscented Odor Eliminating Gel Dog Pads
If you prefer unscented products, these puppy pads are a great option, effectively keeping your home odor-free, which is why they made our list. Alpha Paw finds the pads can be used multiple times, but testers noted they aren't as absorbent as other brands. However, they perform well for the price.
Rover.com appreciates the waterproof plastic bottom layer that keeps floors dry and the FlashDry Technology that turns liquid into a gel for easy disposal. One downside? They may be too small for large dogs and crates.
If you prefer a scented option, these pads also come with a lavender fragrance, but some say it's a bit overpowering. Since the liquid gathers in one spot, your pet can use it several times, without tracking urine across the room. While it's scented, Hepper says it does not have a built-in attractor, so it may be better for senior dogs.
Key Features:
- Unscented and scented options
- Can handle multiple uses
- Waterproof plastic bottom layer
- FlashDry Technology
Sources used to create our list:
- The Spruce Pets
- Potty Buddy
- Dog Lab
- Dogster
- Canine Journal
- Alpha Paw
- Popular Mechanics
- Rover
- Dog Time
- Hepper
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
