Can Male Dogs Use Pee Pads?
Updated On: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 16:40:09 PM America/Los_Angeles
Using a wee wee pad poses unique problems for male dogs, who often lift their legs to take care of business. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to messes and accidents for doggos who use an indoor pet potty. Yet, pee pads are an indispensable tool for dog pawrents everywhere. So, what’s the trick to getting your fur baby to use an indoor pee pad without making a mess?
Photo by Justin Veenema
Start Early
If you plan on having your male dog use a pee pad at any point in the future, it’s a good idea to start potty training them to use one from an early age. This not only helps your canine companion get used to the idea of an indoor dog bathroom, it allows you to train them to aim properly (using something like a faux hydrant) early on.
Provide a Vertical Surface
Not only does a vertical surface block streams of urine from splattering everywhere, it also gives dogs something to aim at. This means surfaces like silicone fire hydrants can be placed strategically to minimize mess. Place the hydrant towards the middle of the potty so your pooch doesn’t aim for the walls. Make sure to reward your fur baby for good aim!
Use a Larger Pee Pad
All dogs grow in height even if they don’t gain much in terms of weight or stature. As puppies turn into adult doggos, they outgrow their pee pads too. And once dogs learn that they can lift their leg to go potty, more surface area is going to be needed so that they don’t “go” outside the perimeter of the pad. Pick a pet potty size that will accommodate a growing dog to prevent mess.
Clean Messes Thoroughly
While aim can be the primary issue with using pee pads for male dogs, marking can also become a problem. It’s not uncommon for leaks or accidents to happen right outside a wee wee pad given the unique situation that pads pose for boy pups. Clean thoroughly with an odor eliminator to prevent your furry one from repeatedly going potty outside of the pee pad area.
