5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Use Potty Pads
Thursday, July 13, 2017 11:14:10 AM America/Los_Angeles
It's common for most dog owners to use potty pads to train their dogs. Although these pads can prove to be useful in certain situations, they can also produce several undesired problems: Not only are they not eco-friendly, they can become an inconvenience to replace and a nuisance to clean up. Most manufacturers of pee pads will market them as effective ways of potty training your pet. However, a close look at the problems they create will help you to decide whether or not you should use them. One important thing to keep in mind is the fact that dogs learn through their senses and environmental cues. While deciding whether or not to use pee pads, you should also be mindful of the fact that there are great alternatives to potty pads such as a REAL GRASS solution like DoggieLawn.
They are bad for the environment
Most of the potty pads available on the market today are made from synthetic materials that have the potential to affect the environment adversely. During the production process, these materials are known to release several harmful CFC’s into the environment. But the effects of potty pads on the environment go beyond their products. The chemicals you will need to clean the pads after your puppy pees or poos on them will pose an additional health risk to you, your family, and your pet. Unlike plastic pee pads, real grass alternatives like DoggieLawn are natural and fully degradable, factors that make it an eco-friendly option.
Urine will leak and spill off the sides
One of the main reasons you're potty training your dog is because you don't want them to pee and poo all over the place. However, traditional pee pads don't always fully address this problem. The design and construction of the pads are such that nothing prevents urine from leaking off the sides of the surfaces. This will happen when the pad becomes soaked in urine due to frequent use. The result is a mess that you have to clean. Real grass, an alternative to pee pads, will generally be able to absorb most of the urine because the grass will absorb excess liquid instead of running off the sides.
They lack the natural attraction of real grass
Research shows that dogs learn through their senses and environmental cues. This is why whenever they're taken outside for a walk, they'll be drawn instinctively to natural grass. Manufacturers of pee pads recognize this fact and have developed artificial ways of attracting your dog to their indoor dog potty training products. However, what this does is to work against the natural tendency and instinctive manner in which dogs are attracted to the scent of fresh grass. This also means that you may have a more difficult time in the task of potty training your pet. Real grass gives you an immediate secret weapon that increases your chances of successful potty training!
It's time consuming to maintain potty pads
The synthetic materials used in pee pads are bound to give you a difficult time when it comes to keeping the area clean. Since they can only handle so much liquid, you'll end up replacing them as often as 2-3 times a day. In addition to replacing the pads multiple times a day, you may also have to clean the floor underneath if urine leaks or spills. In comparison, real grass can be used much longer and depending on how often it's used, replacing the grass can be done as often as once a week or as little as once every 4 weeks.
They do not absorb urine and odors
One of the most annoying and frustrating things when it comes to potty training your puppy is using a product that leaves an offensive smell in the house. Compared to real grass, some dog bathroom pads will not absorb urine. This means that the more the dog pees on the pad, the more urine there will be on the surface of the product. This also means that every time your dog steps on the used pad, they'll be spreading remnants of urine all over the house. The odor that will result from the non-absorbing nature of the products will eventually undermine your efforts to keep a clean home. Real grass will absorb all the urine down to the roots and soil, eliminating any worry of odors.
With the information you now have about potty pads, it's helpful to learn more about the alternatives you can explore. Real pet potty grass is a suitable alternative that will help you to address the problems associated with training pads while still allowing you the convenience of indoor housetraining. DoggieLawn is a subscription service of real grass that is delivered right to your front steps whenever you need. It's hydroponically grown so it's not messy like traditional sod. Plus, the hydroponic root bed absorbs urine and urine odor--pretty amazing! You can invite friends to try DoggieLawn using THIS LINK :D