What Should I Look For in a Portable Dog Toilet?
Material. As far as material goes, there are a lot of them on the market for dog toilets. Most material is a matter of personal preference. Some customers prefer puppy pads, in which case they should look for a tray that can hold puppy pads. Others prefer fake or real grass pads. If you want to go a DIY route, it may be best to get a standard cat litter box and decide what kind of absorbent material you want inside. Different products with different materials are listed in this guide.
Longevity. Pay attention to customer reviews on these products. While some of these products may have warranties or claim to work for a long time, some customers may say that odor becomes an issue, or that the product really doesn’t hold up after frequent use.
Size. Most portable dog toilets come in different sizes; however, many training pads are geared for puppies, so they may only be one size. Several of the products below come in different sizes, but make sure to check before you buy if the product will be big enough for your dog.
Cost. Not just the cost of the initial product, either. While many puppy toilets come with a standard tray, most have materials that need to be replaced depending on how often your dog uses it. Some trays require certain types of puppy pads, and others utilize real grass, which also needs to be replaced.
Washability. A main complaint for customers of dog potties is the product is difficult to clean or becomes stinky after a short period of time. Look at product reviews to make sure the odor doesn’t hang around.
Making a DIY pet potty? Here’s what you need to know:
Pick your tray. A standard litter box usually does the trick. There are a few to choose from on this list depending on what you’re looking for.
Pick your litter. Cat litter may work for some puppies, but it’s also easy to track around the house. Puppy pads can usually fit into litter boxes, depending on the size, but some customers even recommend buying real sod from home improvement stores.
Pet Safe Pet Loo: A convenient (but occasionally stinky) indoor pee pad for dogs in small spaces
$45.00-$110.00
Customers are saying: This is a great indoor litter box for dogs once they get used to it. Customer reviews are mixed, and it averages about three and a half stars. The biggest complaint from customers is the grass is difficult to clean. Apparently, the smell of urine is very difficult to get out of the synthetic grass, and many customers recommend alternatives for the grass in their product reviews.
See Also:
Pros:
- Elevated off the ground
- Urine drains into a container
- Wee sponge coagulates the urine so it’s easier to clean
Cons:
- The synthetic grass begins to stink easily
- Difficult to clean
Overview: Reviews are mixed about the PetSafe Pet Loo. It is a good option for small spaces and dog owners with limited yard space, especially since it has a container that collects the urine instead of absorbing it. However, customers have offered other recommendations for what to use instead of the synthetic grass on top.
PuppyGoHere Dog Litter Pan – an easy pan for a DIY dog potty
$30.00-$65.00
Customers are saying: Customers like to use these to put their puppy pads in. The frame is high enough so dogs will not have an accident off the edge of the pan. A majority of customers are pleased with this pan and how durable it is and how well it prevents spill and other messes. The low opening is good for older animals to step into.
Pros:
- Has high sides to prevent spillage
- Low entryway for arthritic animals and puppies
Cons:
- Some puppy pads do not completely fit
- Non-skid bottom makes it more difficult to clean
Overview: This simple pan is great for creating a DIY training pad or a litter box for older cats. It works inside of kennels and for allowing dogs to pee without going outside in bad weather. For the most part, it’s fairly easy to fit a puppy pad into and to clean, and the high sides prevent spillage.
DoggieLawn Real Grass Dog Potty – real grass neutralizes odor and is great for indoor spaces
$25.00-$30.00
Customers are saying: Customers like this dog potty for colder climates, apartment spaces, and puppy training. It makes it easier for dogs to go without going outside when it’s too warm or too cold. The grass is easy to clean and replace, but some customers don’t like the high price of the product (shipping for the product is also high.) Since it is real grass, some customers have had issues with bugs or fungal spores. Overall, however, pet owners give this potty a positive review.
Pros:
- Made out of real grass
- Easy to replace; subscription service available
- Neutralizes odor
Cons:
- Shipping is expensive
- Must be replaced every 1-2 weeks
Overview: Customers and pets like the natural look and feel of real grass. It neutralizes odors better than puppy pads or fake grass and is much easier to clean and replace. While the shipping price is a bit high, it’s a way to get real grass even in colder climates so your pooch can pee in comfort.
Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box – a DIY starter pan for puppies and cats
$10.00-$60.00
Customers are saying: Most customers of this box are cat owners, not those looking for a puppy potty. However, it still may make a good box to fit puppy pads or fake grass into, although the dimensions are small. If you do fill the box with litter, customers still say their pets will fling the litter over the side, but that all depends on the temperament of your pet.
Pros:
- Higher sides to prevent mess
- Lower entryway
Cons:
- Entryway may be difficult for smaller animals
Overview: This simple, high-sided box works well for mess-free litter. If your pet is energetic and likes to fling litter around, however, you still may find yourself with a mess. This product is optimal for cats specifically, but may be used for puppies or small dogs who need help with potty training, but you may want to add fake grass or puppy pads.
Artificial Grass Bathroom Mat – PetMaker – a three-layer artificial mat for indoor potty training
$12.00-$25.00 ($18.00-$20.00 for replacement pads)
Customers are saying: Customers tend to like this bathroom mat for their dogs. It’s small enough to fit in tight spaces and can be moved and cleaned easily. However, some customers say the bathroom mat locks in the smell, even after routine cleaning. While it’s not an ideal situation, some customers have said that adding a puppy pad in between the layers helps with both cleaning and smell.
Pros:
- Three layers of absorbency
- Replacement layers can be purchased
- Multiple layers neutralize odors
Cons:
- Top layer can start to smell
- Base tray is shallow
Overview: While a few customers complain that the top layer starts to smell after a few weeks, most customers are happy with their PetMaker mat. It can be used in conjunction with a puppy pad for a DIY potty trainer or as an indoor bathroom for bad weather or homes without backyards. It is best for smaller dogs and puppies who are being potty trained.
Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty w/ Real Grass – a real-grass option for puppy potty training
$25.00-$30.00
Customers are saying: Customers love the look and feel of real grass, especially for training puppies to go outside. It works best for puppies and very small dogs. A few customers have remarked that the grass is very expensive, especially since it has to be purchased multiple times. Customers have found a way to make their own DIY real-grass potty. Since it is real grass, customers say to look out for fungi and spores, as well as bugs.
Pros:
- Real grass to help with potty training
- Neutralizes odor
- Can fit in small spaces
Cons:
- Potential for bugs and spores
- A bit pricier than other options
Overview: Customers prefer the look and feel of real grass for their pets’ bathroom needs, even if it is a bit more expensive. Some customers have recommended that instead of buying this, to make a DIY real grass pad. Some customers have complained about bugs and spores, but most customers love the benefits of real grass.
Blyss Pets Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty – an easy indoor option for puppy potty training
$20.00-$40.00
Customers are saying: This potty tray works great for smaller dogs and puppies. The tray prevents spillage and prevents puppy pads from getting torn up. Customers say it’s a much cleaner alternative to regular litter. However, only Blyss Pets’ brand of puppy pads work inside of it. In general, customers love this product for potty training and saving money and not wasting pads.
Pros:
- Easy cleanup
- Save money on puppy pads
- Makes puppy training simple
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean up “number two”
- Only Blyss’ brands of puppy pads work in the model
Overview: With a majority of positive reviews, customers enjoy the ease of use of the Klean Paws dog potty. It reduces mess and prevents wasting money on extra puppy pads. While it may be difficult to clean up poo, it does make puppy training easier.
Richell Paw Trax Mesh Training Tray – easy-to-clean puppy pad holder for your unruly pooch
$20.00-$35.00
Customers are saying: The product is easy to clean and easy to use. Customers love the convenience of the product and the general cleanliness it gives. It prevents dogs from tracking their pee through the house, and from unruly puppies chewing up the puppy pads. You still have to buy puppy pads, but you don’t waste as much money from getting them too soaked or having them get torn up. Customers do say that poo is difficult to clean out of the mesh.
Pros:
- Prevents mess from getting in the house
- Easy to clean urine
- Save money on puppy pads
Cons:
- A fairly pricey model
- Poo is difficult to clean from the mesh
Overview: Depending on what a customer is looking for, this is a good option if they want to use puppy pads. It is a good tray to put puppy pads in to prevent your dog from tracking waste all over the house. However, pee can still soak through the tray, and poo is difficult to get out of the mesh. Most customers say that it is easy to clean and it stays smelling fresh.
