10 Best Pee Pads for Puppies in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

There is nothing more exciting than having a new puppy. Rolling, snarling, pouncing pooches are too cute for their own good. If you have been down the puppy road before, you know that “puppy proofing” is an essential task. Learning the hard way that leaving a designer pair of shoes on the floor is a tough puppy pill to swallow.

That being said, while your puppy is off innocently planning their next sneak attack on your phone charger, they may feel the urge of nature. If you are in the midst of potty training, nature may end up all over your rug, and puppy-proofing quickly extends to pee pads.

We understand that many of you have already been down this road. Did you end up with a bigger mess than before? Like all pet products, not all pee pads are made equal. This is where we can help, though.

We know the trauma of pee puddles, and want to help by providing you with the ten best puppy pee pads available. We will share things like durability, effectiveness, safety, and everything else you need to know.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Pee Pads for Puppies

1. AmazonBasics Pet Training Pads – Best Overall

Our favorite pee pads for puppies is the AmazonBasics TRP50R Pet training Pads. These potty-training helpers come in either a 50, 100, or 150-count pack, and they are available in extra-large. This pad measures 22” X 22”, and the center absorption is 19” X 19”. They have a 1.5-inch border to protect your floors from runoff.

These pads are constructed of five layers. They are super absorbent and have a built-in attractant that will attract your pup when it is time to go. The multi-layer absorbs the liquid, plus it does not allow it to sweep through or runoff.

The AmazonBasics pads turn the liquid to gel on contact. They will not slip around, and they have a quick-dry surface so there won’t be any tracking. The plastic lining keeps your floors protected, as well. What’s more, the pads can be used for older dogs or in a pinch when outdoor runs are not possible. Overall, these are our favorite pee pads.

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2. American Kennel Club Pet Pads – Best Value

If you need a more affordable option to protect your floors, the American Kennel Club AKC 62810 Pet Pads is a great option. This puppy potty trainer comes in five scents to help control odor including lavender and eucalyptus. You can choose from the regular 22” X 22” size or the extra-large 30” X 28” option. The pads come in a 50, 100, and 150-count pack.

Great for training or elderly dogs, these mats have six layers with a quick-dry surface. They use the liquid-to-gel technology, so there is no tracking, leaking, or overflow. What’s more, they will not slip around.

Another detail of the American Kennel Club pads is the antibacterial material that is odor-absorbing. Your pup will be prone to use the mat because of the built-in attractor, as well. One thing to note, however, is this design does not have a plastic border, nor is it as wide as our first pick. Other than that, these are the best pee pads for puppies for the money.

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3. ASPCA Absorbent Training Pads – Premium Choice

The ASPCA AS 62910 Ultra Absorbent Training Pads is a good choice for training your pup or using them for an older dog who cannot always make it outside. They are designed with six layers to protect your floors and carpets from piddle accidents.

The pads absorb the liquid and automatically turn it into a gel, so you will not have to deal with leaking or runoff. The quick-dry surface will also keep your pup from tracking the mess through your home. What’s more, they also have a plastic lining on the bottom for extra protection, not to mention, a lined border.

You should be aware that these pads are not as thick as our first two options. They can also bunch up if your pups are on the rambunctious side. On a positive note, the ASPCA pads come in either a fresh, citrus, or mountain air scent to help eliminate odors. There is also a built-in attractor, and they are antibacterial.

You can choose from an extra-large 30” X 28” size that comes in a 50-pack, or the regular size of 22” X 22” in either a 500 or 100 case. Also, bear in mind that these pads are a premium choice, so they will not be as cost-efficient.

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4. Hartz Home Protection Gel Dog Pads

If you have been on the lookout for a puppy pad that comes in more than the two standard sizes, the Hartz 3270014838 Home Protection Gel Dog Pads could be the right one for you. This brand comes in three sizes. Choose from the standard 22” X 22” or a large 30” X 30” pad. There is also a 30” X 21” if you need a longer option.

Made with six layers, this mat is designed with flash dry technology where the liquid is turned to gel on contact. The pad locks moisture in while controlling odor. Also, this mat features either a lavender or unscented fragrance. The back plastic layer keeps the mat from slipping and stops liquid from seeping through.

The Hartz pad works by collecting the liquid into one small spot, so your pup will get multiple uses out of each one. The fast-drying surface will stop your pooch from tracking pee through the house, and the border stops any runoff from occurring.

You can use this mat with puppies, as well as, senior dogs. It comes in six different case counts, too. Keep in mind, however, that this mat does not have a built-in attractor, so it can take longer for your puppy to use it. Also, it is not antibacterial.

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5. Wee Wee Puppy Pee Pads

The Wee Wee 100534946 Puppy Pee Pads are for you if you enjoy the power of Febreze. These training mats have the Febreze fresh scent to stop and eliminate odors caused by ammonia. Made of seven layers, these pads are super absorbent with no leaking to worry about.

These mats are designed with a large quilted surface to quickly trap liquid. Called wet lock gel, the training pad uses the standard liquid to gel system to keep the pee from running off or leaking through. The top layer is also fast drying which aids in keeping the liquid in place, plus it stops your pup from tracking it all over the house.

One unfortunate drawback to the Wee Wee pads is they only come in one 22” X 23” size. They are also only available in a 50 pack. Besides that, pet owners should note that these are not antibacterial, nor do they have a plastic bottom that prevents slipping. On a positive note, this mat features a targeted attractor and has a tear-resistant surface layer to help keep the mess in one place.

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6. Glad Charcoal Puppy Pads

If one of your main concerns is the odor associated with puppy pee, you may like this option. The Glad FF8653 Charcoal Puppy Pads uses a layer of activated charcoal to absorb the smell along with the liquid. Available in 14, 50, and 150-count cases, you can choose either the regular 23” X 23” size or the jumbo 28” X 30” size.

This pad has five layers including the carbon and a PE bottom layer. It also uses the standard polymer layer to turn liquids into a gel. Although this mat absorbs the pooch piddle in as little as 30 seconds, the layers are thin, and it has been known to leak. Not to mention, there is no border on this mat to stop any runoff.

That being said, the fast-drying surface will stop your pooch from tracking the liquid through the house (minus leak issues), and the Glad puppy pads use a pheromone attractant that will make it easier for your pup to know where they should…go.

This mat can be used for puppies, senior dogs, or for bathroom breaks when the great outdoors is unavailable. Lastly, you should know that these pads are not antibacterial, and they can slip on your floor.

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7. Top Dog Deluxe Puppy Pads

The Top Dog Deluxe Puppy Pads is an option that uses activated charcoal to eliminate odor. This puppy trainer comes in one 22” X 23” size in either a 40, 60, or 80-count package. The carbon pads are advertised to be black, so you will not have to come home and see a white pad with yellow stains any longer.

The only problem with this idea is the mat is not technically black. The five layers feature an inner black layer with a somewhat see-through white outer layer; which is more or less defeating the purpose. Although that may not be a big deal, the overall structure of the pad is thin, and it does not hold a lot of liquid before it begins to leak.

What’s worse, the center surface is slightly raised so the border is on a downward slope that allows liquid to run off and onto your floor. Again, this issue would also be moot, however, the fast-drying surface is not quite as fast drying as it is claimed to be.

Otherwise, the Top Dog pad does a credible job of eliminating odors in the home. The mat also uses pheromones to attract your pooch, though it is not antibacterial. Finally, while dry, the pads are very slippery so both humans and pets should be careful while walking on them.

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8. Pet Parents Washable Dog Pee Pads

If you are looking for something more sustainable, the Pet Parents Washable Dog Pee Pads could be a good fit for your home. This puppy training mat comes in seven sizes including two round options. Depending on the size of your pet, you can choose from either a 17-inch or 48-inch round pad, or a square option the largest of which is 41” X 41”.

This puppy pad comes in a set of two. You get one gray and one tan. They use WickQuick proprietary fabric to absorb liquid and neutralize odors. You can throw them right in the washing machine, plus they have a non-slip bottom. To help the overall construction, the mat also has triple-stitched seams.

Having a sustainable potty mat is not a bad idea, however, in this case, some features are lacking. For example, although the mat does absorb liquid, it is like a soggy bath mat. If you step on it while it is wet, the liquid will come to the surface. This issue will cause a problem with leaking, runoff, and tracking.

Another issue with the Pet Parents pad is it does not control odors as it claims. In fact, after prolonged use, the odor becomes very strong. Also, it is not antibacterial nor does it have any attractor, which is not necessarily a bad thing in this case.

As mentioned, this pad is like a bath mat. It looks like one and behaves like one. It could also be compared to a doormat or small rug. Unfortunately, dogs will often mistake one of these other floor pieces as their potty mat. Finally, it is not quick drying.

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9. BarkBox Odorless Puppy Pads

The BarkBox Odorless Puppy Pads come in a regular, large, or extra-extra-large size, and are available in a 100 pack. They use activated charcoal to eliminate odor and hide unsightly yellow stains on the pads. These mats have a white and green polka-dot bottom, and a blackish surface.

The BarkBox uses the customary liquid-to-gel absorption technique, however, it is not as effective with this brand. There is only a small amount of absorption, and the charcoal does not eliminate odors as it should. That being said, this mat has a non-slip bottom, plus it uses pheromones to attract your pooch to the right spot. Be advised, though, the attraction is not strong.

The design features four layers with a tear-resistant surface, and it has a plastic-lined border. Unfortunately, as mentioned, the plastic liner is not durable, and the surface is prone to rip or tears. To end on a good note, however, the pad is antibacterial.

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10. Paws & Pals Dog Pee Pad

The last puppy pad on our list is the Paws & Pals PTPP-01-100 Dog Pee Pad. This mat only comes in one 22” X 22” size, although you can choose from a 30, 100, or 150 pack. Made of six layers, the mat is very thin. The absorption is equal to a few pieces of newspaper, and there is little to no odor control.

The Paws & Pals pad has a water-resistant liner, although, it is not effective, as the liquid simply spills over the edges. This could be due to the overall construction which uses the material to absorb liquid versus a gel-attracting system.

To give some credit where credit is due, the water-resistant backing also makes a good non-slip bottom. However, the pad is not antibacterial, has not attractor, or quick-dry surface. In effect, the pads are simply a few thick pieces of paper. Unfortunately, this is our least favorite training mat for your pup.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Pee Pads for Puppies

Important Things to Know About Puppy Pads

Puppy pads are a great tool to use when training your pooch. Not only can they save the day where your floor and carpet are concerned, but it can help teach your pup what is right and wrong. Besides puppy use, these mats also come in handy for elderly dogs who have trouble getting outside and for emergencies like severe weather or illness.

Various Uses for Pee Pads

Beyond those basic functions, there are many other uses for puppy pads. If you are new to the world of pee-collecting mats, you may be skeptical about a “pee collector” having other uses, but it’s true. Take a look at how pet owners utilize these pads:

• Food Liner: How many dogs have perfect table manners? Chances are, they do not. These mats are great to use under their food and water dishes.
• Litter Box: Do you have a cat as well as a dog? You can use these mats under a cat litter box, or you can line the litter box itself. This is especially true if you have a good odor-absorbing mat.
• Kids’ Bed: Yes, you can use this on your kid’s bed! If you have a child who is at that age where an “accident” happens once in a while, this is a great alternative to the full mattress cover.
• In the Car: As these mats are as flexible as a piece of fabric, they are great for use in the car. Use them for nervous cruising canines or on the seats if you’re hoping in with wet bathing suits.
• Line cages: If you have smaller pets, you can use the pads to line their cages. Plus, you can also line your dog’s crate, as well.
• Under the High Chair: If you have a toddler, their table manners are probably similar to your pets. No problem there, though. Just slide a puppy trainer under their chair, and your problems will be solved.

There are many, many other ways to make use of these handy mats, but we hope these gave you some basic ideas. It is also important to remember that the pads can be used on furniture, beds, or anywhere else you would like to keep pet fur, dirt, drool, and of course pee at bay.

Training Tips

Now that you know some additional uses for your extra pee pads, let’s jump back to their original use, and that is puppy potty training. Remember, a puppy can only hold their bladder for an hour per month of age for up to eight hours. So, if you have a four-month-old pup, you only have a four-hour window.

Training your ankle-biter to use these pads is easier than you think, however. Take a look at these tips for getting your pup used to the pads:

• Step One: When you first introduce the puppy pads, you want to place them in the most confined space possible that is easy for your pet to access. A small kitchen or bathroom, for example.
• Step Two: You want to start by letting your pooch investigate the mat. Place them on it several times a day while using a potty phrase of your choice, so they will begin to associate the mat with the phrase.
• Step Three: This can be a harder step. You need to get your pal to go to the bathroom on the mat. Typically, puppies go several times a day, but the best time to take them is right after a meal, right after a nap or playtime, right before bed, and first thing in the morning. During these optimal potty times, make sure you bring your pet to the pad while using the potty phrase.
• Step Four: Once your pup uses the mat, try to say the phrase while they are going, and follow up with praise and treats. Keep repeating this process until they no longer need you to escort them to the “potty pad”
• After Effects: These last steps can vary depending on how you choose to train your pet. For example, some people like to outdoor potty train and pad train simultaneously. This is not always an option, especially if you get your pup in the dead of winter. If you choose to pad train first, once they have the hang of it, slowly move the pad closer to the door. Once you reach that point, wait for your pup to go for the pad and bring them outside using the same tips from above. You can bring a pad outside if necessary.

Training your pooch can have its ups and downs depending on many factors including the temperament of your furball. In the end, though, repetition and positive reinforcement are always effective.

Conclusion

When it comes to pee pads, effectiveness is the number one concern of all pet parents. That being said, you also want to make sure you have a mat that is the right size for your growing pooch. After all, you cannot get mad at a pooch if he misses by an inch due to a growing…tail.

We hope the reviews above have helped you pick out the right pee pad for you and your pooch. In our opinion, the AmazonBasics TRP50R Pet Training pads are the best mats you can buy. On the other hand, the American Kennel Club AKC 62810 Pet pads are also effective, plus they have a lower price tag.

You might also like: 

• Dog Peeing A Lot: When to Worry & What to Do (Vet Answer)
• My Puppy Pees a Lot: Here’s What It Means and What to Do