Updated October 2026 · Research-based guide · We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Pee pads are a lifesaver for new puppies, apartment dogs, seniors with weaker bladders and long workdays. The difference between a good pad and a bad one is simple: does it lock liquid in, or does it leak, shred and get tracked through the house?
Below are our picks for disposable and washable pads, then a few tips that make pad training work.
Top picks at a glance
Best overall disposable
Frisco Dog Training Potty Pads
Five layers, built-in attractant, big value packs.
Best odor control
Glad Activated Carbon Puppy Pads
Carbon layer for odor, charcoal color hides stains.
Best washable for crates & pens
Pet Parents Pawfect Round Pads
Non-slip round pads sold as a two-pack.
Best overall disposable
1. Frisco Dog Training Potty Pads
A five-layer pad with a quilted top, absorbent core, polymer gel and a leak-proof backing, plus a built-in attractant to help puppies find the right spot. It comes in large packs, scented or unscented.
- Good: absorbent for its thickness, attractant built in, good value per pad.
- Watch out: basic design with no adhesive tabs, so it can slide on hard floors.
Best for heavy wetters
2. Hartz Home Protection Puppy Pads
Six layers and a quick-gel core that turns urine into gel to stop tracking and bleed-through. The larger size suits medium dogs.
- Good: six layers, fast-drying gel core, larger coverage.
- Watch out: scented, which some owners dislike; may be oversized for toy breeds.
Best odor control
3. Glad Activated Carbon Puppy Pads
Activated carbon in the pad helps control smells, and the dark charcoal color hides stains between changes.
- Good: odor control, stain-hiding color, works for puppies and adults.
- Watch out: some owners still notice residual odor; generous size may be more than small spaces need.
Best washable
4. Lenny Pads Washable Pee Pad
A reusable, machine-washable pad made to look more like a rug than a potty pad, a good fit for long-term use with senior dogs.
- Good: reusable, discreet look, saves money over time.
- Watch out: you need at least two to rotate while one is in the wash.
Best washable for crates & pens
5. Pet Parents Pawfect Round Pads
Large round reusable pads with a quilted top and a slip-resistant rubber bottom, sold in a two-pack so one can be washed while the other is in use.
- Good: absorbs quickly, non-slip backing, two-pack for rotation.
- Watch out: round shape does not cover a rectangular crate floor edge to edge.
Best for small breeds
6. Wee-Wee Little Dog Pads
Smaller pads sized for toy breeds, crates and small pens, with a gel core designed to hold liquid without leaking.
- Good: sized for little dogs and crates, leak-resistant gel core.
- Watch out: smaller packs, and best suited to the house-training stage.
Which pad fits your situation?
House-training a new puppy
Disposable pads with an attractant, placed in one consistent spot, then gradually moved toward the door.
Long workdays
Higher-capacity pads with a gel core, or a pad holder that keeps them flat.
Senior dogs and incontinence
Washable pads save money and look neater; layer one under the bed for overnight leaks.
Apartments and bad weather
Large pads near a balcony or by the door as a backup to outdoor walks.
Crates and pens
Pick a size that covers the floor area without bunching up.
Recovering after surgery
Absorbent pads under bedding make clean-up easier while your dog heals.
How to choose dog pee pads
Absorbency and layers
More layers and a polymer gel core generally mean less leaking and tracking. Cheap single-layer pads tend to soak through.
Size
Match the pad to your dog and the space. Small pads for toy breeds and crates, large or XL pads for bigger dogs.
Disposable vs. washable
Disposables are convenient for house-training; washables cost more up front but save money and waste for long-term use.
Keep it in place
Adhesive tabs, a non-slip backing or a plastic pad holder stop pads from sliding and being shredded.
Attractants and scent
Attractants can speed up training. Heavily scented pads cover smells but may bother sensitive dogs and people.
Frequently asked questions
Do pee pads make house-training harder?
They can if pads become the permanent toilet. Use them as a step: reward your puppy on the pad, then move the pad closer to the door and outside over time.
How often should I change a pee pad?
Change disposable pads after each heavy use or at least daily to prevent odor and tracking. Wash reusable pads as often as needed.
Why does my puppy chew or shred pads?
Boredom and teething. A pad holder, more chew toys and supervision usually solve it. Remove shredded pads so your puppy does not swallow the filling.
Are washable pee pads worth it?
For long-term use, such as senior dogs, they are usually cheaper and produce less waste. For a short house-training period, disposables are more convenient.
Are pee pads safe for puppies?
Yes, but discard torn pads; swallowed gel or plastic backing can cause stomach problems. Call your vet if you think your puppy ate part of one.
How we chose
This is a research-based guide. We did not test these pads hands-on. We compared manufacturer specifications, published expert reviews and recurring owner feedback, focusing on absorbency, leak protection, odor control, size options and value. Read our full editorial policy.
