Adopting a dog is a really exciting experience for any family. The cuteness and amiable nature of the young puppy urge everyone in the house to fall in love with him/her. Having said that, there are a few things that can spoil the fun, especially if you are a novice owner.
One of these challenging tasks is to housetrain your pup. Although the level of difficulty varies from one dog to another, it is generally a trying endeavor. Several different techniques are used for this purpose, and you will require pee pads to housetrain your canine companion. Many people prefer washable potty pads (instead of disposable ones) because they are durable and economical.
Disposal vs. Washable Potty Pads
House training can be a tricky thing for dogs to learn. Some canines grasp it quickly while others may take longer to get used to it. This means that the use of disposable pads can be quite costly if your pet is a slow-learner. According to an estimate, a single washable pee pad can replace 300 disposal pads. Similarly, the following are some other benefits of using washable potty pads.
More Durable
It is quite common for dogs to tear certain things and unfortunately, disposal pee pads are on their list. The material of these pads is very thin, and they can be shredded easily. You definitely don’t want this to happen because it can result in a lot of mess.
Washable potty pads provide a solution to this problem as they are made from 4 layers of commercial-grade textile. This makes them more likely to withstand all the chewing and dragging that your dog has to offer.
Good for Environment
In addition to your wallet, the reusability of washable dog pads makes them excellent for our environment. You won’t be sending much to the landfill site if you are using washable pads for your pooch.
Better Absorbency
Washable potty pads can absorb more liquid (than disposal alternatives) because of their material. Likewise, they dry quite quickly and can be used for up to 48 hours without replacing. However, you may have to change the pee pad sooner if it starts to smell.
Key Features of Washable Pee Pads
In recent years, many different brands of washable potty pads have emerged on the market. According to the reviews of buyers, most of them are doing a good job. However, you must consider the following guidelines while purchasing washable pee pads for your dog.
Size of the Potty Pad
It is extremely important to buy a washable pad that is appropriate for your dog’s size. For instance, you will need a bigger pee pad (e.g. 72×72) if you own a large breed.
Similarly, the pad must be suitable for the area where you want to place it. Always remember that the pad needs a permanent spot if you want the training to be successful. Washable pee pads are available in all sizes and shapes (round, square, and rectangle). Therefore, make sure to consider all the factors before buying (and placing) a washable pad.
Comfort of the Potty Pad
Although it doesn’t seem natural for a dog to spend too much time on the pad, he/she might surprise you. This is because washable pee pads are made from soft and comparatively thick materials. The canine may find it a comfortable spot to rest, especially if it’s placed near the crate.
The comfortable washable pad from EZwhelp (found on Amazon) could be an ideal choice for such owners. It has 4 layers and each one of them is made from the most suitable material. For example, the top-most layer is made from polyester to keep the pad comfortable. Likewise, the bottom-most layer provides amazing stability and prevents the pad from slipping.
Absorbency of the Potty Pad
It is probably the most important factor because you don’t want the pee to leak and damage the floor. For this purpose, it is essential to purchase a washable pee pad that has multiple layers of absorbent material.
NOTE: You should buy at least 2 potty pads to ensure that the floor stays clean while you are washing one.
How to Wash Dog Pee Pads?
Once you have decided to use washable potty pads for your pup, it’s critical to know how to keep them from smelling. The very first thing that you must do is to check how long they can go without replacing or washing. Generally, washable pee pads can be used for up to 48 hours. However, this value may differ from one brand to another.
Washing Instructions
- Start the process by adding washing detergent in some water. The water can be warm or cold (depends upon the washing instructions of the pad). Avoid the use of bleach as it can cause skin irritation and allergies.
- Wash on a regular cycle if you are using a washing machine.
- You can also use odor eliminator to reduce the smell of ammonia.
- If there is any liquid in the pee pad, ring it out for some time before washing.
- It is highly recommended to air dry the washable potty pads in sunlight as it can help in countering smell.
Prevent Washable Potty Pads from Smelling
In addition to washing, you may require some extra effort to get excess odor out from these pee pads. For example, you must change and wash the potty pads of your dog regularly to control the smell. Similarly, the following methods can prove handy in keeping washable pads from smelling.
Baking Soda
Mix 1 cup of baking soda in 4 cups of hot water, and add this solution to some cool water. Soak the dirty pads in this mixture for 2-4 hours before washing.
Vinegar
In this technique, you will add a small quantity of vinegar (around 1 tablespoon) in the washing detergent. After that, wash the pee pads normally to remove the excess smell. If the odor is too strong, you may increase the amount of vinegar to about ½ cup.
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