5 Best Indoor Dog Potty

I am sure you’ll agree with me when I say, an indoor dog potty has it’s place in the home whether you’re a new or veteran pet parent.

Using an indoor dog potty during the sometimes messy - and frustrating - potty training process before a pup officially 'graduates' to the 'outdoor bathroom' or if used regularly for a smaller dog, an indoor dog potty is a must-have, to avoid peeing in the house.

But, deciding which of the countless makes and models of dog potty choices is right for your dog can be difficult.

In this post, I am going to share 5 of best reviewed indoor dog potty products available, regardless of your budget.

Let's get started!

The 5 Best Indoor Dog Potty Reviews

This dog potty from Petmaker is one of the most popular such products available right now, and for some very good reasons. It is very easy to use, very easy to clean and is very reasonably priced.

The potty comprises three parts - a bottom base tray. a filter level, and a level of realistic looking artificial grass. Waste seeps through the grass, is filtered by the middle layer and then sinks to the base tray.

All three elements are lightweight and easy to clean. The grass layer is non toxic and safe for dogs and pet parents report that it masks strong urine smells well.

This indoor dog potty is easy to clean - best to clean it thoroughly with hot water and Clorox - which is one of my favorite features of any indoor potty potty. Pet parents said their pups took to using the potty very well.

Lastly, as this is a slightly smaller indoor dog potty than some, reviewers report it is best suited for small to medium sized pups, as there may simply not be enough room for a larger pup to maneuver himself into a comfortable position. 

You are looking at my favorite overall indoor dog potty! If you don't mind spending a little more and it is important to you that your pup feels as close to nature as possible when using the indoor dog potty, then the Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty with real grass may be the right choice for you.

The potty contains real, hydroponically grown grass and is a single use product.

Most pet parents who have tried it with their pup report that it lasts anywhere from a week to up to a month, depending upon the size of the dog making use of it and the frequency of use.

This potty is not designed to be cleaned, it is to be thrown away and replaced when it is no longer useful. Fresh Patch measures 16"x24" and is spacious enough for dogs up to 25 lbs. 

The grass has a pleasant smell - which is a favorite feature of mine, and the thick root layer is perfect for absorbing liquids and containing odors.

As it is a sealed unit, there are also very few leaks, and all the components are biodegradable (I love this key feature), so when the potty is disposed of it will do less damage to the environment.

Because it is designed for single use only, this product may be best for those who will only be using an indoor dog potty for a short time during housebreaking or for those who only need to make use of it occasionally. See what other pet parents are saying and check price on Amazon.

I love the simple look and design of this indoor dog potty.

Of all the products we will cover here, the Blyss Pets Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty is the least 'disguised'.

There is no artificial grass, instead it resembles a large cat tray, but with a perforated grate that allows urine to seep through to a potty pad set beneath it. 

The idea behind making use of this very lightweight indoor dog potty is that is prevents torn potty pads and also keeps your pups feet clean and dry.

As for affordability and ease of use, this indoor pee pod holder ticks both boxes. It can be utilized with standard potty pads, although using a few layers of newspaper - it just as efficient.

Importantly, most pups take to using this indoor dog potty well, even though there is no artificial grass to attract their attention.

You can clean the potty with hot water and Clorox bleach and reviewers report that it is very durable, with some having made use of it successfully for several months. 

This is a great, inexpensive choice for those pet parents who already make use of potty pads. It is also excellent for travel, as it is very lightweight and its lack of bulk makes it very easy to transport. For price and availability, visit this page on Amazon. 

I love the functionality of the Pet Loo. It has a container the urine drains into and can be emptied regularly. It features faux grass and can also be used outdoors, so this portable dog potty is ideal for apartments, when visiting yard-free friends, or when you're on long trips in the RV. 

There are three options to choose from (small, medium and large) so if you have a large dog, give this potty a go!

Keep the grass clean with bleach water to occasionally to keep smells away.

When your pup will eventually get on board and use the Pet Loo, you'll have a hard time keeping them away.  

If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive indoor pet potty for both indoor and outdoor use, this dog potty is perfect.

Another artificial grass product, this indoor dog potty is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and the grass pad is treated with a built in attractant that mimics the smell of real grass to help your pup understand where he is supposed to 'go'. 

The pad covers a leak resistant tray that those who have purchased the product say is easy to clean and very good at preventing leaks onto the floor beneath.

One of the things mentioned most often about this indoor dog potty is its durability, even when used regularly.

Some pet parents report that with regular simple cleaning using hot water and a mild detergent theirs has remained odor free and usable for months.

Many also like the fact that it can be purchased in a larger size than many similar products, making it suitable for use by larger dogs who need more room to move.

Indoor Dog Potty Usage and Buying Guide

The products I have covered happen to be some of our top picks, and many pet parents agree with these choices, but they are far from the only ones available. 

What suits some pups may not work for your furkid at all, so developing a good understanding of indoor dog potties, what they should be used for and what to look for in a good one will help you choose the one that is right for you and your pup. 

We've put together this short guide to help you do just that.

Why Use an Indoor Dog Potty?

Ideally, a pup would have easy access to an outdoor space to do his 'business', but that is not always the case. 

With many pet parents at work for much of the day it's unfair - and unreasonable to expect that any pup, however well house trained, can reasonably or comfortably avoid needing to relieve themselves for seven to eight hours at a time. 

A dog potty offers an alternative to forcing your pup to soil his crate of to make a mess some place in the home for you to have to clean up later.

An indoor dog potty can also be an excellent training tool for pups who are yet to be housebroken. Many pet parents use pee pads for this purpose, but while these are easy to scoop up and throw away when soiled they can also be messy when used, and are easy for a pup who likes to chew to destroy.

At the other end of the spectrum, an indoor dog potty can be useful if your pup is older and is beginning to slow down and experience mobility issues.

For them getting outside to pee can become more challenging, and they may begin to have 'accidents' in the home that they never have before.

By providing them with an indoor dog potty you can offer them an easier alternative to heading outside that will preserve their dignity, and the floors in your home.

For those who travel with their pup an indoor dog potty can also be very useful. While a growing number of hotels, motels and AirBnBs are advertised as 'pet friendly' and will allow pups to accompany their pet parents on vacation they have strict rules about cleanliness, and making use of a good indoor dog potty can help you avoid fines and extra charges for damaged carpeting, etc.

Finally, some people simply do not have access to a large yard for their pup to make use of to go to the bathroom, and their busy schedules may only allow for one trip to the local park a day.

An indoor dog potty can be placed on a small patio - the type that many urban apartments boast - to help keep the space neat, clean and pleasant for both humans and dogs to use.

Indoor Dog Potty: FAQ's

Now that you know what an indoor dog potty can be used for, and why buying one may be a great idea for your pup, let's look at some important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the right option for your pup.

Which size potty should I choose?

When you begin searching for just the right dog potty for your pup, it's very important that you pay close attention to the size, as one that is too small for use by him will be inefficient and so difficult to use that he may refuse to at all.

Most indoor dog potties are best suited for use by small to medium size dogs. This is, in part, because these are the pups most likely to need to make use of one.

Some smaller breed dogs don't like, or are not suited to, the kinds of long walks and runs that larger dogs enjoy (and, to be frank, need) and, as they spend more time relaxing and playing indoors than they do out outside, an indoor dog potty can be very convenient for both pup and pet parent.

There may be occasions, however, when a larger pup would benefit from access to an indoor dog potty. If, for example, you are at work all day, an indoor dog potty can save your pup the discomfort of trying to 'hold it' all day and your home from any unnecessary mess.

In this post, there are some indoor dog potties that are designed for use by an extra large dog, such as Pet Loo.

One thing to keep in mind, no matter how large or small your dog is, is that many pups like to do a 'bathroom dance' before they pee or poop.

Often you'll see dogs walking in circles, or turning around several times, in order to find just the 'right spot'. 

If that is a habit your pup has - and we're sure you know by now unless they are a very young puppy - then you will need to ensure that the indoor dog potty you choose offers enough room for them to 'dance' comfortably without tripping over the potty or accidentally missing their aim.

Grass or no grass?

Many of the dog potty products you will encounter mimic grass, as grass is normally where dogs are encouraged to do their business.

Some older dogs seem to take this cue quickly (more on that later) but for a puppy who is being housebroken the fact that the indoor potty looks like grass may not be something they quite understand yet.

Do you need grass, either real or artificial, to be a feature of the right potty choice for your pup?

That may be a matter of preference. In terms of appearance, if you are going to be using it on a porch or patio you may prefer the look, as it will blend better with your outdoor decor.

When used indoors the appearance of grass in a living room can be a little out of place, but in a mudroom it may look just right.

Some dogs prefer the grass under their feet though, and, as previously mentioned, it may help them associate the indoor potty as 'their' bathroom more quickly, especially if they are already used to using the bathroom in the great outdoors.

Ease of cleaning is another consideration. Some grass potty pads can be easily cleaned with a little soap and hot water, but those with 'longer blades' may take a little more effort and may be a little messier.

Some products, like the Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty we have chosen as one of our top picks, makes use of real grass. For some this may be the best alternative of all.

It will require no scrubbing or cleaning, it does not have to be disassembled, and it's possible that many pups will prefer the real thing over artificial turf.

On the downside however, real grass indoor dog potties are single use items and have to be replaced on a regular basis, which may prove more expensive and inconvenient than you might like if your pup makes use of an indoor dog potty often. 

It is also hard to find a real grass indoor dog potty suitable for larger dogs, although the manufacturers of the Fresh Patch Potty state that two can be used together with relatively good results with the purchase of an 'extra large' tray to hold them both.

Real grass or artificial grass?

You've decided that a grass indoor potty is likely the best choice for your pup. 

Now another question arises: real or artificial?

When they first began to become popular all 'grass' indoor potties made use of artificial grass. In recent years a growing number of products are incorporating real grass into their design instead.

This is not quite the same grass as you'll find in your yard, though it is hydroponically grown grass cultivated especially for the purpose of creating dog potties.

Hydroponically grown plants are grown without soil which means they can be grown more quickly and without pesticides. This means that if your pup eats the grass in his potty it is safe for him to do so.

Real grass indoor dog potties are only for short term use though, they need to be replaced often.

Artificial grass has a much longer lifespan, making it the more economical choice, and if cleaned properly perfectly hygienic and safe for use.

How is an indoor training pad constructed?

One of the biggest reasons some pet parents opt for an indoor dog potty over making use of traditional pee pads is that the latter can be so flimsy and easily destroyed.

Most pee pads will slip on a hard surface floor, and get tangled up on the fibers of a carpet or rug, and are rarely suited for successful outdoor use on a patio.

All of this means that often using pee pads are messy and frustrating.

When choosing the right dog training puppy pee pad look for one that is well-constructed and, once assembled, will be able to stand up to your pup, his size AND his chewing habits!

If your pup likes to chew, he may destroy a cardboard single use dog potty very quickly, before it reaches the end of its useful life and cause more of a mess than you bargained for. 

In this case a rigid, plastic option such as the Blyss Pets Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty we choose as one of my top picks is likely to be a better alternative.

There is also the issue of leakage.

The idea behind making use of an indoor potty in the first place is to minimize mess, so if the one you choose is so flimsy that it begins to leak onto the flooring with just regular use unfortunately you have made the wrong choice!

Finally, if you will be making use of the indoor dog potty on a patio or porch you will need to make sure it can stand up to the occasional rain shower without being damaged.

Which indoor potty training pad to choose for "ease of cleaning"?

No pet parent could genuinely say they enjoy cleaning up after their pup, but no matter where they use the bathroom it is a must. Making use of an indoor dog potty successfully means ensuring that it is kept as clean as possible, especially when it is used in areas where and odors would be quickly noticeable.

In terms of cleaning the easiest option is perhaps one that calls for very little cleaning at all.

Use a cleaner that contains enzymes. Enzymatic bacteria, like those found in Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.’s Professional Strength cleaner, help eliminate odors.

Cleaning War: Real Grass vs. Artificial Grass Potty

Real grass indoor dog potties are essentially just like your lawn outside. Poop will need to be picked up and disposed off immediately but urine will be absorbed into the grass and 'taken care off' by nature.

Their capacity to do so is limited however, and the grass is a living thing that will die off without care, so they do not last too long and can prove to be an expensive choice if used often.

Artificial grass indoor training dog potties can usually be cleaned by disassembling them and washing their various components by hand after urine and poop has been properly disposed off. This is more time consuming and can be messy, but it does allow the product to be used over and over again without the need for frequent replacement.

Winner: Real grass potty is easy to clean, but pricey in the long run. Artificial grass potty is a little more work but is economical!

Again, this will often come down to a matter of personal choice on the part of the pet parent. If you are looking for ease over everything else the real grass dog potty almost certainly provides that but it is not maintenance free and the replacement costs can add up very quickly.

What is a pup looking for in an indoor training potty?

The hardest part of choosing the right indoor dog potty for the first time is that you, as a pet parent, won't really know how your pup will react to using it.

Some dogs take to artificial grass and plastic dog potties very easily, while others will refuse to use them at all.

Real grass may be an easier 'sell' to more dogs BUT that's not always the case!

This is where you may have to be prepared for a little trial and error. Therefore you have to be willing to face the fact that you may have to try several indoor dog potty products before you find the one your pup will prefer.

Because of their nature these are not things that can be returned once used, so it may be best not to spend too much on your first dog potty until you know just how your pup will react to being asked to use one.

How much does an indoor potty for dogs cost?

Cost is almost always a factor in most things you buy, and is no doubt something you will take into consideration when looking for the right indoor potty for dogs. Many of them retail for around the same price - you can expect to pay between $20 and $40 - but you may have to factor in other costs to your comparisons.

If, for example, the potty you are considering has to be used with training pads to function properly you should factor in the cost of those. You should also consider how frequently the potty itself will need to be replaced to figure out just how good the return on your investment will be.

How to train your dog to use an indoor dog potty?

If you are making use of an indoor dog potty as a part of the housebreaking process for a puppy it is as easy to use as the pads that many people have used for years (which isn't always easy of course, but you get the point!).

Housebreaking takes time, effort and patience, but the vast majority of pet parents are more than aware of that fact before they bring their new fur bundle of joy home.

When it comes to indoor dog potties it can be more of a challenge to teach an older, already housebroken dog to make use of one properly.

A housebroken dog is used to the fact that outside is where they are supposed to go when they need to pee or poop, and that doing so inside is very likely to get them into trouble, so the idea that suddenly it is okay to do so is one that can be very hard, and even downright confusing, for them to understand.

The real key to successfully teaching your pup that it is okay to use the bathroom indoors, but only in a certain designated spot - the indoor dog potty - is to stop thinking like a human and start to think more like she does.

The concept of indoors and outdoors is a very human one. In your pup's world she has a 'den', the place where she eats and sleeps and spends her time with her human family, and if she is well trained would never consider soiling that den by pooping or peeing there.

This is why it is important to place the dog potty outside this den, either in another room, or if that is not possible then at least as far away from the 'den' as you can.

When introducing the potty, wait until your pup gives their usual signal for needing to go outside. When they do, instead of opening the door or reaching for their leash in the way she's used to, lead her to the dog potty instead and encourage her to pee there. This is likely to be confusing at first and she will probably resist.

Be patient and persistent, and when she does get the message and uses the potty praise her and make sure she understands that this was a good, not a bad thing.

Eventually most pups learn that this potty is an extension of their usual 'outside' and will use it properly while still understanding that the living room carpet is only for walking and lying on, and never for peeing on.

Chewy has put together a really useful video of using potty pads with tips and tricks you can incorporate in your housebreaking process.

Is it really okay to use an indoor dog potty?

As I mentioned right at the start of this piece, there is little doubt that the ideal place for your pup to use the bathroom is outside. If that works for you - and your pup - at all times, then it is not a routine you should break.

All healthy dogs benefit from time outside - as do humans - even if they are not too fond of walking too far.

As I have covered at length here though, there are situations in which the use of an indoor dog potty is perfectly acceptable.

If you will be gone for long periods during the day expecting your pup to 'wait' until you get home can cause discomfort, and in some cases even lead to conditions like UTIs.

As long as it is used properly, and kept clean, then using an indoor dog potty when needed is fine!

Final Word on Indoor Pet Toilets

As they are a relatively new concept, using an indoor dog potty can be quite an experience for both pup and pet parent. Taking the time to find the right product for your pup will make the whole thing far easier and more successful. 

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I  hope that the information here has helped you understand more and that it will indeed be helpful as you shop for the right product for both of you. Either way, we’d love to hear your comments, questions or suggestions down below.

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