Are you a new dog owner who is confused about selecting the best indoor dog toilet solution for your new pet? Dog toilet training is one of the main challenges that new dog owners face. The good news is that there are great indoor dog toilet solutions available in the market to make the process of toilet training your dog easier.
There were very few dog indoor toilet options available in the market years ago. However; today there has been a development in the dog toilet industry, resulting in the numerous dog toilet options for dog owners to choose from. Indoor dog toilets come in different sizes and in different designs to suit the needs of different dogs.
Some got toilets are designed to look like grass and some are even made of real grass to make the dog think he is outside. Some dogs may not fall for the disguise thus dog owners can use scents, treats, and persistent operant conditioning during dog toilet training.
Factors to Consider when Buying Indoor Dog Toilet
When shopping for an indoor dog toilet, there are several factors that you need to consider.
Cost
Cost is one of the factors that you need to consider. Dog toilets vary in prices depending with the features that the toilet offers. Fresh grass dog toilets tend to be expensive than other types of dog indoor toilets. It is important for you to select the best dog indoor toilet that suits your budget. When considering cost, remember to factor in the overall cost of the potty over time including supplies needed.
Find an Option that Works for your Dog
Fake grass dog toilet system may be effective for your friend’s dog but your dog may not be comfortable with the fake grass toilet system. It is important for you to try a few different dog toilet systems to find the option that best works for your dog.
Maintenance
It is important for you to consider the kind of maintenance that the dog toilet needs to keep off odors. Some dog indoor toilets are self-cleaning while others need you to collect and discard the solid waste. There are some dog toilet that requires more frequent change and cleaning than others. Put into consideration the frequency of cleanup required.
Size
Some indoor toilet solutions for dogs are intended for small dog breeds and cannot be effective for larger dog breeds. It is necessary to consider the size of your dog so as to select the dog toilet that best suits your dog’s needs. You also need to consider the size of the space that you intend to place the dog indoor toilet. Ensure that the dog toilet you select can fit well on the designated space for the dog indoor toilet.
Types of Indoor Dog Toilets
There are different types of indoor dog toilets available in the market. It is important for you to understand the different types of dog toilets so as to make it easier for you to select and identify the best dog indoor toilet that suits your needs. Here are the different types of dog toilets.
Real Grass Toilets
The real grass toilet features grass lawn that comes in a cardboard container. It has a root system that is capable of soaking up urine and absorbing odors. The toilet does not require cleaning; you only need to remove any solid waste from the grass. When the toilet is full, you will need to throw out the cardboard container and replace it with a new one. The real grass dog toilet can last from one to three weeks, depending on the size of your dog and the amount of use. You will need to buy a new one, which can be expensive over a long period of time.
Fake Grass Dog Toilet
Fake grass dog toilet resembles the real grass toilet only that the grass is not real and the dog cannot dig. The fake grass toilet can be problematic for dogs that love to dig. Fake grass toilets for dogs come with different features to meet the needs of different dog owners. Some toilets can have a Wee Sponge powder to trap smells and helping to keep the potty odor-free. The Wee Sponge powder converts urine into gel, making it easily disposal.
There are fake dog toilets that have a three-layer system, all sitting in a plastic tray. It can have a layer containing an odor-resistant, antimicrobial mat rests on top of the plastic insert, allowing liquid to drain down into the durable collection tray. Most fake grass toilets are easy to clean and maintain.
Indoor Dog Patch
If you don’t want the real or fake grass toilet, you can opt for an indoor dog toilet patch. It features a perforated grate that fits onto a plastic box. You can place training pads or newspaper in the box, and let your dog pees on the grate. Urine runs through the grate onto the pads beneath. The dog patch keeps your dog’s paws dry. To clean the patch, you can remove the crate and change the material beneath, and rinse out the tray. The only drawback of this dog toilet is that some dogs may not like the feeling of the grate beneath their paws.
Self-Cleaning, Automatic Indoor Dog Toilet
If you have a large budget, you can invest in a self-cleaning automatic indoor dog toilet system. The system is designed for dogs and puppies that weigh less than 25 pounds and that have been trained to use pads. The machine requires a roll of absorbent pad that automatically advances one to three times per day. It has a smart sensor that prevents the machine from starting if the dog is on the pad. The pad ensures that the dog pees on the pad, and the machine then automatically moves the pad, replacing it with a clean section. The dirty padding is sealed at one end of the machine, to make it easy and quick to dispose.
Top 10 Best Indoor Dog Toilets
We have identified some of the most reliable, durable and effective indoor dog toilets in the market. To make it easier for you to identify the best indoor dog toilet for your dog; we have provided you with reviews of some of the most reliable dog toilets. Here are the reviews for the best indoor dog toilets.
#1) PetSafe Pet Loo Pet Toilet
The Pet Loo Pet Toilet is portable indoor dog toilet that features a plastic box with a synthetic grass pad on top to let liquid soak through to the waste container below. The waste container holds up to 2 liters of liquid and can be emptied into your yard or toilet for easy disposal.
You can get an optional powder formula that you can sprinkle at the bottom of the container to absorb liquid and odors. When cleaning the toilet, use warm water to cleanse extra waste every day and astringent spray cleanser or a homemade vinegar spray 1-2 times per week to eliminate odor. The dog toilet is ideal for small to medium sized dog breeds.
Pros
- The dog toilet has a waste container that can hold up to 2 liters of liquid.
- It is a portable dog toilet that is easy to store and carry.
- The toilet comes with a synthetic grass pad on top to let liquid soak through to the waste container below.
- Dog owners can get an optional powder formula and sprinkle it at the bottom of the container to absorb liquid and odors for easy maintenance.
- It is a great dog toilet for small to medium sized dog breeds.
Cons
- The waste container is not sturdy enough for heavier dogs.
#2) Ollieroo Puppy Dog Potty Training Patch
The Ollieroo Puppy Dog Potty Training Patch is a reliable dog indoor toilet for dog owners who need a toilet that will save their floors and carpeting from spills and odor. It is a three-layer training patch that features a top layer of synthetic grass, an absorbent porous middle layer, and a hard plastic bottom that collects and holds the urine.
The dog toilet is very easy to clean with regular soap and water. It is recommended you empty the toilet 1-2 days. The toilet is small, compact and easy to move around and store. It is advisable to clean the toilet with soap and water once or twice each week to prevent odors.
Pros
- It is a small and compact dog indoor toilet that is easy to move around.
- The dog toilet features a top layer of synthetic grass that allows urine to quickly pass to avoid the dog’s paws from being soaked.
- It has an absorbent porous middle layer that absorbs liquid waste and odor.
- The toilet comes with a hard plastic bottom that collects and holds the urine to save your floors and carpeting from stains and odor.
- It is very easy to clean using regular soap and water.
Cons
- Urine spillage is highly likely when the plastic bottom is fully filled.
- It may not be sturdy enough for larger dog breeds.
#3) Doggy Lawn Disposable Potty with Fresh Grass
The Doggy Lawn Disposable Potty with Fresh Grass is a great dog toilet solution. It features a cardboard container that you can throw out when it’s full and replace it with a new one. The dog toilet is made of real grass. It is a great choice for dogs that love real grass. The company consults with you, in case you need them to help you train your dog to use the toilet.
The dog toilet comes with a complex root system that absorbs urine and odors. You will need replacement after one to three weeks of use depending on the how much your dog uses it. A standard toilet is usable for dogs up to 25 pounds according to the manufactures.
Pros
- The dog toilet is made of real grass, making it ideal for dogs that love real grass.
- You will only need replacement after one to three weeks of use depending on the how much your dog uses it.
- It is very easy to use and maintain.
- The dog indoor toilet is great for dogs that love to dig since it is real grass.
Cons
- It is an expensive indoor dog toilet.
#4) The Pet Park
The Pet Park a reliable dog indoor toilet that offers dog owners a more hygienic method for toilet training their dogs than other indoor toilet methods. It is designed to resemble a patch of grass. The dog toilet is fitted with faux grass over a tray to collect urine below the “grass” in a plastic tray that can easily be washed.
The dog toilet does not allow urine to soak through to the floor; it provides your dog with a more natural “toilet” environment. The faux grass is on top of the toilet area to quickly drain urine to create a dry surface and prevents your dog’s paws from becoming soaked. It is very easy to clean a can hold up to 1 gallon of water.
Pros
- The dog toilet has a tray that collects urine and is capable of holding up to 1 gallon of water.
- It is made of is fitted with faux grass which quickly drain urine to create a dry surface and prevents your dog’s paws from becoming soaked.
- The dog indoor toilet provides you with a more hygienic method for toilet training your dogs than other indoor toilet methods.
- It does not let urine soak through to the floor thus preventing odor and staining of carpeting.
Cons
- There are higher chances of urine spilling when you are emptying and cleaning if it gets too full.
- The faux grass can encourage digging in dogs.
#5) Pet Loo Pet Toilet
The Pet Loo Pet Toilet is a great indoor toilet system for medium and large dogs. It is available in 3 sizes to let you select the size that best suits your dog. The pet toilet features a tray with a top layer of synthetic grass and a unique collection tray on the bottom to collect urine. The collection tray is shaped in a way to allow urine to be directed to a smaller collection bin referred to as the “Pee Pod.”
The Pee Pod what is removed and emptied. The Pod and the tray can be rinsed with water that has baking soda or white vinegar to help diffuse urine odors. The synthetic grass is not high quality but you can use alternative grasses such as Pet Zen or replacement grass pads if you are concerned about the quality of the faux grass.
The dog toilet can also be used with Wee Sponge Powder. You can place the Wee Sponge Powder on the Pee Pod to turns urine into a gel that traps odors for easy disposal.
Pros
- It is easy to clean and maintain the pet toilet.
- The toilet is ideal for medium and large dogs.
- It has a tray with a top layer of synthetic grass and a unique collection tray on the bottom to collect urine to prevent staining of floors and carpeting.
- The dog indoor toilet has a smaller collection bin referred to as the “Pee Pod where you can place the Wee Sponge Powder on the Pee Pod to turns urine into a gel that traps odors for easy disposal.
- It comes in three sizes to ensure that you get a dog toilet that best suits your dog.
Cons
- The synthetic grass used to make the dog toilet is poor quality.
#6) PAW Puppy Potty Trainer
The Paw Puppy PottyPaw Puppy Indoor Potty is a great dog toilet for puppies or small dogs. The dog indoor toilet includes a three-layer system that includes an artificial grass layer that is non-toxic and odor-resistant, a plastic drain and a base that collects the urine. It is very easy to wash the toilet system since all parts are washable with soap and water.
The dog toilet is available in small and medium sizes. Both sizes are ideal for small dogs of both genders. Dog owners can buy a double small pack or a double medium pack which provides you with value for your money.
Pros
- It comes in small and medium sizes which are ideal for small dogs of both genders.
- The dog toilet is very easy to wash since all parts are washable with soap and water.
- It features an artificial grass layer that is non-toxic and odor-resistant.
- The toilet has a plastic drain and a base that collects the urine to prevent staining of floors.
- It is a great indoor dog toilet for puppies or small dogs.
Cons
- It is easy to spill urine when you are emptying and cleaning if it gets too full.
#7) Easy To Clean Porch Potty
Easy To Clean Porch Potty is a large dog toilet that is 2 x 4 feet. It features a high quality resin frame surrounding to ensure durability and reliability. Dog owners can choose either a fresh grass patch or a high quality artificial grass patch that resembles and feels like real grass.
The dog indoor toilet lets you install a drain hose or drain container and use a manual rinse or the Porch Potty sprinkler system for easy cleaning and maintenance. The innovative design enables easy and quick drainage to a container stored under the Porch Potty or to a drain hose. The dog toilet is ideal for dogs from 5 to 120 lbs.
Pros
- The dog indoor toilet allows you to choose either a fresh grass patch or a high quality artificial grass patch that resembles and feels like real grass.
- It has a high quality resin frame surrounding to ensure strength and durability.
- Dog owners can install a drain hose or drain container and use a manual rinse or the Porch Potty sprinkler system for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- It is ideal for dogs from 5 to 120 lbs and can therefore be used by both small and large dogs.
Cons
- The grass can encourage digging.
#8) Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty
Klean Paws Indoor Dog Potty is a grated pet toilet that resembles the types of flooring seen in pet stores. The dog toilet keeps your dog’s paws clean by allowing pee to drop through the holes in the grid. It is very easy to clean but you can make it even easier to clean by placing puppy pad inside.
The indoor dog toilet combines the idea of having a tray underneath the toilet to collect urine with a grate on top of the tray to allow the urine to drain from the top surface so the dog does not get wet. You can place pads inside the tray to absorb urine or just use a tray to hold urine until it can be emptied.
Pros
- The dog toilet is very easy to clean and use.
- It has a tray underneath the toilet to collect urine with a grate on top of the tray to allow the urine to drain from the top surface so the dog does not get wet.
- The toilet is made of quality material to ensure durability.
Cons
- The grates on the dog toilet don’t allow for feces to fall through the grates.
- It can be expensive to maintain.
- Urine can easily spill when the collecting tray is full.
- The grates can feel uncomfortable on dog’s paws and may deter some dogs from using the toilet.
#9) Shake Dog Potty
The Shake Dog Potty is an ultra-portable dog indoor toilet that has a sleek design which is made to fold up when not in use. When open, each side has plastic grates to keep the dog’s feet clean and dry. Dog owners can place newspaper or puppy pads beneath the grates for improved absorption of liquid waste.
The dog toilet is made using quality material that is treated to prevent stains, odors, and bacterial growth. It is a highly durable dog toilet that has a handle that makes it easy to carry. The indoor dog toilet is ideal for small to medium sized dogs that weigh up to 40 pounds.
Pros
- It has a handle that makes it easy to store and carry.
- The dog toilet has plastic grates to keep the dog’s feet clean and dry.
- Dog owners can use newspaper or puppy pads beneath the grates for improved absorption of liquid waste.
- It is made using quality material that is treated to prevent stains, odors, and bacterial growth to ensure the safety of your dog.
- The dog indoor toilet is easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- It can only be used by small and medium sized dogs.
#10) PuppyGoHere Indoor Training System
PuppyGoHere Indoor Training System is a reliable indoor toilet training system for small dog breeds that love to dig. The dog toilet resembles a large litter box tray filled with litter. Litter box is more popular among cat owners but it can also be ideal for puppies and small dog breeds.
It is an affordable dog indoor toilet option that is readily available and has a wide variety to choose from. The supplies needed for this dog toilet are easy to get and affordable. The dog indoor toilet eliminates the potential for spilling liquid waste since the litter absorbs it. It is ideal for both liquid and solid waste.
Pros
- The dog toilet absorbs both liquid and solid waste.
- It is a reliable indoor toilet training system for small dog breeds that love to dig.
- The toilet is affordable and has a wide variety to choose from.
- It eliminates the potential for spilling liquid waste since the litter absorbs.
Cons
- Large dog breeds cannot be able to use the dog toilet.
- It can be messy and you cannot be able to control the odor.
Conclusion
Toilet training your dog can be challenging but with consistence and the best indoor dog toilet; you can be able to successfully train your dog to use the dog toilet. The maintenance of the dog toilet is very important. Select the best indoor dog toilet that you can effectively clean and sanitize to prevent odor. Any of the dog toilets we have reviewed would make a great selection for dog owners looking for reliable indoor dog toilets.
Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
