When you think about litter boxes, you usually think about cats. However, there are dog litter boxes that you can use to help you potty train your pooch. We’ve rounded up some of the best litter boxes for Pugs if you’re trying to indoor potty train your dog.
What Is The Best Litter Box For A Pug?
The best indoor dog toilet is one that makes it simple for your pooch to use so they don’t pee or poop in your home.
It’s most importantly your pup’s litter box should absorb bad odors, especially, since they are meant to be used indoors.
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Different Types Of Litter Boxes For Dogs
Canine litter boxes come in many different forms from synthetic grass, plastic crates, pee pads, and etc.
Every litter box has it’s disadvantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know which type will work with your dog.
The most important thing to remember is to get one that is big enough for your dog to move around and do their business.
If you’re trying to indoor potty train your Pug, you need to have patience as it will take time to get them to use the indoor toilet. Check out this resource on potty training Pugs to help you get started, regardless of the age of your pup.
Below are the different types of puppy litter boxes you can choose from and the benefits of each.
Pee Pad Holders
Dog pee pads aka potty pads are square or rectangular in shape and are constructed from an absorbent material designed to soak up your pup’s mess.
Pee pads are usually used for short-term periods because they are essentially a soft fabric that can tear easily from your dog’s claws.
This can be a great way to potty train your puppy to prevent accidents from happening. If you do use this as a long-term solution, you will want to dispose and replace the pee pad at least 2-4 times weekly, which can become quite expensive after a while.
Conventional Litter Boxes
This litter box is similar to a cat litter box that has high walls to prevent spillage. You will layer the bottom with pee pads, odor-absorbing granules or recycled paper to help keep it clean.
The conventional litter box is simple is an inexpensive method to indoor potty train your Pug.
Plastic Grate & Mesh
This litter box differs from a conventional litter box in that the box has a plastic grate or mesh that sits on top of the box.
You will want to line the bottom of the box with an odor-absorbant material or paper, as the pee will slip through the grates. The stool will remain on top, which makes it easy to clean.
Real Grass Boxes
Dogs love doing their business on the grass and this is what makes this litter box so easy to use. This consists of placing a square dimension of real grass inside of a box, and Fido just does his/her business as if they were outside in the yard.
This is usually the most expensive option to use, however, it can be one of the easiest ways to train a puppy to pee on the grass. It can also be a great way to get a picky dog to stop peeing inside if they don’t like the other types of litter boxes.
Synthetic Grass Boxes
This type of litter box tries to recreate a familiar space your dog is used to doing their business, however, without the real grass.
Your dog will do their business on a sheet of synthetic or fake grass that is either placed directly on the floor or into a holder.
If your dog has been using the bathroom outdoors, this type of litter box may make it easier to train your pooch.
Who Should Consider A Pug Litter Box?
Most people tend to believe that people who use indoor dog toilets are too lazy to take their dogs outside or too cheap to hire a pet sitter.
While indoor potties may not make sense if you own a home. After all, you can just install a pet door and give your dog access to the backyard.
However, the following situations may require you to train your dog to use the potty indoors:
Limited Outdoor Access
More and more people are living in the city and even though apartments may be pet-friendly, they may not have access to an outdoor space. In larger cities, people are opting for high rise condos and sprawling apartments which make it challenging to let your dog pee or poop outside.
Older Pugs That Can’t “Hold It”
As your Pug gets older, they’ll have a difficult time holding their bladder for too long. Indoor litter boxes can be a great option for dogs that do not have access to a pet door or someone who can take them out every 30-45 minutes.
Phobia of Inclement Weather
If you live in an area where it’s too hot, cold, or extreme thunderstorms, a litter box is a safe place where your dog can pee and poop without having to go outside in the extreme elements.
Dog Parents Working Long Hours
While you NEVER want to leave your dog home for more than 8-10 hours per day, sometimes it is unavoidable. An indoor potty can help your dog relieve themselves when you can’t make it home in time to take them outside.
Pug Puppies Being House Broken
If you’ve just rescued or adopted a new puppy that has not yet learned proper etiquette, a dog litter box can be an effective tool to properly toilet train them to use the bathroom indoor or outdoor.
Dog Owners With Limited Mobility
Indoor litter boxes can make it a lot easier for people with limited mobility, seniors, or someone who is recovering from surgery. While a litter box won’t replace taking your Pug outside to exercise, it can be a convenient way to let them relieve themselves using an indoor toilet.
Pug Dogs With Special Needs
An indoor potty system can be great for Pugs that have some type of physical disability, behavioral issues, or chronic medical conditions. Your veterinarian may recommend a short-term or long-term indoor potty system to help reduce stress.
Pugs That Are Recovering From An Injury or Illness
How Often Should An Indoor Dog Bathroom Be Cleaned?
The most important aspects of owning an indoor canine litter box is the proper cleaning and sanitation. Dog feces and urine contains bacteria and microorganisms.
If not properly maintained, it can cause your home to wreak, and may even you and Fido to become ill.
The litter box should be cleaned at least once per day, preferably in the morning. If it’s possible, it’s best to clean it whenever your dog uses the bathroom. If you can’t clean it, you may want to use an odor remover to help keep your home smelling clean.
Dispose of any newspaper, peepads or material you used to line the container. You can flush your dog’s stool in your home’s toilet bowl.
Wash the litter box out with soap and water. Never use any harsh cleaning materials that contain harsh chemicals.
5 Of The Best Litter Boxes For Pugs
#1 Artificial Grass Portable Potty Trainer For Small Pets
Artificial grass for making pet training easier. Perfect for pet owners that live in apartments, have small yards or are just trying to train your Pug to use the bathroom outdoors.
The PetMaker Artificial Potty Mat is perfect for indoors and outdoor. It has a three-layer system that makes it easy to clean and control odors in your home.
Pros
- 3 Piece system: This consists of the bottom tray, detachable grid, and the synthetic grass.
- Small enough to fit in any room in your home.
- Great for apartments that do not have access to yards.
- Easy To Clean: Just rinse all three layers with water.
- Dimensions: 20 x 25 x 1.25 Inches.
Cons
- The synthetic grass will smell bad if it is not cleaned often enough.
#2 Prevue Pet Products Bathroom Turf
Prevue Pet Products offers a convenient and portable way to train your Pug to use the bathroom outdoors or indoors. Extremely easy to clean and it protects your floors from damage.
The Prevue Hendryx Tinkle Turf is available in several different sizes, which makes it perfect for all dogs regardless of breed and size. This portable dog potty system makes it easy to set up in any room in your home.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Sizes: It comes in small, medium, or large sizes.
- Synthetic turf makes it easy to potty train your pooch.
- Odor control: The anti-microbial helps prevent odors from leaking.
Cons
- Cost: Some people have complained that it is quite expensive for fake turf.
#3 Blyss Pets Klean Paws Indoor Potty For Dogs
Blyss Pets Klean Paws is perfect for training your pet to use the bathroom indoors or outdoors. Throw away the puppy pads and see how this portable trainer keeps your floors clean and...
The indoor potty by Blyss offers a simple grass-free option. It’s easy to use and helps keep your floors clean. It can is perfect for small dogs, puppies, and cats.
It is one of the most recommended grate litter boxes on the market because it is made of high-quality polypropylene and PVC for enhanced durability.
Pros
- Keeps your paws dry so they don’t make a mess.
- Easy to clean.
- Grate system snaps in place to prevent puppies from chewing the pee pads.
- Measures 21 x 15 x 1.25 inches.
- Built with solid construction to make it last.
- Ideal size for small dogs and puppies.
Cons
- If your pooch has diarrhea, it will get wedged in the grates making it harder to clean.
#4 Downtown Pet Supply Doggie Artificial Grass Turf Indoor Potty
The Downtown artificial grass portable potty is perfect for training your pup or older dog to use the bathroom outdoors. It is treated with anti-microbial odor control and...
The Downtown Pet Supply portable potty trainer is lightweight and easy to use. The synthetic grass makes it easier for your dog to take care of their business.
Pros
- Complete System: It can be purchased as a complete indoor potty system or just a replacement tray.
- Synthetic Grass: It mimics real grass to bring out the natural instincts in your pooch.
- Multi-Use: This potty system can be used both indoors or outdoors, which makes it weatherproof to the elements.
- Easy To Clean: Pull out the tray and wash and replace it.
- Anti-Microbial odor control
- Gridded Design: The ridges make it easy to collect the pee into the tray.
Cons
- Turf Drainage: The drainage on the turf doesn’t work properly, so the pee sometimes sits on top and can cause the potty system to smell.
#5 Porch Potty Grass Area With Sprinklers
The Porch Potty Grass provides your Pug a place to take care of business. The synthetic grass washes up easily with water. Your dog will love the amount of space they get to go potty.
The Porch Potty Premium potty system with sprinklers is perfect for male Pugs that like lifting their leg to pee on objects. The pop-up water jets make it easy to clean the grass after use.
Recommended for outdoor use only. Perfect for Pug owners who have a small yard, but not enough grass.
Pros
- Synthetic Grass: To help make your dog want to take care of its business.
- Scented Fire Hydrant: Perfect for dogs that like to mark their territory.
- Sprinkler Rinse System: Just pick up your dog’s stool waste and turn on the sprinkler system to clean.
- Drain Hose: Comes with a 14-foot drain hose that makes it easy to drain in a rain gutter or floor drain.
- Dimensions: 26 x 50 x 7 with 8 square feet of synthetic grass area.
Cons
- Outdoor Use Only
- Sprinkler system does not cover all the grass area, so you will still have to rinse it off manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pugs Difficult To House Train?
Most dogs are easy to house train. As long as you stay consistent with your training routine, you should have no problem teaching your pooch home etiquette. I’ve put together a Pug house training guide to help make it as easy as possible for you.
Can You Train A Pug To Use A Litter Box?
Yes, with patience and instilling a regular routine, you can train your dog to use a litter box.
Final Word On Pug Litter Box
Indoor litter boxes can be a convenient way to keep your dog from messing up your home. However, they do not replace the need to take your dog outside on a daily basis.
Just like humans, dogs need to get their vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, and stretch their legs. Without proper exercise and exposure to the sun, your dog will not only become depressed but can suffer from other health issues.
We’ve reviewed some of the top litter boxes that can work great for this small breed. As mentioned above, you need to be patient when training your pup to use one for the first time.
References And Further Reading
PetButler – Is Pet Waste Harmful To Humans? Diseases From Dog Poop
PetMD – Is Dog Litter A Thing?