Can dogs use kitty litter?

Taking your dog outside several times a day to use the restroom is one of your dog’s most crucial responsibilities. This is viewed by many as a benefit of pet ownership because it forces you to go outside, stretch your legs, and take in some fresh air.

Hopefully most of you are already aware of how effective pee pads are at keeping your dog from soiling your house. But are litter boxes just for cats, or can dogs also use them?

In this article, we’ll decide whether or not getting your dog a litter box is a good idea.

IRIS Dog Pet Pad Holder

About: The IRIS Pet Pad Holder is designed to hold a pee pad securely with its double latch closure. The manufacturer recommends using this holder with IRIS Neat n’ Dry Pet Training Pads, but you could probably use any pee pads, as long as they are similar in size. Best Pee-Pad Holding Dog Litter Box

This is a sponsored post in which the advertiser has paid a fee to be included. Learn more.

Features:

Non-skid feet help keep the pad holder from sliding around your floor

High-polish finish is easy to clean

Available in Blue, Dark Gray, and Navy

Made in the USA

Size Options:

17″ L x 17″ W

23.5″ L x 17.5″ W

23″ L x 22″ W

35.5″ L x 23.5″ W

Many owners report the latching mechanism keeps pads in place as promised

Non-slip base keeps the holder in place

Enclosed design prevents pee pad from leaking on the floor

Like most other indoor potty systems, a number of dogs were disinclined to use the IRIS Pet Pad Holder

Some dogs treat the holder like a chew toy rather than a place to go to the bathroom

You have two basic choices if you determine that a pee pad holder is the ideal indoor dog litterbox option for your pet:

Disposable Pee Pads: These are super convenient to use — simply roll ’em up and discard them after they’ve been used once or twice. If you go this route, we like Amazon Basics Disposable Pee Pads. They’re well made, super affordable, and come in a litany of sizes.

Washable/Reusable Pee Pads: A more eco-friendly option, reusable pee pads are typically made from layered cotton or polyester, and they are typically available in a variety of cute colors and prints. When soiled, you’ll simply discard any solid waste and toss the pad in your washing machine. If you think reusable pee pads are right for your pet, we’re partial to rocket & rex Washable Pee Pads.

About: The DoggieLawn Disposable Dog Potty gives your dog a chance to tinkle on real grass and eliminates the need to clean the pad entirely: Simply discard the cardboard container and grass when you are ready to replace it. Natural grass often proves to be an effective option for dogs who have not liked other indoor options. Best Live Grass Dog Litter Box

This is a sponsored post in which the advertiser has paid a fee to be included. Learn more.

Features:

Urine and odors are absorbed by the grass and root system

DoggieLawn provides free customer training support during normal business hours

Typically requires replacement every one to three weeks, depending on use and weather

Made in the USA with grass grown in California

Size Options:

Mini (24″ L x 9″ W)

Standard (24″ L x 16″ W)

Medium (24″ L x 20″ W)

Large (24″ L x 24″ W)

X-Large (24″ L x 48″ W)

Most dogs appear happy to use real grass as a poop and pee spot

Eco-friendly nature is a selling point for some pet parents

Owners note that the grass stays lush ad green longer than expected

Some pups would rather tear at or eat the grass instead of potty

Several owners complained about the cost of the product (including the shipping – which often equals the cost of the grass).

Teaching Your Dog to Use an Indoor Potty

It’s important to remember that before your dog will consistently use an indoor potty, you may still need to teach him how to do so. Here are some methods that could make it simpler for Fido to enter.

Bring the outside in. Is there a particular plant that your dog likes to “go” on while outside? If possible, it may be helpful to bring this plant inside and place it on top of the indoor potty. It could be enough of a cue for your furry friend.

Place the potty near the door. If your pooch is used to going outside, placing the indoor potty near the door may make for an easier transition for Fido. You can also try bringing the indoor potty outside, have your dog go on the potty outside, and then move the potty inside.

Take your pooch on a “walk”. A potty trained pooch may not understand that he can go on the indoor dog potty. You could try leashing up your pooch and taking him on a walk around your home, only to stop for sniffing by the dog potty.

Praise your pooch! Whenever you do catch your dog using the indoor dog potty, be sure to reward with lots of praise and treats. There’s nothing like the power of positive association!

Try another texture. Some dogs may naturally take to one potty type over another. You may have to tinker with different potty styles before landing on the ideal solution for your furry friend.

Why Is Dog Litter Worth Considering?

An adult dog can hold his or her bladder for up to eight hours on average. Gore claims that at that point, concerns for your companion’s health and safety start to grow. As your dog ages or becomes ill, that period of time begins to shorten.

It might be a good idea—or even necessary—to give your dog access to an indoor toilet area because the average pet parent who works full-time is gone for up to eight hours at a time, she says. Additionally, it’s essential in cases of severe weather or when your dog is ill and cannot go outside.

Of course, if you anticipate being away from home for a long time, you can also pay someone to walk your dog, either regularly or just occasionally.

Read the labels carefully to decide what is best for you and your dog. Dog litter must be clearly labeled as nontoxic in order to be secure. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice a change in your dog’s behavior after they consume large amounts of anything. ).

When introducing this system and teaching their dog to use it, pet parents should take into account their dog’s propensity for eating, chewing, digging, and carrying dog litter pellets. It might be best to use another substrate as an indoor potty if your dog likes to chew or eat small objects.

It’s important to consider cleanup and the time commitment it will require when it comes to safety. Because the litter absorbs moisture, it’s crucial to regularly scoop and replace it. According to Dr. When you finish using it or as soon as you get home from work, Coates, you should clean the box.

FAQ

What cat litter is safe for dogs?

Silica or crystal cat litter: The components in these litters are safe for both people and animals.

Why can’t dogs use litter boxes?

The bottom line. Remember that unlike cats, dogs do not have the instincts to bury their waste and use a litter box. Despite the fact that many dog owners have success with litter box training, you should be aware of the possibility that some trained dogs may still occasionally have accidents in the future.

Is Kitty litter safe for dogs?

Additionally, if dogs consume large amounts of cat litter, it could be harmful to them. The good news is that most dogs would have to consume a significant amount of litter before it could result in a blockage. Keep an eye on your dog if he has consumed cat litter or clumping cat litter. If he has normal bowel movements, he’s probably fine.

What litter is best for dogs?

Paper pellets made from recycled newspapers, such as Secondnature dog litter, are the most popular type of dog litter. This type of dog litter works similarly to cat litter. The pellets, in line with Jessica Gore, an animal behaviorist and proprietor of Competent Pup, absorb moisture and cover up odors.