When it comes to house-training a puppy or managing indoor potty needs for senior or apartment-dwelling dogs, two classic options often come up: pee pads and newspapers. Both serve the same basic purpose — offering your dog a designated spot to relieve themselves indoors — but they differ in cost, cleanliness, odor control, and training effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll compare pee pads and newspapers in detail to help you decide which option works better for your dog and your lifestyle.
When You Might Need Indoor Potty Options
Not all dogs can go outside for every potty break — and that’s okay.
Indoor potty solutions are useful for:
- Young puppies still learning to hold it
- Senior dogs with incontinence
- Small dogs that struggle in extreme weather
- Apartment dwellers with limited access to green spaces
- Dogs recovering from surgery or illness
- Owners with limited mobility or inconsistent schedules
Choosing the right material makes training easier and clean-up smoother.
What Are Pee Pads?
Pee pads are absorbent, disposable mats made specifically for dogs to urinate on indoors. They typically have:
- A waterproof bottom layer to protect floors
- An absorbent top layer that locks in moisture
- Some are scented or pheromone-treated to encourage use
- Available in disposable or reusable (washable) fabric versions
What About Newspapers?
Using old newspapers is a traditional, low-cost option for indoor potty training. Owners spread several layers on the floor to absorb urine and catch solid waste.
While it’s not designed specifically for dogs, many pet parents have used newspapers successfully — especially in the early stages of training.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Pee Pad vs. Newspaper
| Feature | Pee Pad 🟦 | Newspaper 📰 |
|---|---|---|
| Absorbency | High — designed to soak up urine | Low to medium — may leak through |
| Odor Control | Better — some have odor blockers | Minimal — may smell quickly |
| Clean-Up | Easy — toss and replace | Messier — multiple layers often needed |
| Cost | Higher — recurring expense | Free or very cheap |
| Availability | Pet stores, supermarkets | Any home with newspaper subscriptions |
| Attractiveness to Dogs | Often scented to encourage use | Neutral — may require training effort |
| Eco-Friendliness | Disposable = more waste | Recyclable/compostable |
| Training Support | Designed for potty training | Not designed for dogs, but usable |
| Floor Protection | Better waterproof barrier | Leaks more easily if not layered well |
| Durability | Holds up to a few uses | Gets soggy quickly |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pee Pad Pros:
- Highly absorbent
- Convenient and easy to dispose
- Odor control features
- Available in many sizes
- Pheromone-treated to speed up training
- Protect floors more reliably
❌ Pee Pad Cons:
- More expensive over time
- Can encourage long-term indoor potty habits
- Some dogs chew or shred them
- Environmental waste (unless using reusable pads)
✅ Newspaper Pros:
- Very inexpensive or free
- Easy to find in most homes
- Can be layered or adjusted
- Environmentally friendly (recyclable)
❌ Newspaper Cons:
- Poor odor control
- Leaks easily
- Messy clean-up
- Ink may transfer to paws
- Not always attractive to dogs (more accidents possible)
Which Is Better for Puppies?
Pee pads tend to be better for puppies because:
- They’re more absorbent during frequent potty breaks
- Many come with a scent that attracts dogs
- They support faster success during house training
However, some trainers recommend newspaper to avoid creating long-term reliance on pee pads — especially if the goal is outdoor training.
Which Is Better for Senior Dogs?
For aging dogs with health issues or incontinence:
- Pee pads offer better protection and odor control
- Reusable fabric pads are more comfortable and cost-effective long-term
- Non-slip backing is safer for dogs with mobility issues
Are Reusable Pee Pads a Good Alternative?
Yes! Reusable pads are:
- Machine washable
- Durable and eco-friendly
- Cheaper over time than disposable pads
- Great for both puppies and seniors
They’re ideal if you want a greener, budget-friendly option without sacrificing cleanliness.
Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Potty Habits
If you’re using pee pads or newspaper temporarily, here’s how to gradually transition to outdoor pottying:
- Move the pad or paper closer to the door over time
- Begin taking your dog out after meals, naps, and play
- Reward every successful outdoor potty with praise or treats
- Reduce the size or availability of indoor pads
- Be consistent — routines build reliability
Patience is key! Some dogs transition quickly, others need a few weeks.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
💡 Choose Pee Pads If You:
- Want better absorbency and odor control
- Are training a puppy indoors
- Have a senior or disabled dog
- Can budget for recurring purchases
- Prefer a cleaner, easier routine
💡 Choose Newspaper If You:
- Need a low-cost short-term option
- Don’t mind extra cleaning
- Are home often and can supervise closely
- Want an eco-friendly disposable solution
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You — and Your Dog
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pee pads vs. newspaper. The best option depends on your dog’s needs, your living situation, and your long-term goals. What matters most is that your dog has a consistent, sanitary place to relieve themselves — and that you’re both happy with the routine.
Whether you go with modern pads or old-school paper, your dog will appreciate your effort to keep things clean, calm, and comfortable.
