Hello, dog lovers!
When you welcome a dog into your family, a litter box is a necessity. But if you keep your dog indoors, you'll need one inside the house, right?
Instead of just laying a litter box sheet directly on your dog's toilet, a litter tray can be very convenient, making cleaning easier and preventing it from slipping.
Today, we're bringing you a column focusing on litter box trays!
Toilet trays come in a variety of sizes and types, so it can be difficult to decide which one to choose.
Also, if you're already using a toilet tray but are concerned about spillage...or perhaps the toilet tray isn't right for your dog!
Let's start by looking at what a toilet tray is!
What is a toilet tray?
A dog's toilet consists of two parts: a "toilet tray" and a "toilet sheet."
The toilet sheet is a mat-like structure that absorbs urine and other waste. It makes it easy to check the color and condition of the waste, allowing you to understand your dog's health.
The toilet tray keeps the toilet sheet in place.
Without a toilet tray, the toilet sheet may slip and spill out.
Using a litter tray can also help your dog learn where the litter box is quickly!
When keeping your dog indoors, helping it recognize the correct litter box location can help prevent it from getting dirty on floors and carpets.
Some people may think that a litter box is unnecessary because they only use it when going for walks, but training your dog to use the litter box indoors can help them live comfortably even when you're sick and can't take them for walks, in bad weather, or during evacuation due to a disaster.
How to Choose a Toilet Tray
Here are three things to consider when choosing a litter tray!
If your dog is having trouble learning to use the toilet, consider your litter box selection!
1. Safety
Since litter trays are used every day, safety is a key consideration to avoid accidents and injuries! Let's take a look at some important points to keep in mind!
- Avoid swallowing toilet paper sheets
Puppies, in particular, are mischievous and may chew and tear the sheets. Since there's a chance they might scratch and swallow the toilet paper, it's a good idea to choose a toilet tray with a mesh.
However, you should also pay attention to the size of the mesh. If the mesh is too coarse, your dog's claws may get caught and cause injury. Since you can use it after potty training is complete, it's a good idea to choose one with a fine mesh.
- Does the tray have a non-slip surface?
If a puppy jumps into the toilet tray, or if a boy lifts one leg to pee and slips, he may get injured. Therefore, choosing a toilet tray with a non-slip surface on the bottom can prevent your dog from falling and getting injured!
- Are there any fragile parts?
For example, a toilet tray attached to a wall can cause your dog to lean against the wall and hit itself, or get its limbs caught. Therefore, you need to make sure that the litter tray is sturdy enough to withstand a certain amount of weight. Also, dogs may bite into it and injure themselves, or parts may come off and be swallowed, so make sure there are no loose parts and that the litter tray is made of sturdy materials.
2. Shape
The shape of the litter tray will vary depending on your dog's size, age, gender, and other factors.
- Size
Dogs have a habit of fidgeting and moving back and forth when they defecate. Therefore, a certain size is necessary. Therefore, it is best to choose a size that fits your dog's body. If it is too small, it may spill over.
Generally, a toilet tray that is two to three times the size of your dog is ideal. However, you should also take into consideration the length of their legs and body. Even for small dogs with long legs like miniature pinschers or long bodies like miniature dachshunds, their bodies may spill over. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a toilet tray that is one size larger than a small dog's!
Also, some dogs may become unable to use the toilet if the toilet tray changes. Therefore, if you need to change the size as your dog grows, it's a good idea to buy the size you'll need from the beginning!
- Tray Shape and Steps
Toilet trays come in a variety of styles, including flat, walled, and mesh. Be sure to choose one that's right for your dog!
For example, male dogs lift one leg to urinate, so an L-shaped toilet tray, a toilet tray with a pole, or a toilet tray with a fenced area would be best.
Also, for older dogs, their legs are weaker and they may trip over small steps, so a toilet tray with a low entrance and a material that is gentle on their feet is recommended.
A toilet tray with a fenced area, with a raised edge, makes it easier for them to remember that this is the toilet, so it's recommended for puppies still in the process of being trained.
3. Ease of Use
You'll want to consider whether the litter box is easy to care for and use.
- Ease of Care
Dogs are much more tidy than humans realize. If the litter box is dirty, they'll relieve themselves elsewhere, so cleaning is very important. Since cleaning is something you do every day, choose something that's easy to clean.
The easiest way to maintain a litter tray is to lay a litter sheet directly on a flat tray. Those with screens or enclosures can be more time-consuming to maintain, as they require rinsing and wiping.
- Appearance and Price
Litter trays come in a wide variety of styles, from affordable to stylish, like interior décor! Choose the perfect one for your dog and your room!
Finally
Choosing a litter tray can be a difficult decision when bringing a dog home, but it's best to choose one that suits your dog's characteristics and build while also being easy for you to use!
Also, if you're concerned about your dog spilling over the toilet, it may be because you're using a litter tray that's the wrong size or shape for your dog. Buying a slightly larger size or finding a litter tray that's perfect for your dog's characteristics may help!
Find the perfect litter tray for your dog and help them learn to use the toilet in a comfortable environment for you too!
