If you’re a proud pet owner, you’re not alone—82 million US households now include pets, with 58 million of them home to dogs. Interestingly, this growing pet ownership trend coincides with more families choosing apartment living. While this may seem contradictory, the shift is often driven by rising housing costs, urban job opportunities, and the convenience of city living. These factors come along with the increasingly relaxed pet policies that make apartment life more feasible for pet owners.
Despite the challenges of smaller living spaces, dogs today enjoy a host of luxuries. Among these is the dog grass pad—a practical, accessible, and sanitary bathroom solution. Balcony grass for dogs isn’t simply a luxury for your furry friend; it’s equally beneficial for pet parents, offering quick, mess-free bathroom breaks without the stress of rushing outdoors to prevent accidents.
What Is Balcony Grass?
Balcony grass is to dogs what a litter box is to cats—it provides a convenient potty option for pet owners and comfort for pups. Not every apartment or urban living space offers outdoor areas for pets, which makes balcony grass an ideal solution.
These grass pads feature a grass surface—real or synthetic—atop a reusable tray. After use, you can remove the tray, dispose of its contents, clean it, and refill it with a fresh one for continued use.
Balcony grass pads come in various sizes and materials to suit different needs. For example, Gotta Go Grass offers a 16x24-inch fresh patch of real grass that fits interlocking trays, allowing you to seamlessly scale the setup for larger dogs or multiple pets at home.
Do Grass Pads Work for Dogs?
Grass pads are incredibly convenient for apartment-dwelling pet owners. Instead of navigating multiple flights of stairs or elevators at inconvenient times, you can let your dog use the pad on the balcony. Here are a few more reasons to consider one:
Potty Training
Potty training a new puppy is challenging, and living in an apartment can add to the difficulty. Puppy grass pads simplify the process, allowing your pup to learn the feel and smell of real grass. This familiarity speeds up potty training while reducing accidents.
Because puppies need to relieve themselves frequently—at least every hour—a grass pad saves you the hassle of constant trips outdoors. With a product like Gotta Go Grass, the natural surface helps your pup learn quickly while offering convenience for you.
Long Work Days
Dogs shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods, but work schedules often make this unavoidable. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends specific limits for leaving dogs home alone, particularly younger pups.
You can only leave a six-month-old or older dog at home for eight hours. But the AKC says you should only do this if your dog has a place to potty while you are gone. Yet, most of us work eight or more hours daily, and not all live close enough to our jobs to let the dog out during lunch breaks.
So, for those working long hours, a grass pad ensures your dog has a place to potty, avoiding discomfort or accidents during the day. With this solution, your furry friend can stay happy and comfortable until you return home.
Inclement Weather
Taking your dog outside during heavy rain or snow can be unpleasant for you and your pet. Some dogs don't like getting their coats wet or stepping on freezing snow with their sensitive paws, making outdoor potty trips a challenge.
A balcony grass pad addresses this issue, allowing your dog to stay dry and comfortable while you avoid braving the elements.
Mobility Problems
Grass pads are an excellent solution for dogs with mobility challenges, whether due to injuries, disabilities, or aging. Conditions like joint pain, recent surgeries, or using a cast or e-collar can make walking or moving around difficult. In such cases, veterinarians often recommend minimizing long walks to avoid delaying recovery or causing further strain. A natural grass pad provides a convenient, safe, and stress-free potty option so your dog can relieve themselves without discomfort or risk.
This solution mainly benefits older dogs struggling with joint stiffness or limited mobility. A grass pad provides an accessible and hygienic bathroom alternative, allowing your dog to rest and recover at home comfortably. Once your dog feels better, you can gradually resume outdoor walks, but until then, the grass pad offers peace of mind for you and your furry companion.
Grass Potty Pad Materials
Grass pads typically consist of the grass surface and the underlying tray. The grass can be real or synthetic, with each offering distinct benefits.
Real Grass vs. Artificial Grass
Real grass pads use fresh, biodegradable grass grown in soil, like Gotta Go Grass, while others are grown hydroponically. They offer natural odor control, eco-friendliness, and full compostability. The familiar scent and texture also make it easier for dogs to transition.
Artificial grass, while durable and inexpensive, has notable drawbacks. Unlike natural grass, it lacks self-cleaning properties, requiring frequent washing to prevent odors and bacteria buildup. Additionally, artificial grass doesn’t decompose and eventually ends up in landfills. It can also confuse dogs during training, leading them to mistake carpets or upholstery as acceptable potty areas.
Plastic Trays
Grass pads typically include a tray, but their purpose varies depending on the type of grass. In artificial grass pads, trays primarily collect liquid waste, requiring regular draining and cleaning to prevent odors. In contrast, trays for fresh grass pads are mainly used to hold the grass in place while the soil naturally absorbs and breaks down waste.
Grass Potty Pad Sizes
Grass pads come in various sizes to accommodate different breeds and needs. Gotta Go Grass comes in a standard 16x24-inch size, but its interlocking trays allow you to customize the space as needed. You can connect multiple trays to create a larger area, making it ideal for bigger dogs or multiple pets while ensuring they have ample room for comfort.
Tips for Cleaning Your Dog Grass Pad
Dog grass pads require regular cleaning to maintain a sanitary environment and encourage consistent use. While real grass pads need less frequent cleaning than synthetic options, follow these steps for upkeep:
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Dispose of Waste
Bag your dog’s waste immediately, as you would during a walk, and dispose of it per local guidelines -
Clean the Tray
Empty the tray as needed, washing it with warm, soapy water to reduce odors. -
Use Real Grass
Unlike artificial grass, real grass naturally absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors, keeping your home smelling fresh with minimal effort. Depending on usage, these pads can last up to four weeks, making them a low-maintenance option for pet owners.
When it’s time for a replacement, simply dispose of the grass in a biodegradable bin or compost, clean the tray, and refill it with fresh grass. This eco-friendly and hassle-free process saves time and ensures a cleaner, more sanitary environment for you and your dog.
Why Gotta Go Grass Is the Best Balcony Grass for Dogs
Gotta Go Grass is a standout potty solution for dogs, offering real grass that recreates the outdoors for a natural and seamless transition. Whether for potty training, long workdays, or bad weather, it’s an effective and convenient option for pets and their owners.
Real Grass and Soil
Gotta Go Grass uses US-grown, farm-fresh grass with soil and roots, creating a familiar surface that dogs instinctively recognize. The natural materials absorb moisture and odors better than synthetic alternatives, requiring less frequent cleaning and lasting up to four weeks with minimal maintenance.
Easy-to-Clean Trays
The lightweight, durable trays—available separately or in a bundle—are odor-resistant and easy to clean. Simply empty the tray, wash it with soapy water, and reuse it. This design ensures a hassle-free cleanup process for pet parents.
Natural Odor Control
The combination of real grass and soil naturally absorbs odors, providing a fresh and clean experience with less maintenance. While synthetic pads can be a convenient option, they often require more frequent cleaning to manage odors effectively.
Scalable Sizes
Each 16x24-inch grass pad can be used alone for small dogs or scaled up with interlocking trays for larger breeds or multiple pets. This flexibility ensures enough space for comfortable potty breaks, even in multi-dog households.
Get Gotta Go Grass for Your Furry Friend
If you’re looking for a natural, eco-friendly, and convenient potty solution, Gotta Go Grass has you covered. With its customizable size and natural grass surface, it’s the perfect option for providing your dog with a comfortable and sanitary bathroom experience. Explore our products today and make your pet’s bathroom breaks a breeze!
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