How to Make an Indoor Fake Grass Potty Area for Dogs

Many dog owners have been considering canine versions of indoor litter boxes. Although they are nothing like a litter box for a feline, they provide a place for dogs to go potty indoors. A fake mat that looks and feels similar to grass covers the area where urine is collected. Solids remain on the surface until they are properly disposed of. This indoor fake grass potty area can be cleaned and reused again and again, and it is a fantastic solution for dogs and owners that are unable to go outdoors for whatever reason.

Unfortunately an indoor fake grass potty area for dogs is not affordable for all. Some indoor potty areas for dogs cost more than $200.00, and when examining the concept and design, it is something that could be easily made at home. Consider the following way to make an easy indoor fake grass potty area for dogs. Use it to train puppies, accommodate dogs with bladder control problems, or use it as an indoor potty place that will eliminate the need to regularly go outside. It is a cheap alternative to expensive store-bought products.

Precautionary Statement

An indoor fake grass potty area for dogs will not work if the animal is accustomed to heisting his leg. Also, this particular design is not recommended for heavier or larger dogs. In addition, dogs require exercise and fresh air, and they should be taken outside on a regular basis. Use commonsense, and only use an indoor fake grass potty area for dogs when it becomes absolutely necessary.

Necessary Supplies

To make an indoor fake grass potty area for dogs you will need a sheet of sturdy metal wire grid fencing with openings no larger than ½ inch, a heavy-duty extra-large plastic cat pan with a removable lip designed to prevent accidents, a heavy-duty staple gun with staples of the appropriate size, wire cutters, kitty litter that controls odors, and enough fake grass to fully cover the metal grid.

A drill with a narrow bit might also be necessary if the sheet of fake grass does provide adequate drainage. Spray that will entice the dog to potty on the fake grass is also necessary when training the dogs to use the indoor potty area, and it should be used until the dog realizes that it is acceptable to potty in this particular place indoors. Absorbent pads should also be used beneath the indoor fake grass potty area to absorb mishaps.

Procedure

Begin making a fake grass potty area for dogs by trimming a sheet of sturdy metal wire grid fencing to the appropriate size. The sharp wire edges should not extend past the edges of the cat pan unless they can be wrapped over the edges. The removable plastic lip that goes with the box must be able to snap into place. Cut the wire grid fencing accordingly.

Next, attach the metal wire grid fencing to the fake grass potty area using a heavy-duty staple gun that will penetrate thick plastic. Add staples every few inches to make the potty area durable and secure.

The next step involves attaching the removable plastic lip to the cat pan. Once it is in place, top the potty area with a sheet of fake grass that will allow quick and easy drainage. If the fake grass does come with drainage holes, make drainage holes using an electric drill. Make the drainage holes approximately two inches apart for best results.

Lastly, pour approximately four inches of kitty litter into the pan. It will absorb odors while providing necessary stability. Tuck the edges of the fake grass beneath the removable lip of the cat pan. If the lip does not provide enough room to tuck the fake grass into place, attach peel and stick Velcro strips to hold it in place. This will enable the dogs to step onto the fake grass area and step down without causing it to slip off the pan. When enough kitty litter is poured into the pan, it will not tip over.

Before introducing the dogs to their new indoor fake grass potty area, spray it with a product that will attract the dogs and encourage them to use the fake grass pan. Follow product label instructions for best results. Once the dogs begin using the fake grass potty area, the spray will no longer be necessary. Also, place the pan on disposable absorbent hospital bed pads to keep the floor clean and dry. They are a cheap alternative to puppy pads, and they are generally larger.

How to Clean the Homemade Indoor Fake Grass Potty Area

The cat litter will absorb a considerable amount of liquid, but to keep odors down, clean the fake grass potty area daily. Begin by removing solid waste from the surface of the fake grass, and remove the lip around the edges of the pan. Replace the cat litter in the pan as often as necessary, and rinse the pan using hot water. Once a month, rinse the inside of the pan with a solution of bleach water. It is not necessary to remove the metal grid when cleaning. The fake grass will retain the odor of urine and continue to attract the dogs, but it should not be enough to make the home smell bad if it is rinsed with hot water every day.

This indoor fake grass potty area for dogs will cost far less than store-bought options of lesser quality. It is the answer for many dog owners that cannot regularly take their dogs outside, and it can make life a lot easier for dogs that are physically unable to go outside to do their business.