Anyone who has a dog is probably already familiar with the washable or disposable hygienic mat. The accessory emerged as an alternative to replace the traditional newspaper, which often served as a dog toilet, but it is far from being the ideal option. The washable pet hygienic mat has become the darling of guardians, especially for those who want a practical and sustainable way to clean their dogs.However, some questions may arise about the accessory, such as which is the best washable hygienic mat, whether the investment is worth it and how to use it. Paws of the House has prepared a special report on the subject.

Why choose the washable hygienic mat?

What's better: newspaper or a hygienic mat? This is a very common question among pet parents - especially first-time ones - looking for a doggy bath. Indeed, newspaper is a great deal-breaker in emergency situations, but it's far from the best option for taking care of dog pee. The washable pet hygienic mat, on the other hand, has several advantages and does notharms your friend's health.

Few people know, but direct contact with newspaper ink can cause dermatitis and allergies in the dog, which ends up being super uncomfortable. In addition, because it has a low liquid absorption capacity, the animal's urine can end up leaking and dirtying the whole house. That is, it is more work to clean and ends up not compensating for the "cost benefit", even if the newspaper is cheaper.

The washable hygienic mat for dogs, on the other hand, has a high absorbent power, and is totally appropriate for taking care of the physiological needs of pets. What's more, the product neutralizes odors and, with the right training, prevents other places in the house from becoming a "target" for dog poop and pee. So, if you want a good bath for your dog, the hygienic mat will be a great ally!

Washable vs. disposable toilet mats: what's the difference between the two accessories?

There are two types of hygienic mats: disposable and washable. As the name suggests, the big difference is that, in the case of the washable hygienic mat, the dog can reuse the accessory after washing. The disposable model must be thrown away after the first use. In practice, the washable option is more sustainable, as it reduces the amount of waste discarded on a daily basis.This also interferes with the durability of the product, since disposable mats must be changed daily, while the washable mat lasts much longer - it is ideal to have at least two or three models to take turns. While one is being washed, the other serves as the dog's bathroom.

In addition, another big difference is that the disposable mat is usually indicated for dogs that are not yet used to doing their business in the right place. It has an absorbent gel that usually resembles a baby's diaper, and some models come with stickers to be stuck to the floor. This prevents the dog from being able to move the mat and, consequently, dirty the environment.The washable hygienic mat is ideal for dogs that have already been educated and know the right place to pee and poop.

How does the washable pet hygienic mat work?

The washable dog toilet mat usually has several layers, the bottom one being made of synthetic and waterproof material to prevent urine leakage. In some cases, you can even find models that imitate the grass of a garden, and there are also mats made of plastic, as if they were a tray.

And what is the best washable dog toilet mat? The answer will depend a lot on your pet's behavior. Some dogs adapt better to plastic models, while others prefer grass or patterned versions, so it's worth testing both types to see which one fits better into your routine. In both cases, the way to use the washable dog toilet mat is the same,as you will see below.

Step by step how to teach dog to use the washable toilet mat

Step 1: Choose the place to be the dog's bathroom, but remember that it must be a space away from where the animal eats its meals and drinks water for hygiene reasons. This is where you will place the washable hygienic mat.

Step 2: If your puppy has already been potty-trained in the right place, gradually transition from the previous material to the washable toilet mat. Alternate mat days until your puppy is fully adapted.

Step 3: If the animal has not yet learned to use the toilet, you should observe the times when the dog usually pees and poops to direct him to the right place at these times.

Step 4: Positive association can help. Dogs don't always learn to use the flushable toilet mat first time, so it's important to keep encouraging them. As well as pointing out the place, you can reward them whenever they get it right. Treats, cuddles and praise - like "Good boy!" work well.

5 reasons to add a washable hygiene mat to your pet's routine

1) Sustainability. With the washable hygienic mat, you avoid unnecessary disposal of other mats, as it can be reused after washing.

2) Durability. Generally, washable dog mats have a lifespan of 200 or more washes, lasting between 6 months and 1 year.

3) Economic. Taking turns with washable hygienic mats allows you to save the money you would spend buying several packs of disposable mats.

4) Practicality. After the dog has used the hygienic mat, you can wash the product by hand or in the machine.

5) Various designs and prints. It is possible to choose a model that is the face of your dog, and he will surely love it.

How to wash washable hygienic mat?

Even with all the advantages, the washable hygienic mat can smell of urine and feces as it is used. Therefore, it is good to wash it very well whenever possible - and the best thing is that washing can be done by hand or in the washing machine. To eliminate unpleasant odors and any traces of dirt, there are some products that can help. A good tip is to leave the mat in a dry place.pet hygienic washable soak for about 30 minutes in a bucket or machine with a little bit of washing powder or dog disinfectant. Then just follow the normal washing process with soap.

Washable hygienic mat: how to make one of these at home?

For those who like to get their hands dirty, it is entirely possible to learn how to make washable hygienic mats on your own. To help you in this mission, we have prepared a step by step with all the necessary materials. see below:

You will need:

• Cotton fabric (66cm x 55cm)
• Tactel fabric (66cm x 55cm)
• Blanket larger than the fabric
• Crystal plastic
• Oxford cloth bias
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Scissors

Step by step:

1) At first, you should join the blanket and the tactel fabric. They should be sewn together. To prevent the fabrics from becoming loose, it is best to start by sewing in parallel lines diagonally, with a distance of approximately 15 centimetres between one line and another. Pins are important for securing the fabric.

2) After the diagonal seam, just sew the sides of the blanket and the tactel fabric in the indicated size of 66cm x 55cm.

3) Now it's time to add the cotton fabric. It should be sewn on top of the blanket, just on the side edges.

4) Finally, the crystal plastic must be sewn on top of the tactel fabric. It is this set (plastic + tactel) that will make the washable hygienic mat waterproof, preventing the dog's urine from spreading.

5) With the four layers of the mat ready and sewn, just cut out any edges that are "left over" to make everything look nice.

6) The last step is with the fabric bias, which should be sewn into the outline of the washable hygienic mat.