Older dogs may experience age-related health issues that can be aggravated by the colder weather like arthritis which affects a dog’s ability to get to an area to excrete. Training mats and doggy diapers provide a convenient and hygienic solution for little accidents.
Elderly dogs also may have difficulty navigating wet and slippery surfaces, making it hard to reach their usual potty spots where training mats offer a warm and comfortable alternative indoors. For older dogs who might be on certain medications that increase urine production or cause accidents, training mats and doggy diapers help manage these situations.
Training a puppy in the winter can be hard due to the colder wet weather. Puppies are still learning to control their bladder and bowels. Senior animals might also have issues going out in the cold to “do their business” or their owners might just be too lazy! Training mats and doggy diapers provide a designated area for them to do their business, if they are reluctant on leaving the warmth of the house.
Puppies also have small bladders and can’t hold their urine for long periods and in the colder months with rain and low temperatures this could cause an accident in the house. Training mats offer a convenient solution to prevent. Winter weather can be harsh, making it difficult to take puppies outside for potty breaks. Pee mats provide a warm and comfortable alternative.
Training mats and diapers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient solution for dog owners. They reduce the mess and stress associated with cleaning up after your dog as well as the hassle of cleaning up after an accident. They provide a clean hygienic area for your dogs to their business helping to prevent any unwanted health issues, such as a urinary tract infection.
Also have some odour control products available just in case there is an accident!
Top tips when assisting/training your puppy or senior dog
1) Our dogs love to follow us. By heading outside yourself your doggie is more likely to do the same and follow you. Give them plenty of positive encouragement and reward them just for going outside when it’s very cold, raining or snowing (yes, that happens in South Africa too!) .
2) Clear an area for them to “do their thing”. If you’ve had some wet weather, frost on the grass, or even snow, clear an area close to the house where your dog can go to the toilet. Deep snow can be daunting for puppies as well as very cold ground and frost, and this can make toilet training a puppy in winter a real challenge.
3) Have a backup plan when the usual does not work or cannot work. Have everything together just in case your dog needs to go out in the middle of the night or with little to no warning. Have your shoes and coat, a lead, poo bags etc. on hand, so you can be ready to get out as fast as possible. Or, set up a pee pad or sod of grass in the garage, undercover carport or veranda, which they can use too. You can also try and use doggy diapers, especially in the evenings.
4) Stay calm and consistent when going out into the cold, and be reassuring. Just carry on as normal and reward and praise your dog for following you outside.
5) Make toilet training a bit of fun too. Show your pup how much fun you can have in the winter. Keep it short at first, and gradually make play time longer, weather depending! Remember dogs can get frostbite too!
6) Have a back up plan for when your dog refuses to go outside. Use an indoor toilet area, potty pads, puppy pads for pups and diapers for senior dogs. Use this as long as the weather is really uncomfortable. Go back to a normal routine as soon as the weather allows.