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If you use puppy pads, you know how their cost can really add up. When you go through a few pads a day, those small packs of about 15-20 barely last a week, and the bulk packs of about 50 to 100 pads can cost a small fortune.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest ways I saved money when Matilda was small \u2013 and more recently, when raising four kittens from 4 weeks old \u2013 was by purchasing medical bed underpads designed for human use.<\/p>\n
Medical underpads are used to absorb urine in medical settings, especially with individuals that are incontinent. They\u2019re also used in nursing homes and in-home for people withs special needs.<\/p>\n
They look nearly the same as puppy pads, with a blue waterproof backing and a soft, white, absorbent top layer.<\/p>\n
But are they really the same as puppy pads?<\/p>\n
Medical pads are often larger than puppy pads, and may be more absorbent. However, I\u2019ve also noticed that some can actually be narrower and thinner than puppy pads.<\/p>\n
The cheapest pads will likely become soaked after one use, even with a small puppy, and may not be as quick-wicking, so your pup may track urine with their paws. And they may be less likely to wick away urine before giving off odors.<\/p>\n
However, they\u2019re fine if you\u2019re able to change them out frequently. They also work great for feeding a litter of messy puppies or kittens.<\/p>\n
Always check the dimensions before you buy.<\/p>\n
Small pads with just one or two layers of absorbency are often just fine.<\/p>\n
But sometimes it\u2019s cost-effective to spring for bigger, thicker pads, as they can sometimes absorb up to a day\u2019s worth of use before you\u2019ll need to change them out. This makes sense if you may not be home to change it out immediately.<\/p>\n
Personally, I like having a large supply of thin, small, cheap medical pads like these<\/a>.<\/p>\n