How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Litter Box?

This question came from a reader who wants to know how often she needs to clean the litter box. Since she didn’t elaborate, giving me more details to work on, such as:

• Type of litter box
• Absorbent materials
• Number of dogs using the litter box

I’ll briefly discuss all the above, and hopefully answer her question.

Type of Litter Box

In this case, I assume she’s not using ScoopFree automatic litter box (read my ScoopFree review here) or any self-cleaning litter box such as Omega Paw (right image). Conventional litter boxes (manual operated ) are far more inexpensive than automatic ones hence they require regular cleaning and changing of the litter or any suitable absorbent material.

Although with so many designs of conventional litter box available—from a simple plastic tray to a sophisticated “double-decked” box—their cleaning procedures are generally the same. Here are two models to illustrate my point.

Breeze Litter Box System: Basically, it has two trays. The pellets stay on the upper deck where it holds the poops while the urine pass through the pellets and down to the lower tray where a pad is placed. According to the manufacturer, the pellets need to change once a month and for the pad once a week…for one cat or dog!

Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box: The two things that differentiate Booda from any typical “single-decked” litter box are the built-in mini stairs leading to the litter tray and the hood above it. Changing the litter will depend very much on the quality of the litter you use and the number of dogs using it. As to cleaning the box, it’s made with easy-to-clean plastic and even easier with their disposable liners.

The Absorbent Materials

Clay and pellet litters are the preferred choices when using in conjunction with litter box. Nevertheless, newspaper and pee pad are also used in replace to litters. Dogs are less meticulous than cats about the absorbent materials, however be sure to use the same material consistently.

Litter (Clay or Pellets): With advance technology, more manufacturers are making better litter as compare to yesteryears. Many claim that their litter won’t clump when come in contact with liquid. However, if you have two or more dogs using the same litter box, in no time the litter will clump within two to four days if not by the end of the week.

Pee Pads: Most pee pads are super absorbent and some even claim they’ve odor-blocking protection. Unlike disposable, some washable/reusable pee pads are made of better material which holds the urine without soaking through it and they won’t leave stains even if feces and urine are left to dry for many hours. You can easily wrap off the dry feces markings with any damp cloth and wash the pad in the washing machine when needed.

Newspapers: Though newspaper isn’t the best option for housetraining, nonetheless it does serve some functions when you ran out of litter or pads. Since they aren’t absorbable at all even you placed half an inch thick of newspapers in it, it’d be best to change them after every use.

The Number Of Dogs

When more dogs use the same litter box, naturally, it requires more scooping up of feces, changing of the litter or pee pads or newspapers, and cleaning of the litter box.

Some dogs won’t mind doing their business if the litter box is a little filthy but some fussy dogs, like mine, would not eliminate in it if it were not cleaned after each use.

Conclusion:

Whichever absorbent material you use, you’ll need to change depending on the usage. From personal experiences, I’d suggest using good quality reusable pee pad as it’s more economical and user friendly for dogs. Some dogs are compulsive digger (kicking pellets out of the box) and shredder (tearing disposable pad into pieces).

Whether you have one or many dogs, it’s best to keep the litter box clean always, as this will encourage positive reinforcement—continue using of the litter box. Besides, with regular cleaning it’ll somehow prolong the lifespan of the product and keep your house smelling clean always.

Do remember to check with the manufacturers, be it the box or absorbent material, the proper way to using the product.