Consider whether adding a pet door is the ideal project for your home if you want to give your family dog or cat more access.
You may be looking for a way for your dog to come and leave the house on his own if you’re tired of playing doggie doorman or if you need a way for your canines to get outside to potty while you’re at work. The solution could be a dog door, which can be put in permanently or temporarily if you’re renting, to allow your dog access to your yard while you’re away. But before you go shopping, here are five things you should know about buying a dog door.
Remember these few aspects when looking for a pet door.
Many Options
If you haven’t shopped for a pet door in a long time (or ever), you’ll notice that the traditional-style device with the thin plastic frame and the simple flap isn’t the only option. Pet doors today come in a variety of designs and styles. Here are some of today’s best options:
- Energy-efficient pet doors
- Pet doors designed to be installed in sliding glass doors
- Pet doors that install on an exterior wall rather than a door
- Interior pet doors that lead from one room to another
- Inexpensive, lightweight pet doors that install in screen doors
- Pet door units that fit into an open window
- Security-friendly pet doors
Train Your Pet
While we like to think that buying and installing a new pet door is the most difficult aspect, teaching your dog to use the door is a battle in and of itself. If your cat or dog has problems learning to use the door, consider rewarding them with their favorite goodie. Allow them to walk through the aperture of your pet door without closing the flap. Recruit a friend or family member to stand on the other side of the door and call your pet while you open the flap with your hand, allowing your pet to see that he or she can step through. It might work even better if your assistant lures your pet with a tempting goodie. If your pet is tiny enough, have your assistant keep the door flap open while you lift your pet through the aperture. This is effective with cats and small dogs. After they master going through the hole, have them try opening the door. Don’t hurry them through this. Take things slowly and at your dog’s pace. Stop if they become agitated. It may take them a few days, but once they’ve mastered it, they’ll never forget it.
Measure By Height
Many pet owners are familiar with their pet’s weight like the back of their hands. Weight, on the other hand, is not an accurate way to measure your pet for a pet door. Instead, you’ll need to know how tall your pet is. Measure your pet’s height from their front paws to the highest point on their shoulders. And there you have it: their height! All that remains is to compare it to the measurements of each pet door size option. When selecting a pet door size, make sure the top edge is at least 1″ over your pet’s back. This will ensure that they are not wounded when using the door and that they can use it for the rest of their lives.
Consider Home Security
If you require a larger dog door, compare security features before making your purchase. Why? Because of the increased size, you must ensure that ONLY your dog enters through that doggy door! Yes, criminals have been known to enter homes through dog doors! Extra security is provided by electronic dog doors that read your dog’s microchip or special dog tag. This microchip dog door will then only open when YOUR DOG approaches. Manual locks on each side of a dog door allow you to secure the door at any time, including when traveling or sleeping. Tinted flaps serve to keep potential robbers from peering into your home to see whether there are any two- or four-legged tenants.
Think About Energy Efficiency
When looking for a dog door, it’s important to consider energy efficiency. A well-insulated dog door can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money on your energy bills. There are a few things to look for when choosing an energy-efficient dog door. First, make sure the door is made of a material that is good at insulating, such as fiberglass or plastic. Second, choose a door with a tight seal around the edges. This will help prevent drafts from coming in and out of the door. Third, consider getting a door with a flap. The flap will help keep the air from flowing too freely in and out of the door.
In addition to choosing an energy-efficient dog door, there are a few other things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient. Seal up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors. Install weatherstripping around windows and doors. Add insulation to your attic and walls. And make sure your HVAC system is properly maintained. By taking these steps, you can make your home more comfortable and save money on your energy bills. Here are some additional tips for choosing an energy-efficient dog door:
- Consider the size of your dog. Make sure the door is big enough for your dog to easily go through.
- Choose a door that is easy to clean. You’ll want to be able to keep the door clean to prevent the spread of germs.
- Consider getting a door with a warranty. This will protect you in case the door breaks or malfunctions.
A pet door is rarely an emergency buy, so take your time and weigh all of your options. You’re likely to locate the perfect door for you and your pet with some preparation and shopping. Dog doors can be a terrific way to allow your dog to go outside to potty while you’re gone, which is especially important as canines age. Spend some time evaluating the rising number of types on the market to ensure that your dog door will last for years. Need help installing a door? No problem, Valor Home Services has you covered. Just contact our office to get started.
