So you are thinking about getting a pet door? There are many reasons why it just makes sense to add one to your home.
Health Benefits
Your doggie shouldn’t have to hold it when they need to go relieve themselves, and you shouldn’t have to stop what you are doing in order to let your furry friend outdoors.
When your dog goes outside, he or she is able to get the exercise that they need. This helps your dog to stay active and healthy.
Being outdoors also provides the mental stimulation that your pet needs. This helps your pet to stay alert. In turn, your pet may be less likely to act out problem behaviors because he or she is bored.
Freedom is a precious gift. Allowing your pet to go outdoors when they need may improve their confidence and attitude. They are also less likely to be as rambunctious when you arrive home at night.
Makes Your Life Better As Well
How can a pet door make your life better? To begin, your dogs won’t be scratching furiously at your doors and walls in an attempt to escape. I’ll bet you will hear less barking too!
There is also a greater chance that you will have less accidents indoors, since your dog can get out when they need to.
Time is a precious commodity. You won’t have to spend as much time taking your dog out for a walk, since he can go outside whenever he needs to.
Convenience is another factor. You won’t have to worry about opening and closing doors for your pet to go in and out, or having a door left open or unlocked accidentally. This is especially helpful if you work late hours or have to take a day trip somewhere. Having a dog door can save you from having to recruit a neighbor to come and let your dog outside, or come home to an accident on the floor.
When it is time to housebreak a puppy, what easier way than for you to just show them the door, so to speak? Especially if there is an older dog that can show them the ropes.
Pet Doors: Buying the Right One
With so many options out there, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Let’s take a minute to talk about how to pick the right size of dog door.
Quality Construction
Just like most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you buy a flimsy, plastic frame pet door, you should not expect to get a lot of life or performance out of it. On the other hand, if you buy a pet door made of stainless steel, you can expect it to last over time.
Its weatherproofing capabilities should also be taken into consideration. A good pet door should have a flap or flaps that seal properly, with strong magnets holding the flaps closed.
Sliding security panels are another desirable feature, which allow you to rest assured that no unwanted intruders can access your home through your pet door.
Conclusion
The benefits to having a pet door are clear. Convenience, safety, and your pet’s freedom are all a factor. When it comes to choosing the pet door, be sure that you take into consideration the materials it is made out of, as well as the security and the weatherproofing options. Your doggie is sure to be happy about his new found sense of freedom.
Safety
What if you have a fire in your home, God forbid? Having a pet door means that your dog can get out of danger if it arises.
On the other hand, if your dog is outdoors and the weather begins to change for the worst, thankfully a dog door provides a way for your dog to get safely inside.
Protection is another benefit of a pet door. Your dog can check on unusual noises if they arise, and scare off a potential intruder.
Measuring
There are 2 measurements you should take into consideration when choosing the correct size door for your pet.
The width is measured by measuring your pet at the widest point, and adding an inch or two for comfort. Another thing you can do is just open a door wide enough for your pet to pass through and measure the width of the opening.
To get the height, measure your pet from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the chest or belly, whichever is the tallest part. Add 1-2 inches to that.
Weight is another consideration that you should pay attention to when selecting the right pet door. Some pet doors have weight limits or recommendations for each size door.
To choose the right dog door, you need to compare your pet’s measurements with the measurements of the flap size.