|
Home 
Pet
Supplies
Tips for Buying a Dog Door
Tips for Buying a Dog Door
Learn what size of a dog door is best for your dog, and
what type of doors are available.
October 11, 2004
A dog door can be a wonderful addition to your pet's home
(and yours!) -- giving your dogs and puppies the freedom to
roam outside when they need to, and eliminate interruptions
from what you're doing (sleeping, on the phone etc..) to let
him out and then back in again. No scratches on the doors,
accidents on the floors and 24-hour dog duty!
There are dog doors to fit almost any door in you home. Available
in a wide range of standard sizes and styles, they can be
added to wood doors, patio doors and even screen doors.
Guidelines For Dog Door Sizes
Extra large: for dogs such as Great Danes and Rottweilers,
up to 125 pounds
Large: for dogs similar in size to German Shepherds,
Collies and Boxers, up to about 80 pounds
Medium: for dogs such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels
and Poodles, up to about 40 pounds.
Small: accommodates such dogs as Chihuahuas and
Teacup Poodles, to about 12 pounds.
Dogs duck their heads as they push open the door and step
through it, so it's best to install the dog door with the
top of the opening just above your dog's shoulder. A good
rule of thumb for measuring your dog for a dog door: the opening
width of the door should be just a little wider than the widest
part of your dog. To determine the correct height of the door,
measure your dog from the top of his shoulders to his chest
just behind the front legs. Manufacturers will often build
a custom door if your dog doesn't fit within any of the standard
sizes.
Types Of Dog Doors
Doors with vinyl flaps: these can make an exit and
entrance convenient for your dog, and heavy vinyl flaps
stop other smaller animals from entering.
Magnetically locked doors: the ultimate dog doors,
these are like the top-hinged version, but with an added
magnetic switch that keeps the door closed until your dog,
wearing a small magnet on his collar, triggers the switch
to open. This door cuts down on drafts so it's ideal for
cold-weather climates.
Hinged at the top and swings both directions: this
allows your dog to come and go, but has the drawback of
allowing the same freedom to other animals his size or smaller.
Some of these doors include a lock.
Hinged at the top but swings only outward: these
doors allow your dog out, but you must to let him back in
yourself.
Other things to think about when purchasing a dog door
To reduce drafts, make sure the door has weather-strip
seals or magnetic strips to hold the door shut. In colder
climates, you may need a "double door" that lets the outer
door shut first before the inner one opens. Make sure you
can lock -- or block -- the door.
Don't install the door in an area where an intruder could
reach through and unlock windows or doors!
When considering a door with vinyl flaps, make sure the
vinyl flaps are flexible and non-toxic.
If you have other indoor pets, such as a cat, make sure
the door flaps are strong enough so that only your dog can
get out.
Look for doors with easy installation.
For a wide selection of dog doors, visit GregRobert Pet Supplies:
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/dog-doors.php
|
