Dogs are like kids. They need to come and go as they please, but you want them safe at home too. A dog door can keep your pup inside or outside as needed while giving him the freedom he needs. But what should you look for when shopping around?
Check out these 9 things that will help you pick just the right pet door:
- 1. Do Dog Doors Let Bugs In?
- 2. Is It Safe To Have A Doggie Door?
- 3. Do Burglars Use Dog Doors?
- 4. Can Snakes Come Through Doggie Doors?
- 5. Can Rats Get Through A Doggie Door?
- 6. Are Dog Doors Energy-Efficient?
- 7. Do Animals Come In Doggie Doors?
- 8. Do Coyotes Come Through Doggie Doors?
- 9. Are Doggy Doors Costly?
- 10. Do Dog Doors Alter The Value Of A Home?
- 11. Can I Use Doggy Door For My Kids?
- 12. Is A Cat Door Safer Than A Standard Pet Door?
1. Do Dog Doors Let Bugs In?
Probably not. If properly installed, a pet door is too small for most insects to make it through. It’s also likely to have an aluminum or steel mesh covering the entry hole. This will keep out bees and wasps, along with other common bugs.
But if your dog door has no screening at all, there can be problems. Mosquitoes, flies, and other little stinging beasties might make their way in. They may be a problem for you, but they will definitely annoy your pet.
If you have an outdoor litter box by your doggie door, the bugs can also pose a problem for good ‘ole kitty too.
2. Is It Safe To Have A Doggie Door?
A dog door can be safe for your pup if it’s installed carefully. Be sure the frame has sturdy metal flaps so that it’s strong enough to take his abuse.
Make sure your dog is trained to use the pet door before you start letting him come and go as he pleases. Also, keep in mind that any dog door includes a “man” door, usually rather small.
If you have an extra-large pet, this could be a problem.
3. Do Burglars Use Dog Doors?
If burglars are more afraid of your dog than the police, they probably won’t use the doggie door. But some criminals might be more ambitious than that.
Make sure the doggie door fits into a secure area and has locking bolts or an alarm to keep your little pup safe and robbers out.
4. Can Snakes Come Through Doggie Doors?
Some dog doors don’t have much space between the flaps, so spiders and other crawly creatures might find their way in.
It’s unlikely that a snake could make it in this way. But you might want to put up some mesh screening over the door for your pet’s safety anyway.
5. Can Rats Get Through A Doggie Door?
If there is space between the flaps, mice and other small rodents might make their way through.
You can solve this problem by putting a screen in front of your dog’s door, but it might be tougher to keep out rats.
6. Are Dog Doors Energy-Efficient?
Dog doors don’t add much to the expense of heating and cooling your home, but they do add another opening for air to escape.
If you have a doggie door, ensure your doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent cold drafts.
7. Do Animals Come In Doggie Doors?
If you close the human door to keep out other animals, it will prevent them from coming in this way too. But if they can get through the pet door, there might be a problem with squirrels or raccoons making their homes in your walls.
And any animal going outside is going to bring bugs along for the trip.
8. Do Coyotes Come Through Doggie Doors?
Probably not since most dogs are bigger than coyotes. Even though they both belong to the canine family, they’re at opposite ends of that family tree!
Coyotes tend to prefer larger prey like deer, pigs, and rabbits.
9. Are Doggy Doors Costly?
If you find a good deal on a door that isn’t quite big enough, there’s no harm in cutting the flap down to size. Just make sure that whatever you buy is sturdy so your dog can’t tear it apart.
Prices vary widely depending on where you shop and what kind of “flap” you choose, but you should expect to pay around $10 up to as much as $100 or more for a doggie door.
10. Do Dog Doors Alter The Value Of A Home?
A home with an outdoor litter box by the back door might not be worth as much as other homes on the market, but most buyers aren’t going to take points off just because your dog uses a pet door.
Unless you live in a city where dogs aren’t allowed, then there’s no reason to worry that your doggie door will hurt the value of your home.
Dog doors can be safe and secure if installed properly and keep out bugs and other pests. Of course, the best dog door keeps out snakes, rats, coyotes, and other predators too.
If you add mesh or screening to prevent insects from coming in or add bolts or an alarm to ensure your furry buddy is safe, a doggie door won’t cost much at all.
11. Can I Use Doggy Door For My Kids?
If you have young children, this is not a safe option.
The best pet doors are sturdy enough to stand up to your dog, but they’re not designed for the abuse that kids can dish out when they’re having fun.
A doggie door can keep your pup inside or outside as needed while giving him the freedom he needs; also helpful if your dog needs to come and go when he pleases, but it’s also important to ensure that your home is protected from pests.
Make sure there are no openings in the screen or walls where other animals might get in. Part of being a responsible homeowner means taking steps to keep pests out of your house!
12. Is A Cat Door Safer Than A Standard Pet Door?
Many people think it’s safer for their cats than a standard pet door because cats are more agile, and they can usually come and go through the opening without disturbing it. But a cat doesn’t need as much space to get in and out,
and a raccoon or another large predator might be able to use its mouth to move the flap enough to squeeze inside too!
So if you have a dog, but your cat wants his own doorway, this is a good choice.
But if your dog is big or active enough to fight with a cat over who gets access through the doggie door, then it’s probably not right for either animal.