Making Your Pet's Life Easier: A Complete Guide to Dog Doors

Delaying urination is detrimental to dogs and can lead to urinary tract infections. Installing a dog door allows your pet to go outside and relieve themselves as needed, potentially lowering the risk of urinary difficulties.

Furthermore, being able to go outside gives your dog a dynamic environment that allows for both physical and mental stimulation. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight also benefits your dog's general health.

Although, they have been around for about 400 years, starting as a hole in the wall, nowadays dog doors have evolved into something much more sophisticated and intelligent. So, with so many types, sizes, and colours to pick from, how do you choose the ideal solution for your lovely home and your energetic puppy?

Installing a Dog Door in Your Security Screen Door

First-time dog parents are quite often wondering whether installing a dog door in your security screen door is possible. It is. Moreover, it's probably the most convenient option so far. So, if you're on the hunt for something useful and long-lasting, opt for an easy-to-install and use pet door for a security screen door.

If the primary reason you want a security screen door is to keep attackers out, you should avoid installing a doggy door. However, if you are ready to give up some security for your pet's convenience, installing a dog door on a security screen is an excellent alternative for both of you.

Doggy doors are typically installed in a home's back or side doors, as this is where pets have the easiest access to the backyard. Also, this has the added benefit of keeping the pet door hidden from possible robbers. They are typically always fitted in the bottom corner of your security screen door and are intended to fit flush with the screen door. They include a black frame to match the black mesh of a security screen door and a transparent plastic pet flap.

Another great thing about dog doors for security doors is their versatility. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and big, so measure both your pet and the pet door to ensure you obtain the right size for your needs. The larger the dog door, the more security is compromised; yet, a little pet door does not compromise security as much as a huge pet door.

However, keep in mind that once a pet door for security screen door is installed, it no longer meets Australian Security Standards and cannot be referred to be a "Security Door". The screen door will now be classified as either a safety door, a secure door, or a barrier door.

Material Consideration

Many dog doors include a frame, one or more flaps, and a locking panel that slides or snaps into place to keep your dog in while keeping other animals out. However, the materials will vary, allowing you to select a door that is ideal for your home and pet.

Entry and wall dog doors with aluminium or plastic frames are offered. Aluminium frames are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to gnawing damage. Plastic models are lighter and more cost-effective.

Features to Look For

When making a purchase, look for characteristics that are practical, safe, secure, and energy efficient. Electronic designs, sometimes known as smart dog doors, incorporate a collar attachment that only opens the entrance for your pet, eliminating the likelihood of other dogs or animals entering your home.

On the other hand, insulated flaps, sometimes known as double or triple flaps, serve to prevent heat transmission between your home and the outside world. Interlocking flaps on doors offer a better barrier against weather and outside air than standard flaps. Tinted dog flaps help to prevent sun glare and heat.

Moreover, with a paintable frame, you may customise your dog door to match your front door or home exterior. On the other hand, a sliding design with Low-emissive (Low-E) glass is more energy efficient than a standard glass option.

Sizing

Choose the appropriate size for the safest and most secure usage. Many models include weight and size recommendations on the package or in the product description. Different doors may recommend different methods for measuring your dog, so always refer to the instructions for the door you intend to purchase.

Safety

When making a purchase, keep your puppy's safety as well as the security of your home in mind. It's ideal if the entryway opens to a fenced-in yard. If a fence is not an option, be sure that the door does not open near a road. Furthermore, consider placing outdoor décor or container plants around the exit to conceal it and provide cover for your dog. This allows them to check for other animals before approaching the open area of the patio or yard.

A well-lit departure area at night lets your furry buddy easily detect any predators or other canines around. Good illumination also increases general home security by making the area surrounding your dog door less appealing to attackers.