Most dog doors look the same, but in reality,
they are not. There is a dog door for a regular door, for
a patio door, and even for a wall. Their sizes and designs
differ, too, depending upon the dog's breed and your home
needs. Before you head for the pet shop and buy a doggie
door, consider the following first to find the right dog
door for your needs.
What is your dog's breed? Dog doors must fit your dog's
head, body circumference, and height. A large dog needs a
higher stepping area to allow normal bending of front and hind
legs, while a small dog needs a lower one.
What is the best dog door for your needs? Regular dog doors
have a single, thick, rubber flap that swings whenever the dog
enters or exits the house. However, if you live in an area
where there's a season of heavy downpour of rain or heavy
snowing, it would be wise if you buy a weather tight dog door
with double doors.
The first door is a regular rubber flap, while the second
door is a metal or heavy plastic cover with hinges that can be
locked tight from inside.
Where do you want to install your dog door? Most dog doors
are designed for house door installation, but there are some
models that cater to the needs of those with a patio. One side
of the patio dog door is attached to the wall and the other
half to the railing of the sliding door. The open area between
the wall and the sliding door is covered by acrylic glass with
aluminum to seal off your house from water when it rains. There
are also doggie doors designed for walls. If your poodle's
litter box is in the garage, he can go to the garage anytime
through the doggie door installed on the wall connecting your
kitchen and garage.