It’s a healthy choice to own a pet. They provide companionship, are fun to have around, and offer many health benefits to their owners (like decreasing stress levels and encouraging exercise). Who wouldn’t want a “best friend” with these amazing qualities?
Caring for pets can be hard work, though. If your job is demanding and you aren’t home much, or just have a busy lifestyle in general, a pet door might be your best solution.
Read on to discover how to get the best door for you and your pet’s needs.
The Ins and Outs of Pet Doors
1. Pet doors are available for both storm doors and entry doors
When it comes to material, design, and performance, ProVia replacement doors carry some of the most advanced pet door products on the market. They offer pet doors for both entry doors and storm doors for your furry friends.
2. Home security matters
If you have a large dog, for your safety, consider a door with manual locks that let you lock it at any time, particularly when you leave town. Tinted flaps help prevent intruders from looking into your home to check out your dogs or belongings.
3. Dogs need to be trained to use a pet door
Pets won’t automatically understand a pet door. Grab a family member or a friend and a few dog treats and help your dog learn the pet door concept by first walking through the door from the inside to the outside with the door/flap off.
Step by step, patiently help your dog get comfortable going back and forth through the pet door. Next, add the flap and teach your pet to open it on his own (a little smear of peanut butter on the flap will encourage his nose to push right up to it).
4. The size of your pet door matters
Pet doors typically come in multiple sizes, so measure your furry friend before choosing which size to purchase and install. Take into consideration whether your dog is full grown yet or not, and have some forethought about future pets you may purchase and your size preference for them. A smaller dog can typically use a bigger pet door (as long as it’s not too heavy)—but obviously, a big dog can’t use a small pet door.
To get the ideal fit, measure two inches above the shoulder height of your dog (because they will duck their head to push the door or flap open). Your pet door should be at least two inches wider than your pet’s widest body part (their shoulders or hips).
5. Pet doors have gotten “smart” over the years!
While you can still purchase a pet door with a simple flap, today they also make ‘smart’ pet doors that read your dog’s microchip and open solely for him. This keeps stray dogs out of your home, prevents wildlife from entering, and if you have a big dog, it keeps thieves out of your dwelling. It can help cats stay indoors while dogs go out, or keep an injured dog inside and let the healthy dog out. These pet doors are nothing short of amazing!
6. Tips for pet owners
The energy efficiency of your storm door and entry door adds up to utilities savings throughout the year, so choose wisely when you decide on the flap material for your pet door, ensuring you get a tight weather seal, and a metal cover that can be locked when needed. Make sure your backyard is truly secure and that you’ve taken all the appropriate precautions so your pet doesn’t escape once they do get outside.
Get the Perfect Pet Door for Your Storm Door and Entry Door
At Kelly Window and Door, we understand how important it is to take good care of your furry friends. That’s why we offer top quality ProVia pet doors for your home.
Upgrade your Cary, North Carolina home exterior doors for a substantial boost in both your home’s security and energy efficiency. We offer detailed door installation that ensures high performance for years to come. Take a moment to discover the beauty and versatility of ProVia replacement doors.