Pet Doors
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Shop Dog Door AccessoriesThe cold winter months can take a toll on your pet, especially if they feel trapped indoors. Winter-proof dog doors can help alleviate this problem. If you live in a location where winter weather is icy, snowy, and wet, you may have many questions about winter dog door features. Can a dog door really keep out that cold, unpleasant weather? Are there safety considerations for your pet when using a winter-proof dog door? This article will discuss what you need to know about installing and maintaining a winter-safe dog door, whether your pet door is a door model or a wall model.
When you’re shopping around, it’s important to know what features make a dog door suitable for winter weather and where to find those features. When you’re shopping for the proper dog door, here’s what to look for:
More on these features is below.
When first installed, a high-quality pet door will be tightly sealed against the elements. As the door ages, it should continue to hold up to years of wear and tear.
Poor-quality pet doors may become loose in the frame or start to leak air over time. Purchase a high-quality door made by a reputable manufacturer. Read reviews online, and if you know other pet owners, ask them if they would recommend their pet door brand. Look for a door that offers a solid warranty you can trust. Only buy a door from a company that guarantees or stands behind their products.
Many pet doors have one flap to help keep out the rain and wind. One flap is the bare minimum, but a well-insulated door will have a second flap to provide some additional insulation for your home. Hale’s two-flap design ensures better energy efficiency for homes in extreme climates. To ensure that your home is protected from the elements, Hale also provides a secondary exterior cover to help keep out rain and moisture.
Just as you like to step out through a door with an overhang, your pet will like to use a door with a rain cap. The rain cap serves as a mini pet awning and protects your pet door from light to moderate rain. This helps shield your home from water intrusion and helps shield your pet as well.
Install in a dry location. If you’re just now buying and installing your first dog door, install it in a location where you anticipate minimal snow and ice buildup. If possible, install the door in a location where it’s covered. This helps ensure a safe experience for your pet and a better experience for you too. No matter what type of door you’re installing, be sure that the pet door is in a place where moisture can’t get in.
Inspect your pet door for winter readiness. Maintaining a dog door in the winter starts with an inspection. Check the door to ensure that the flaps aren’t torn and that all the magnets line up with the strikes on the flaps to keep them closed. If your dog door is in poor condition, hopefully the manufacturer will sell replacement parts.
Weatherstrip your door. Weatherstripping helps seal air leaks, but over time, weatherstripping deteriorates. Check the weatherstripping to ensure it’s in good condition and intact. Replace any weatherstripping that has cracked or fallen away since last year.
Protect your pet with a mat. If the dog door is installed in a location that gets icy, lay down a mat outside to give your pet some additional traction and prevent slips.
With the right winter dog door features and winter pet door maintenance, you can ensure winter safety for pets. Explore winter-ready dog doors for cozy canine comfort.
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