Lifestyle

3 Pro Tips for Installing a Doggy Door

The global market for dog pens and gates is expected to expand at a rate of 6.6% in the coming ten years. As modern lifestyles get busier, allowing your pet more freedom is essential. So how easy are these doors to install?

If you are considering one, then there are a few hints you should follow. Read on as we discuss our essential tips for installing a doggy door.

  1. It Will Take Two Days

Installing a doggy door is not just a case of making a hole. It has a number of complex parts that must be completed over a period of two days.

The first day will involve cutting out the hole, and adding the weatherproofing and the sill. Exterior trims and the siding must be done the next day so that the whole frame has time to settle and foams have time to set.

  1. Get the Right Size

Not all doggy doors are created equal. They come in different shapes and sizes. Don’t assume that because an image of one has a similar-sized breed to yours that it will be big enough.

If you still have a puppy, research the breed. You need to know how big the dog could become. Install a pet door your dog can use as an adult, so you don’t have to do further work down the line.

When you have a fully grown dog, measure from the top of its shoulder blades to the floor. Add 2 inches to this. Then measure the distance from the floor to your pet’s elbow when standing.

Subtract the second number from the first. This is the minimum height you will need for your doggy door. Width is easier to get, as you need to measure the dog at its widest spot and add a little extra.

  1. Check Compatibility

Using a doggy door gives your pet a lot of freedom. Yet not all doors are suitable for doggy doors, and not all dog doors will fit in any situation.

Firstly, check that it is possible to put a doggy door into your door itself. If it is a tough material or has internal locking mechanisms and reinforcement, it may not be possible. You may need to hire a professional installation, which could cost between $100 to $500.

If you want to install it in a wall, then this becomes even more complicated. You may need builders to install the door or use specialist tools.

The easiest to install yourself are panels that fit into sliding glass doors. You can often do these by replacing the panels using a drill and screwdriver. You won’t need to do any cutting or creating holes.

Getting the Right Doggy Door

Choosing the right doggy door is most of the battle. Set a budget, get one that is the correct size, and decide how it will be installed. Your pet will soon have the freedom it deserves.

If you found this article useful, we have many more to help. From pet care to home renovation, we can help make the perfect environment for you and your pets in the coming year.

 

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