A dog door is a great way to give your pet more freedom. You can also use it to keep them safe in certain situations and protect your home from the elements and other animals.
However, if you have a smaller breed of dog or one who’s prone to get stuck or injured in the door, you may need a different type of product than what comes standard with most doors. Luckily, there are several options available that are ideal for these types of pets and situations.
Measure Your Dog
You’ll want to measure the dog from nose to tail. Measure the dog’s height and ensure that you have enough room for them to walk through the door comfortably. Also, measure how wide they are at their shoulders and hips since these are two points where they may hit against a narrower door.
Finally, measure how long your puppy is from shoulder to rump. This last measurement will help determine if there’s enough room between walls or obstacles for your pup to get through without hitting anything. You should be able to find a perfect fit easily since the pet door market is expected to touch $953.3 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of more than 7% during 2022-2028.
Ensure Your Door Is Big Enough
One of the most important things you can do when looking for a dog door is to ensure that your doorway is big enough for your dog to fit through. If you have a small breed, like a Chihuahua or Maltese, this may be essential to get a perfect dog door for small dogs.
The size of your dog’s head and body should be considered when choosing which door to buy. A good rule of thumb is that you should get a door that is manageable for your dog to go through comfortably.
Know Your Options
One of the first steps to finding the right pet door is to know your options. Pet doors are available in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your dog’s measurements. They can also be installed in multiple places, such as glass or screen doors, walls, and floors.
You should consider if installing a pet door will allow a safe escape route for your dog or if it will compromise the structure of your home by weakening walls or windows.
Dog doors come in different materials too – plastic ones tend to be more affordable but may not last as long, metal versions tend to be sturdier and longer-lasting but are also more expensive than plastic models, and aluminum models cost more than metal versions but are still less pricey than wooden ones.
Another thing to look out for when choosing a material is whether it comes with an interior flap so that flies won’t get into the house.
Make Sure You Have a Secure, Enclosed Backyard
If your dog is small, it’s essential to make sure you have a secure, enclosed backyard. It will minimize the chances of your dog getting lost or escaping. For example, if you don’t have a fence around your backyard and decide to use a dog door for the first time, there’s a chance that your pup will try to escape.
Your puppy should also be trained and comfortable using the dog door before they get out on their own. You can fasten treats around the edges of the device until they get used to sticking their heads through, an exemplary method for teaching them where they need to go for food rewards. Once they know what’s going on with this new device in their life, training them should become much easier.
Choose a Dog Flap With a Lock or Weight Sensor
The first thing to consider is the lock or weight sensor. You want a door that has a lock or a weight sensor so your dog can’t get in or out by themself. If you have this door installed in an exterior wall, ensure it’s not against any windows or doors that open outward because they will allow your dog access through them.
Look for Security Features
To find the best dog door for small dogs, it’s essential to look for security features. If your little pup is a runner, they may try to go outside without your knowledge. A locking mechanism will keep them from doing so on their terms. It is essential because, according to MarketResearch, 48% of US households have a small dog breed.
Find a Sturdy Dog Door That’s Designed With Small Dogs in Mind
Before you look for a doggy door for your small dog, you should ensure that it’s the right size and sturdy enough to withstand your pup’s weight. Some doggy doors are designed to be used by smaller pets and will have handles or other features that are easy to grab.
You may also want to go with a model with a locking mechanism to keep the door shut when you’re away from home and an adjustable flap width so it can fit better into your hole opening. Finally, make sure any doggy door is easy-to-clean. If there’s no adequate ventilation in place, then mold could grow on surfaces inside the house because moisture buildup will occur inside this area.
Small Dogs Will Love Being Able to Go Outside Whenever They Want
According to APPA, 69 million American households have a dog. One of the best things about having a dog door is that you can set up a schedule for your dog to go outside so that they won’t be wandering out in the middle of the night.
It will ensure they don’t get into trouble with other dogs or people. It also gives you more control over when your pet is allowed to go outside, which helps reduce accidents in the house.
If your small breed has lived mainly indoors their whole lives, they may be hesitant initially. But once they’ve gotten used to using their new door, they’ll probably love being able to go outside whenever they want.
Conclusion
Small dogs can often be overlooked when it comes to dog doors and enclosures. However, some great options out there will fit perfectly into your home and ensure your pup is happy and safe. We hope these tips have helped you find one that works for you.
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