WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PLACING A DOG DOOR IN GLASS
Dogs like routine. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. According to veterinarian, Jennifer Coates, dogs need a consistent routine or they become anxious. But if you aren’t always available to let your dog outside, a dog door is a useful investment. For instance, a dog door will allow your dog to go to the toilet whenever they need to or simply spend time outdoors.
But if you would like to place your dog door in a glass door, sliding door or window, consider the following points before choosing your dog door.
The size of your dog
How big is your dog? This might be the simplest point, but it is also the most important one. If you already have a cat door in your house, don’t compare it to your dog door. Dogs can be much more robust. When you measure your dog, be sure to leave at least 5cm of space all around to allow them to pass through the door comfortably.
The type of dog door
To select an appropriate type of dog door, you need to consider several factors.
- The weather in your area
- The strength of your dog
- Your security needs
- The presence of other animals/pets in the area
Look at how each of these factors might affect your final decision when selecting your dog door.
Weather consideration
Do you live in an area that is prone to heat and humidity? Then you should consider the effect that a dog door might have on your home’s energy efficiency. If you choose the wrong type of dog door, such as one with flexible, manually opening flaps, you might lose valuable cooling energy on hot days.
But remember, you can always add weather stripping and employ a heavy curtain to prevent the loss of cool air during summer.
Strength consideration
If your dog is of a strong, robust breed that tends to charge in rather than trot in gently, plastic might be too weak a material for your dog door. For a strong dog, a dog door made of acrylic composite is a good choice, for example.
Security consideration
If security is an issue in your area, then you need to factor this into your dog door choice. And you can improve the security of your dog door by covering it with a security cover when it isn’t in use.
Other animals/pets consideration
Sometimes, with manually opening dog doors, other neighbourhood pets or animals might also use the dog door to access your house. In this case, choose a dog door that only your dog can open with either a collar key or microchip that activates in the presence of your dog.
The location of your dog door
Where is the most suitable place for your dog door? If, for instance, you have a sliding glass door that opens onto a patio in your back yard, this would be a good location for your dog door. During parties and barbecues in summertime, your dog would be able to join you outside without you leaving the back door open.
The means of installing the dog door
How strong is the glass in the location where you plan to place your dog door? Not all glass types can withstand the cutting procedure required to place a dog door. For instance, if your current glass door is made of laminated safety glass, it could crack during the cutting procedure. Moreover, only A-Grade safety glass is tough enough to handle the rigours of a dog door on a day-to-day basis.
If your current glass panel isn’t strong enough, ask your glazier or dog door supplier to provide you with a new glass panel, one that already has a dog door installed in it. And be sure to ask your supplier if the glass type complies with Australian Standard AS1288/2006.
Are you in need of a dog door for your glass door or window? Then get in touch with
South Melbourne Glass today. With 30+ years of experience in the glazing industry, we can help you choose and install a dog door that stands the test of time.
