Getting a Dog Door – 5 Great Benefits

Introduction – Getting a Dog Door – 5 Great Benefits

If you’re a dog owner, you will appreciate how important it is to keep your pet happy and comfortable.  One of the easiest ways to do that is by installing a dog door in your home. This offers a wide range of benefits for both you and your pet, especially the freedom for them to come and go as they please without you having to open the door for them. From improved behaviour through to more exercise, many people find that having a dog door installed is hugely beneficial.  In this short article, we’ll explore 5 great benefits of getting a dog door.

Convenience for You and Your Dog

Usually the main reason people get a dog door is for the convenience it provides.  No longer do you need to play doorman and stop what you’re doing to let your dog or cat outside or inside. With a pet door installed, your animal can come and go as they please, giving you more time to focus on your work or relaxation.  You’ll also no longer have to worry about toilet accidents inside, or damage caused by them scratching to be let out. A dog door can save you much time and effort in the long run, and as we see in the next section, be very beneficial for your dog’s health. 

Your Dog’s Health

One of the other great benefits of having a dog door also allows your dog to go outside whenever they want. They can then get a lot more exercise once they’re outside, as well as other benefits. By being outside in the backyard they are surrounded by a lot more stimulus such as new sights and smells. This increased activity and stimuli can have a positive impact on your dog’s health, improving their mental state and overall well-being. 

A Better Night’s Sleep

As a pet door installer, I notice that one of the main reasons people also get a pet door installed is to get a better night’s sleep.  Usually they have a dog that will wake them up in the middle of the night needing to go outside to the toilet.  Over the long term, broken sleep can lead to a variety of health problems. “People who have problems with sleep are at increased risk for developing emotional disorders, depression, and anxiety,” Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein from Harvard University has stated. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining our overall health and happiness. Having a pet door installed will fix the problem of having to get up in the middle of the night, helping you get a full night’s sleep and feel human again and ready for the next day!

Increased Independence for Your Dog and Less Accidents Inside

With a dog door installed, your pet can come and go outside as they please, giving them the independence they crave. This freedom allows your animal to spend more time outdoors, which can help reduce boredom and anxiety.  But just as importantly, it means the have the freedom to go outside when they need to go to the toilet. No more accidents inside!

Assisting with Home Security (And the One Exception)

Despite popular belief, a dog door generally won’t compromise your home’s security. In most cases, a dog door can actually increase security. By giving your dog the freedom to come and go, they can act as a natural and noisy deterrent to intruders.   Many people think that the installation of a dog door means that people will be able to get in through the dog door.  As a professional pet door installer, 95% of the dog doors I install are of a Small, Medium or Large size. These sizes are generally not big enough for a person to get through. I would highlight that there is one exception to this. For dogs that are very large breeds such as German Shepherds or Malamutes, they would require super large pet doors that an adult would be able to get through. In these cases I advise customers that if their breed of very large dog is a good guard dog, then this shouldn’t be a problem.  For people with very large dogs that are of a more gentle nature, I stress the home security risk to them and that it may be advisable to only use the pet door when the owner is home.  When the owner is not home they could use the lock-out slide to keep the pet door closed.

Conclusion: Getting a Dog Door – The 5 Great Benefits

Usually most importantly, a dog door will make it so much more convenient for you and your family, as well as improving your pet’s quality of life.  From increased exercise to better behaviour, a pet door can make a significant difference in your daily routine, and in some cases may help you to get a better night’s sleep!  By providing your pet with the freedom to come and go as they please, you’ll improve their health and well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase their independence.

Afterthoughts: Getting Your Pet Door Installed

Installing a pet door is something that can be done by homeowners if they have the appropriate tools and experience.  However, if you aren’t able to do it yourself or don’t have the time, a professional pet door installer can do the job.   For those people in the Melbourne or Mornington Peninsula area of Victoria, please feel free to contact us here at Affordable Pet Doors Melbourne if you’d like a quote or more information.