Are you thinking about installing a pet door at your home? Did you finally decide to open a new world of freedom for you and your furry friend? Doggy doors and cat doors have been in use for centuries now, starting off as simple holes in the walls. Although much has changed since then and we no longer keep cats to hunt rodent pests and dogs to scare away wolves, the pet door, greatly updated and modernized, is still a necessity for the pet-friendly home.
Because our pets are more than just pets, they’re our companions who liven up our dullest days, they deserve to live a long and happy life. And most pets will certainly agree to have a pet flap installed in the home. Here are a few key benefits to consider:
No More Struggling to Let the Pet Out
If you’re tired of the back-and-forth routine of letting your pet in and out, then this benefit will greatly intrigue you. Once you have a pet door in your home, you can stay in bed for an extra three hours and let your pet roam in and out freely. Waking up at 6 a.m on a Saturday morning will be a thing of the past and you’ll regret not thinking of installing a pet flap earlier in life.
The pet door is a significant addition to your home, especially if you’re clocking long hours at work or taking daily trips somewhere. Having a pet flap is also convenient for your neighbor or friend: now they no longer have to take care of your fluffy friend when you’re gone. Win-win for everyone!
More Time for Relaxation
Pet doors also allow pet owners more time for relaxation. Instead of having to constantly monitor the pet, owners can relax knowing their pet has access to the outdoors when they need it. This can help pet owners reduce stress and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
No More Need to Hire a Pet Sitter
Pet doors also offer pet owners the convenience of not having to hire a pet sitter when they go on vacation. Pets can come and go as they please, reducing the need for a pet sitter to be hired. This can save pet owners time and money, making pet doors an ideal choice for pet owners who travel frequently.
Freedom: Now your pet can chase those bugs and lizards freely
Freedom is such a powerful notion. We, humans, have fought so many battles to obtain it. We dream about freedom, teach, advocate, and hope for it. Just like us, our pets demand more freedom and not bigger cages, as many activists might say. Pets are intelligent and feeling creatures after all.
By installing a pet flap, your four-legged friend will have the freedom to engage in species-specific behaviors like chasing a bug or scratching the earth once in a while. Your pet needs the independence to go to the “bathroom” when it pleases, play when it’s in the mood, and run freely when it wishes. Is there a better sight than watching your cat playing with shadows on the wall or your dog rolling around in the grass without constraint?
Mental stimulation: Your pet can keep its mind active and busy
Out pets are living, breathing, thinking, and feeling animals. Just like their owners, cats, and dogs need to exercise their minds. Too little mental stimulation is a recipe for disaster. A bored pet is a destructive pet. They truly need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
By giving pets the ability to move freely in and out of the house, they are less likely to become bored and destructive, as they have a better outlet for their energy. This can lead to improved behaviour and a reduction in destructive behaviours such as chewing and digging. Pets are also less likely to develop issues such as separation anxiety, as they can come and go as they please.
Dog doors in glass or cat doors in timber are the means to your pet’s health and well-being. Now your companion will have a constant challenge and stimulation in order to maintain good mental fitness. The sight smells, and sounds of the great outdoors will be an excellent stimulation that will help your pet to stay psychologically stable and alert.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
Pets are curious creatures, and oftentimes, they can get into dangerous situations when left to roam outdoors on their own. With a pet door, you can provide your furry friend with easy access to the outdoors, without having to worry about them escaping or getting into any accidents.
Pet behavior: No more chewed-on furniture
When your pet is bored, you’ll find out soon enough. You’ll walk home one day to see the pillows torn and the furniture chewed on. And why is the trash all over the kitchen floor?
Dogs and cats might be physically different but they surely respond to boredom in the same way: by displaying ill behavior. Not having the freedom to roam free and stay busy will result in excessive barking and howling, scratching and digging, getting into food, and other destructive behavior.
The issue of damaging your furniture and home is more problematic if you live in a rental/lease which will prove to be more costly when you eventually move out. Chewing, scratching, or other negative behavior on furniture or household items can be costly. Bathroom accidents can sometimes create a smell and be difficult to clean. A pet that is able to go outside when needed is necessary and can avoid having to clean up messes.
Protection from Outdoor Dangers
There are many outdoor dangers that can harm your pet, such as other animals, poisonous plants, and harsh weather conditions. A pet door gives your pet the ability to come and go as they please, while also providing them with a safe and secure environment to explore.
Improved Home Security
By giving your pet its own door, you can reduce the risk of break-ins and other security issues. Pet doors are designed to be sturdy and secure, and they also eliminate the need for you to constantly get up and let your pet in and out, which can be a potential security risk. In addition, a pet door can be a great deterrent for potential intruders, who may think twice about breaking into a home with a pet on the premises.
Environmentally Friendly Option
Pet doors can also be an environmentally friendly option. By providing your pet with easy access to the outdoors, you can reduce the number of harmful chemicals used in the home, such as pesticides and cleaning products. This not only helps protect the environment but also creates a healthier living space for you and your pet. In addition, pet doors can also reduce energy usage by reducing the need for heating or cooling the home. This is because pets can regulate their own body temperature by going outside as needed. Finally, pet doors can also improve waste management by reducing the need for litter boxes or outdoor cleanup. This helps keep your yard and home clean and odor-free.
Ease of installation: It will be over before you say “catch”
Do you have a sliding door? Or maybe a screen door? All pet doors are easy to install and your pet will be walking through its new door in a matter of hours with a little bit of training. Did I mention that they’re also incredibly affordable and unbelievably practical? They will keep your home insulated, secure, and pet-accident free, and your fluffy friend safe, happy, and in touch with its animal nature.
Summary of the Benefits of Using a Pet Door
In conclusion, a pet door provides numerous benefits for both pets and pet owners. It offers convenience for the pet owner by eliminating the need to struggle with letting the pet out, providing more time for relaxation, and reducing the need for a pet sitter. It also provides independence for the pet by allowing them to explore the outdoors, get more exercise and stimulation, and improve their health and behavior. Additionally, a pet door increases safety by reducing the risk of accidents, protecting pets from outdoor dangers, and improving home security. It is also a cost-effective solution, with no need for professional installations, fewer leash walks, and reduced vet bills. Lastly, pet doors are an environmentally friendly option, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, reducing energy usage, and improving waste management. In summary, the benefits of using a pet door are numerous, making it a worthwhile investment for pet owners. It is encouraged to try a pet door and see the positive impact it can have on both pets and their owners.
Now that you feel certain you want to buy a pet door, why don’t you look at our high-quality, built-to-last collection of pet doors?
Additional reading: Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Door