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Training Tips for Puppies (and How to Get Them Used to Their Pet Door)
A pet door can be an innovative way to housebreak your dog. By completing a pet door installation, you can give your dog the freedom to come and go when they need to. Yet most dogs don’t automatically know the door is for them, or how to use it.
How to Teach a Dog to Use a Doggie Door
At some point, you’ll want to transition your dog from relieving themselves indoors to going outside. The best puppy training tips to accomplish this are to:
- Set up an outdoor safe haven: Familiarize your dog with the yard, setting up an enclosed area for them. You can find somewhere on your balcony or patio as well. If concerned about your dog escaping, block the area with fencing or... read more
Debunking Pet Door Installation and Other Pet Door Myths
For dog and cat owners, pet doors are a great addition to your home to give your pet the freedom they need to in and out and when they want. Most pet owners, though, do have some concerns about pet doors which has led to several different myths relating to pet door installation and others which we are going to debunk.
Myth #1: “Pet Door Installation Is Just for Doors”
There is a wide range of pet door products on the market today. You can find pet doors that work with traditional doors, sliding glass doors, screen doors, windows, and more! You can even install pet doors in various areas inside the home too!
Myth #2: “Pet Doors Let in Pests, Bugs, and Other... read more
Dos and Don’ts of Travelling with Your Pet
Pet owners know how hard it can be to leave their furry friends behind. Of course, travelling with a pet isn’t exactly easy, Rules and regulations about how pets can and can’t fly leave many pet owners feeling as though they should just let their pet experience the world through a secure pet door, instead.
Here’s the secret, though—travelling with your pet isn’t as hard as it appears. All you have to do is follow a few easy Dos and Don’ts.
Dos
Do make sure your pet has all its necessary papers. Health certificates are a must, and, if you’re travelling to another country, you’ll want to get an import permit.
Do get a clean bill of health. Make sure...
read moreThe Rise of Vegan Pet Food
As more people have turned to vegan diets, more have considered such diets for cats and dogs. There’s been some debate as to whether a vegetarian diet is nutritionally balanced for companion animals. In addition to pet doors for safety and convenience, pet owners have become increasingly concerned about connections between diet and their pets’ health, the environment, and climate change.
An estimated 1.5 billion people globally were vegetarians in 2010, with vegans being a subset of that population.1 Studies have found many feed pets vegan food due to moral, ethical, and animal welfare concerns. Pet food companies have worked to meet the demand with ingredients such as fish (suitable for pescatarians only),...
read moreUber for Your Pup? Let’s Talk Dog-Walking Apps
A dog door makes having a pet convenient, but have you ever considered a dog-walking app? Neighborhood dog walkers are nothing new. Nowadays, dog owners and dog walkers can more easily connect through apps like Wag! or Rover. Similar to Uber or Ola, these let you book a dog walker or pet sitting service using your smartphone.
For an app such as Wag!, these useful features can make life easier:
- Order a dog walker up to 30 minutes in advance
- Schedule a local dog walker regularly
- Schedule a meeting with them
- Track your dog using the app
- See a map of the walk with status updates
- Rate dog walkers and comment on their profiles
These...
read moreKeeping Your Pet Safe in a Natural Disaster
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have a disaster plan for your pet and your family. A cyclone, fire, earthquake, or flood can mean you’ll need to evacuate and possibly be separated from your pet. Even a pet door can help, but here are a few more suggestions.
Plan in Advance
There may be no warning of an impending disaster, so make sure your pets are microchipped (which can help locate them after being separated), have up-to-date collars and tags, and keep a leash and/or pet carrier near the front door. Also:
- Arrange for a safe haven such as a boarding kennel, animal shelter, or pet-friendly hotel or motel.
- Choose a designated caregiver, such as a friend or relative who... read more
How to Avoid Dehydration in Dogs
When it comes to keeping dogs healthy, we often think of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Water, however, is more essential than any of these. After all, your dog cannot sweat (except through its paws) and is covered in warm fur, on top of the air temperature and strong sun. A dog door is great for giving them the freedom to go indoors to cool off.
Dogs lose water every time they pant and relieve themselves. Losing just 10% to 15% of water in their body can be potentially fatal. To protect your dog, track how much water is in their bowl and provide enough to drink. The quantity of water needed depends on their weight. Most dogs need an ounce water for each pound they weigh, so a...
read more5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active This Summer
Summer is the time for outdoor fun in the sun. You want your dog to enjoy this time too—but it can get quite hot for our furry friends. A dog door enables them to seek cool relief indoors. It’s just one way to make sure your dog stays active and your cat stays safe. Keep your canine active with:
Shade
A backyard sheltered from the wind can get dangerously hot. Make sure there’s a shaded area for them to cool off. You might intend to be around for them, but your one errand can turn into a few hours without your pooch getting the attention it deserves.
Fresh Water
Fresh water is a must. Dogs are prone to...
read moreFleas, Ticks & Mites Problem in Pets
There’s nothing better than giving your pet time each day to romp around outside. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are the cure for just about any ailment your pet may face! While the great outdoors is a wonderful place, it also has its downside.
The more time your dog or cat spends outside, the greater risk there is of fleas, ticks, and mites. These little critters are often hard to detect—that is until you notice your pet constantly scratching or nipping.
If you have a sliding door pet door installed in your home or if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of protecting against fleas, ticks, and mites. Here are tips and tricks to keep these bugs at...
read moreHow to Help Your Pet with Anxiety
Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from anxiety. Some pets are anxious by nature while others are anxious based on situational factors. Fear, aging, and separation can all cause anxiety. Anxious pets can become aggressive, depressed, and restless; others are more likely to pant, bark, or get into destructive behaviors like chewing.
The good news is that there are many things you can do in order to ease your pet’s anxiety. Here are some proven ways to keep your pet calm and stress-free.
Try Distracting Your Pet
Is your pet afraid of loud noises or strangers? If your pet is nervous because of a certain situation, distraction often works really well. Engage your pet’s brain by playing or teaching him a new trick. This...
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