Many Eagle, ID, residents want to install a doggie door in their homes to give their dog or cat a safe place to enter and exit their residences whenever they like. However, figuring out where to install a dog door isn’t always easy. Although installing a dog door for a garage door might seem like a good idea, it carries several disadvantages that could adversely affect your pet, home, and more.
So Garage Door Medics developed a helpful guide to inform Eagle, ID, residents why dog doors for garage doors aren’t a good idea.
Garage Door Medics ranks as Eagle, ID’s number-one choice for professional garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services. Our team can expeditiously handle even the most strenuous garage door projects while providing outstanding customer service. If you need a high-quality garage door repair service in Eagle, Idaho, that always prioritizes your needs, contact Garage Door Medics.
Why Avoid Dog Doors for Garage Doors?
Dog doors allow pets to enter and exit your home at their leisure, making them incredibly convenient for busy Eagle homeowners. However, some residential locations accommodate doggie doors better than others.
While side and back doors make ideal locations for a doggie door, installing one on a garage door will do more harm than good. In fact, garage doors represent one of the worst places to install a dog door.
Garage door doggie doors pose numerous risks that could jeopardize your pet, your garage, and more. Below we list some of the risks associated with dog doors for garage doors.
Your Dog or Cat Becomes Too Comfortable With the Garage Door
Most responsible pet owners want their dog or cat to move away from their home’s garage door when they open or close it. However, installing a dog door for your garage door can make your pet too comfortable with the moving entrance, making them less likely to move from it during operation.
Although most modern garage doors have numerous safety features that prevent them from crushing incoming or outgoing vehicles or residents, they don’t accommodate pets. A garage door can fall on pets if they don’t move away from it while it closes. Conversely, the garage door can open while your pet uses the dog door, putting it in direct danger.
Both scenarios are exceedingly dangerous and can severely injure your pet or worse.
Most Garage Doors Don’t Lead to a Gated Area
Most garages lead to a street instead of a gated area. If you install a dog door on your garage door, your pet could escape and become lost unless it leads to an enclosed space. It’s best to install doggie doors on the side or back door that lead to a gated yard or patio that will keep your pet safe and sound while it plays outside.
An enclosed outdoor space also diminishes the chances of a thief stealing your dog while it’s unsupervised. If a dog exits through the garage door’s doggie door and enters an unenclosed front yard, criminals can snatch it rather quickly. However, if your pet goes into a fenced backyard, the thief can’t access the space as easily, making it difficult for them to kidnap your furry friend.
Doggie Doors Can Damage Your Home’s Garage Door
Doggie door installation requires technicians to cut a hole into your home’s garage door to provide an entrance for your dog or cat, potentially damaging the door. Although professional installation rarely damages the door, repairing a standard door costs much less than fixing a mechanical garage door.
We consider garage doors exceedingly unique, requiring more time and dedication to repair. They sometimes demand specific parts that other residential entrances don’t need, furthering the repair price. Always hire a professional installation company to install a dog door on a standard door to reduce potential structural damage.
Dog Doors for Garage Doors Are Inconvenient
Most pets don’t spend a lot of time in the garage, making dog doors for garage doors inconvenient and unnecessary. Since most garages don’t lead to a secure front or backyard, installing one that leads to an ungated space doesn’t make much sense.
Garage door doggie doors are also inconvenient for homeowners if another door blocks the entrance.
For example, if you have to open a door to enter the garage, you have to open it for your pet every time it wants to use the doggie door. Although you could install another dog door on the said door, it’ll cost double or more than installing one on a back or side door.
Tips for Choosing a Doggie Door
Now that you understand why you shouldn’t install dog doors on garage doors, you can start shopping for a high-quality pet door for your residence. However, some doggie doors work better than others and provide more benefits to your four-legged friend. Continue reading for a few aspects to consider when buying a doggie door.
Purchase a Fire-Rated Pet Door
Some cat owners keep their pet’s litter box in their garage and want a high-quality door that allows their feline friend to enter and exit efficiently. Fire-rated pet doors rank as some of the best pet entrances available and have heat sensors that detect fires. These fire-resistant doors lock once the sensors discover a fire, creating a smoke seal that prevents your cat from entering a fire.
Ensure the Dog Door Has a Locking Cover
Some dog doors don’t have a lock feature and allow pests to enter and exit your home without notice. These pests often carry dangerous diseases and can infest a home incredibly quickly.
Pest control often demands high prices and can be somewhat intrusive. It’s best to install a dog door with a locking cover to diminish the chances of pest infestations.
Simply lock the dog door at night or when you aren’t home to prevent infestations and preserve your home’s integrity. Although pests can still enter your property through the door while you’re home, locking it at night significantly reduces the probability.
Lockable doggie doors also prevent thieves from breaking into your residences. Some skinny criminals can crawl through large pet doors and steal your belongings while you’re away.
Locking the dog door makes it impossible for trespassers to enter through the pet entrance, ensuring your residence remains safe and sound while you enjoy a vacation or weekend excursion.
Ensure the Pet Door Is Large Enough for Your Dog or Cat
Pet doors come in numerous shapes, sizes, and designs. Some work best for large dogs, while others accommodate small cats or canine breeds. Always ensure the dog door is large enough for your pet before installing one in your home.
If you don’t know what dog door size best suits your pet, talk to your vet or local pet supply store for recommendations.
Contact Garage Door Medics for Professional Garage Door Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Services in Eagle, ID
If you need garage door installation, repair, or maintenance services in Eagle, ID, contact Garage Door Medics. We’ve been one of Eagle’s leading garage door companies for over 30 years and can equip your home with a high-quality garage door at a fair and affordable price. Our team will teach you why you should avoid a dog door for garage doors while helping you with all your other garage door needs.
Whether you need a professional garage door repair or want to learn more about the electrical requirements of installing garage door openers, Garage Door Medics is here for you.
Give us a call at (888) 997-2423 and schedule your appointment with our garage door specialists today!
