When life gets busy, it's easy to miss the signals that a dog needs to go outside right now. And when the message doesn't get through, the result can be a nasty mess. That isn't a worry with a dog door, fitted into either a human-sized foor or a wall like the one on the right, because it gives your dog the freedom to come and go at will.
Providing a pet with its own portal can also save on heating and cooling bills - a small door, when opened, allows less interior air to escape than a big one does - as long as it is weather stripped and closes tightly on its own. The one at right has two saloon-style doors that close quickly and don't need much pressure to open. When the family is away, a metal plate inside deters intruders.
On the following pages see how This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor installed a PlexiDor dog-door kit for Soleil, the Newfoundland at the Arlington Arts and Crafts TV Project. These kits are available in a range of sizes for breeds big and small - even cats.
Whichever size you choose, the door takes only a few hours to put in. Before you know it, your pet will be enjoying the ability to go freely in and out whenever it pleases.
To download the article and complete instructions on installing a Plexidor Dog Door, click here.
