Do You Need a Dog Door?
A dog door is a convenient feature to add to a home with a pet. For your dog, it means freedom to go outside to take bathroom breaks, lounge in the sun or simply run and play. For you, it means you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to let your dog out and in. Easy access to the outdoors also allows your dog to focus energy constructively on playing and exploring outside.
A fire-rated exterior door may be required and installing a dog door may violate this requirement. Check your local building codes before you shop. Also look at your insurance policy for any restrictions that apply.
Types of Dog Doors
While the most common dog door is the standard one that installs in an entry door, there are options for wall, sliding door, French door and even screen door installations. You can also purchase a storm door or sliding patio door with a built-in dog door.
Some types of dog doors can also work for cats if the door is the right size. Our guide to cat doors also gives you tips on choosing the right door for your feline.
Standard Dog Door
A standard dog door is designed to fit in an entry door or interior door. It consists of a frame and one or more flaps. While many people can install a dog door themselves, the project requires cutting a portion of the entry door away, so it takes basic do-it-yourself project knowledge and skills. Note that an entry door dog door is typically a permanent installation. If you move, you may need to install a new door before you sell the home.
Cutting into a door to install a dog door will void the warranty on the door. If you’re considering installing any dog door in a rental home, check with the property owner or manager to see what modifications you’re allowed to make to the property.
Wall Dog Door
A wall dog door is similar to one designed for an entry door. Like a door model, it’s typically suitable for exterior and interior walls. Many models have a flap for the exterior and one for the interior and may have a third flap for improved insulation. Some have twin doors instead of flaps. Installation requires cutting holes in the exterior and interior walls of the house. Wiring, plumbing and structural framing make this project more complex than installing a standard dog door. It’s often a job for a professional. Keep in mind, wall repair will be necessary if you move. However, you have more options when choosing a location for your dog door.
Sliding Door Dog Door
If you have a sliding patio door that opens into a backyard, a sliding door dog door is a great option. This type is one of the easiest to install. Since it fits in a sliding door track, there’s no need to cut into a wall or door. A sliding door dog door is also easy to remove, so it’s a good choice for renters. Sliding door dog doors typically use safety glass panels to help protect your pet and a latch kit that lets you secure your sliding door with the dog door in place.
French Door Dog Door
A dog door for a French door replaces the entire glass insert on one of the twin doors. These doors are often suitable for larger breeds that can step over the bottom door frame. While not as complex as a wall installation, a French door dog door requires precise measurement of your existing insert and careful handling of the glass. Low-E glass options improve energy efficiency, but clear panels are also available to match the glass of your door set. Look for tempered or shatterproof glass panels to improve safety for your pet.
Screen Door Dog Door
Dog doors for screen doors are available with vinyl, plastic or screen flaps. You’ll need to cut away some of the screen door fabric and install the door. This type of dog door typically installs near the door frame to give it the best support. Like other dog doors, these often include lockout panels to keep your pet in and other animals out. Keep in mind, these are often best for smaller breeds and don’t offer the stability of other types.
Pre-Installed Dog Door
If you’re replacing a sliding patio door, storm door or screen door and want extra convenience for you and your pet, consider a door with a pre-installed dog door. Storm doors with built-in dog doors are available in high-view and full-view designs with aluminum and wood-core options and retractable screens. Sliding doors with pre-installed dog doors typically have vinyl frames and offer Low-E glass to improve energy.
Dog doors usually have aluminum or plastic frames. Aluminum frames are rugged, long lasting and resist damage from chewing. Plastic models are lightweight and tend to be more economical.
Dog Door Features
- Insulated flaps and double or triple flaps help reduce heat exchange between your home and the outdoors.
- Doors with flaps made of interlocking sections create a better seal against weather and outside air than standard flaps.
- Tinted dog flaps minimize heat and glare from the sun.
- A paintable frame lets you match your dog door to your entry door or home exterior.
- Keyed locking panels help improve security.
Sizing a Dog Door
For the safest, most secure dog door, choose one that’s the correct size for your dog. While actual fit depends on the dog’s size and weight, here are some general tips based on dog breed:
- Small dog doors are often suitable for dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkies, as well as cats.
- Medium dog doors can typically suit Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds and similar-sized breeds.
- Large dog doors often fit breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, Labradors, Collies, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.
- Extra-large dog doors are usually best for very large breeds like Great Pyrenees, Rottweilers and Great Danes.
Many dog doors include weight recommendations and sizing guidelines on the packaging or with the product information.
Measuring Your Dog for a Dog Door
Different doors may recommend different methods for measuring your dog, so always follow instructions for the door you plan to purchase. We have some general dog door sizing tips below.
- Have your dog stand to take the measurements. A flexible measuring tape works best, but you can also mark a piece of string and measure the string with a tape measure.
- Measure the distance across the dog’s shoulders or hips, whichever part of the body is widest. Add an inch to the measurement.
- Measure the distance from the dog’s shoulders to the lowest point of the body — usually this is the bottom of the stomach or chest. Add 1-1/2 to 2 inches to this measurement.
- If you’re purchasing a sliding door dog door, measure the rise of the door, which is the section at the bottom that the dog will step over. Measure the distance between your dog’s shoulders and the floor. Add an inch to get the correct rise.
- Weigh your dog.
Match the measurements and weight to a door to find one that’s right for your dog. Also, pay attention to the door or wall thickness the door is suitable for.
If you have a puppy, choose a door based on the dog’s adult size. You can usually estimate this with some research or by talking with your vet.
Dog Door Safety and Security
When considering a dog door, think about your dog’s safety and the safety and security of your home. It’s best for a dog door to exit into a fenced-in yard. If this isn’t an option, make sure the door doesn’t exit near a road. Consider placing outdoor décor or container plants around the exit to make it less obvious. This also gives your dog some cover while they look to see if any other animals are nearby.
Exiting into a well-lit area allows your dog to immediately see if any predators or other dogs are nearby. Good lighting also improves overall home security by making the area around your dog door less attractive to intruders. Lighting is an especially good idea since dog doors are often located in the back of the house where an intruder may be less visible.
In addition to using motion sensors, security lights, cameras and security systems, these general tips can help improve security:
- Size your door properly so it isn’t larger than necessary.
- Keep the door lockout panel in place when the dog is in for the night or when you and your pet are away.
- See if you can install a latch for the lockout panel to prevent an intruder from attempting to access the interior lock on the door.
- Consider a wall-mounted dog door so there isn’t a nearby lock to tamper with.
- For sliding door models, invest in a removable security bar that installs in the door track and immobilizes the sliding panel.
For your pet’s safety:
- It’s best for the door to exit into a fenced-in yard. If a fence isn’t an option, make sure the door doesn’t exit near a road.
- Consider placing outdoor décor or container plants around the exit to make it less obvious and to give your dog some cover. This will give your dog an opportunity to see if there are any other animals nearby before going into the open area of the patio or yard.
- Having an exit area that’s well lit at night allows the dog to immediately see if any predators or other dogs are nearby. Good lighting also improves overall home security by making the area around your dog door less attractive to intruders. Lighting is an especially good idea since dog doors are often located in the back of the house where an intruder may be less visible.
In addition to typical security measures, such as motion sensors, security lights, cameras and security systems, there are some other things you can do to improve security if you’re installing a dog door.
- Make sure you size your door properly so it isn’t larger than necessary.
- Keep the door locking panel in place when the dog is in for the night or when you and your pet are away.
- You may be able to install a secondary latch for the locking panel to prevent an intruder from attempting to access the interior lock on the door. If this is a particular concern for you, consider a wall-mounted door so there won’t be a nearby lock to tamper with.
- For sliding door models, consider investing in a removable security bar that installs in the door track and immobilizes the sliding panel.
- If you’re concerned about other animals entering your home through the door, consider an automatic dog door that operates only for your pet.
Key Points to Remember When Choosing a Dog Door
A dog door gives your pet more freedom and gives you a break from regular trips to and from the door. Here’s what you need to remember when considering a dog door:
- Dog doors for standard entry doors are the most common but might require door replacement if you move.
- Wall dog doors give you lots of placement options but have a complex installation and require wall repairs when you move.
- Sliding door dog doors are the easiest to install and are removable, making them a good option for renters.
- French door models are suitable for larger dogs and install by replacing one of the door glass inserts.
- Pre-installed dog doors are good options when you need to replace an entry door.
- Check the product information for instructions on measuring your dog and choosing the right door size.
- A dog door that opens into a fenced yard helps keep your dog safe from predators, other dogs and traffic.
Shop Lowes.com to find different types of dog doors, as well as sizes to fit just about any breed. You can also look for features that improve security and energy efficiency. If you still have questions, visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate. They can show you the available types and sizes to help you find the perfect fit for your home and pet.
Dog Door FAQ
Take a look at these answers to common dog door questions.
Is It Better to Put a Dog Door in the Wall or Door?
Door models are very common, and installing a dog door in a door is a relatively simple project, particularly if you’re installing one in a sliding door. However, you’ll have many more location options with a dog door for a wall.
Where’s the Best Place to Put a Dog Door?
Giving your dog access to a fenced-in area is best. There’s less likelihood of other dogs or predators getting into the area, and a fenced-in yard helps keep your pet away from the street.
How Do I Get My Dog to Use a Dog Door?
Treats, toys and encouraging family members inside and outside are good starting points for training your dog to use a new dog door. Patience, repetition and lots of praise for success are key ways to reinforce the training.