Does your pup howl whenever it needs to go outdoors to relieve itself? If yes, a dog door is a worthy addition to your property. Adding a dog door to your property is a must because it gives pups the freedom to go out and come in whenever they want. This way, when nature calls at midnight, your dog can handle its needs without disturbing you.
However, choosing a door extends beyond deciding the type you want. Many pet owners go for traditional dog doors, but we advise against them. Instead, you should go for an eco-friendly option because they are manufactured following sustainable practices.
Having said that, we’ll discuss the impact of traditional dog doors on the environment. We’ll also share a few pointers to help you choose a sustainable and functional dog door.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Dog Doors
Installing a dog door is a great way to give your fur baby the freedom to go for a walk or play with its friends while you’re away. If you plan to give your pooch this freedom, you must have stumbled upon traditional dog doors. While they have been popular for years, traditional dog doors aren’t the right pick. Why? Traditional dog doors are damaging to the environment.
Old dog doors aren’t energy efficient. That means they cause energy loss by allowing heat and cold air to pass through them. Ultimately, this results in high energy consumption, increasing electricity bills.
On top of that, traditional dog doors aren’t made of recyclable material. That means they end up in landfills, which isn’t good for the environment.
Finding the Right Sustainable and Functional Dog Door
Nowadays, there is no shortage of options when it comes to eco-friendly dog doors. However, you cannot pick any door you come across on the market. It’s important to ensure that the eco-friendly and sustainable dog door you opt for is functional at the same time. A functional door is one that allows dogs to move in and out without any difficulty.
If you’re navigating the sustainable dog door market for the first time, it’s easy to get confused among the tons of options. Also, there’s a high possibility that you’ll make a wrong decision. To make sure that doesn’t happen, here are a few things you must consider when choosing a sustainable dog door:
1. Material
Of course, the material is the first thing to consider if you’re looking for eco-friendly dog doors. Timber is inarguably the most sustainable option for dog doors because it is biodegradable. Also, it can be regrown for future use, meaning its carbon footprint is low compared to PVC and aluminum, which emit considerable amounts of greenhouse gasses during production.
Two other sought-after materials for dog doors among pet parents are fiberglass and steel because they are made of recyclable materials. However, fiberglass doors score high on durability when compared to steel doors. Also, steel doors are prone to dents and scratches, whereas fiberglass is resistant to them.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another important factor if you’re hunting for eco-friendly dog doors. Doors that are energy-efficient help reduce energy consumption than those that aren’t.
How energy-efficient a door is depends on the material it’s made of. But that isn’t the sole determining factor. Fiberglass doors could be highly energy efficient if the right door core is used. To maximize energy efficiency, go for a high-density foam core.
Glass doors can also minimize heat transfer with proper insulation. Hale Pet Door advises pet parents to use high-quality flaps, magnets, and insulation around the glass door to minimize energy loss.
3. Proper Sizing
A too-large door or a too-short door is a big no-no! If the door is too large, it will take time to open and close, leading to energy loss. On the other hand, if it’s too small, your pouch will struggle to walk in and out of it. This will again cause outside air to sneak into the space. When buying a door for your dog, consider its height and width and purchase one accordingly.
4. Installation
Always go for easy-to-install doors, so you don’t have to break into a sweat to fix them. If the door isn’t installed properly, it will result in energy loss. This, in turn, will take a toll on your utility bill. Those who aren’t DIY enthusiasts must hire professionals for dog door installation. Professionals will fix the door in place while weatherstripping it properly.
5. Longevity
It may not seem at first, but the durability and longevity of the door are connected with sustainability. Long-lasting doors reduce wastage and minimize resource consumption than those that last only for a few years.
Fiberglass, aluminum, timber, and bamboo doors are long-lasting, so you might as well go for one of them.
A Final Word
The perks of getting a dog door are aplenty for your pup. But opting for an eco-friendly door will benefit both your pup and the environment by reducing your ecological footprint. By going for a dog door made of sustainable materials, you can make a positive impact on the environment. At the same time, you’ll be able to create a greener future for your fur baby and its companions.
Though small, it’s a meaningful contribution to creating a healthier planet.
