How To Avoid Issues With Your Pet Door?

A pet door is nice to have if you own a cat or dog. This allows your pet to exit and enter the house freely when they want to go outdoors, rather than coming to you to get up and let them outside. A carpenter in Kelowna can easily create a doggy door for you in accordance with the size of your animal. Larger dog breeds, for example, require a much larger door than most cats or small dog breeds like chihuahuas. However, even though they are convenient, pet doors can cause various problems. Here are some of those problems and ways to avoid issues with your pet door. 

Provides Entry for Burglars

Burglary is one of the most common property crimes. It is most often a crime of opportunity, with the perpetrator opting to invade houses with open windows or unlocked doors. Sometimes, this opportunity comes in the form of a pet door. If the door is large enough for a large dog, it could be big enough for a burglar to get through and gain access to your house. Even if this is not the case, if the doggy door is by a regular door, a criminal could stick their arm through the pet door and unlock the regular door to gain entry to the home. 

If you choose to have a pet door, ensure that you cannot reach a lock of anything of value via the entryway. In addition, consider closing the doorway off when no humans are present in the home. 

Provides Entry for Wildlife

Wildlife, like people, may be tempted to go inside a house that has an unguarded entryway. Many pests are motivated by food and will go through whatever means necessary to gain access to food items. Wildlife such as small foxes, raccoons, opossums, and more can freely enter your house through a doggy door, just like your pets can. Make sure to keep food and water away from the door, and consider sealing it off when not in use. There are also natural scents that you can use around the door to discourage wildlife from sneaking inside. 

Enables Unlimited Access

The whole purpose of a pet door is for your dog or cat to have free access to your backyard. However, issues can arise when your pet goes outside without supervision. For example, dogs like to dig holes and chew on items that might be laying in the yard. Cats can kill large amounts of wildlife such as birds. In addition, unless your yard has a fence, you never know what someone who is up to no good might do to your pet while they are outside. This is something to consider if you have a doggy door. 

Allows Children To Escape

If you have small children, keep in mind that they can get through the pet door just like your animals can. There are many dangers that kids may encounter when they are outside alone. To prevent this from happening, keep a gate around your pet door when your pets are not using it, and keep an eye on children when the door is in use. Children are very curious, and anything can happen if you take your eye off them for even a split second. Repair services in Kelowna can help you install a door that is easy to seal off, keeping both your children and your pets safe when you cannot watch what they are doing.

If you need to install a pet door or wish to modify your existing one, get in touch with Handyman Connection. Our professional carpenters can help you install a door that keeps you and your pets safe and healthy.