Frequently Asked Questions

A: A dog’s breath is not the most pleasant smell at the best of times, but stinky dog breath is the absolute worst! There’s nothing quite like dog kisses that smell like yesterday’s garbage. Bacteria is typically to blame for the bad breath and better oral hygiene can clear it up. In honor of Pet Dental Month, let’s take a look at the reasons behind bad dog breath and how to clear it up. There can be many factors contributing to halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath.  However, the primary cause is bacteria in the mouth from plaque and tartar build up. This comes from food particles that stay on the teeth and gums. Regular brushing will eliminate the food particles and keep the plaque and tartar from accumulating in the first place. Experts recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to help remove plaque and prevent tartar build up. When you start your dog off as a pup with a regular brushing regimen, they can not only learn to accept teeth brushing, but enjoy it as well. An older dog may be more difficult to introduce to brushing. Not to worry. There is a wide variety of dental chews on the market that taste great and clear off plaque and tartar. Some of these chews are mint flavored to freshen the breath as they chew. Holistic circles recommend raw carrots as an all-natural teeth cleaner and lemon juice can be added to their water to cleanse your dog’s breath.   For extensive periodontal disease causing stinky dog breath, visit the veterinarian to see if your dog is a candidate for teeth cleaning. Only a vet will be able to determine if this is necessary. It may be brushing and dental chews will not be enough. Your pet’s dental health is an important part of their overall health. Pet dental health is one way to keep our dogs happy and healthy. Another great way to keep our furry friends at ease at home is to give them the freedom to access the outdoors when they need to with a PlexiDor Dog Door. They come in a range of sizes to accommodate teacup Yorkies to Great Danes and every dog in between. Contact our Customer Service department at 888-PETDOOR today with any questions.

A: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or “Toller” for short, is ranked fourth overall of the six retriever breeds in popularity. It is ranked 83rd overall of the 197 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. The word “toller” comes from their ability to entice waterfowl within gunshot range by frolicking in the shallow waters and along the shoreline. As a hunting dog, they were specifically bred for this task and are unique for it. Ducks are attracted to the sight of red foxes and move in closer to investigate them. Ducks mistake Tollers for a fox on the shore and become an easy target for the hunter’s rifle. They are the smallest of the retrievers and more agile than most. Their athletic, compact body frame allows them to run and jump about tirelessly retrieving, always happy, with their tail wagging. Often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever, Tollers are affectionate and outgoing, but only weigh between 40-50 pounds and are an average of 19 inches tall depending on sex. A large PlexiDor Dog Door would be the best fit for this breed. They are working animals, bred primarily for hunting, and happiest when they have a job to do. Eager to please, Tollers make good search and rescue animals. They were bred to retrieve from icy waters and have a water-repellent, double coat of medium length fur with a soft, dense undercoat. They also have webbed feet which makes them even better at maneuvering in water. Toller retrievers can be any shade of red from light golden red to coppery dark red.  A white marking on the face, tip of the tail, feet or chest is characteristic for this breed. Tolling Retrievers need lots of exercise. They have lots of energy and will need to use it up playing and retrieving. You can’t throw the ball just once for a Toller. The game may never end, especially around water. They love the water! Affectionate family dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are gentle and good with children and other dogs and pets. They are intelligent and learn fast making them easy to train. Tollers have a unique, shrill bark known as the “Toller scream”. They can be quite vocal when excited, but is not a “barker”. They are low maintenance dogs requiring only a weekly brushing. When choosing supplies for your active Toller, don’t overlook a dog door providing convenient access to the backyard for these vibrant dogs. You will need a product that is durable, warrantied, guaranteed and energy efficient for all the coming and going they will want to do. A PlexiDor Dog Door is the perfect fit. Contact our Customer Service department or call 888-PETDOOR to get any of your questions answered. Our service specialists are standing by!

A: Some homeowners may have no other choice but to place their dog door in the French glass door or sliding glass door of their home. So, the ease of a glass door insert is the perfect option. The glass door insert does not obstruct the light coming in through the glass and does not interfere with the way the door functions. In most cases, installation is easy enough to handle yourself with a few tools you probably already have around your house and if you aren’t handy, PlexiDor Dog Doors has an extensive list of installers available to do it for you. PlexiDor Glass Series Dog Doors are pre-fabricated for use in sliding glass doors, French doors and most other glass house doors. The PlexiDor Glass Series units are designed to replace the existing glass panel in the door. The durable dog door comes to you factory installed in double pane glass in a one-piece frame. The inserts are available in sizes to fit most sliding glass and French style patio doors and is available in both regular, clear glass and low-E glass. The dog doors are available in a range of sizes; small (SM), medium (MD), large (LG) and extra-large (XL). There is a door to fit every breed. View our size chart to find the right door for your dog. The dog door through the glass door option looks elegant and natural in your home. The dog door and frames are available in white or bronze. Along with the insert, the French door kits come with instructions to install the door yourself, should you decide to do so. There is also a steel cam lock and two keys and a steel security plate to keep out unwanted intruders. These doors are energy efficient and built to last. They come with a 90 day money back guarantee and a 10 year warranty. Our Customer Service team is available to answer any questions Monday – Friday 9A-4P ET or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you!

A: In many of our homes, the most convenient access outside is through a glass door of some type; whether a French door, patio door, sliding glass door or something similar. In the past, a dog door through glass has been unheard of, but the PlexiDor Dog Door Glass Series changes that completely. This is a prefabricated double pane insulated glass unit featuring a factory installed PlexiDor Dog Door. It’s ready for installation and available in clear or Low-E glass. It is a revolutionary dog door as it is a dog door in glass that has been tempered and is insulated, helping keep weather outside. The glass is the same kind used in car windows, shower doors, and diving masks, and is very strong. It is able to withstand the wear and tear placed on it by any dog, so we give a five (5) year warranty on the replacement frame and glass. The PlexiDor Dog Door is warranted for ten (10) full years. Installation in a French door can be done yourself, with the right tools. We have paper and video tutorials available to help you through it. If you prefer to have a professional handle the installation, we have an extensive list of qualified dealers/installers to assist you. Contact us at 888-738-3667 if you don’t see a listing for your area. Our French door and sliding glass dog doors are available for any size dog; from a Chihuahua to a Saint Bernard. They range in size from small to extra-large. Both our standard and electronic models are available for the PlexiDor Glass Series. The standard is our manual, saloon style dog door. The PlexiDor Electronic Series opens and closes automatically, triggered by a RFID chip located on the dogs’ collar. When you purchase your dog door for your glass door, whether you plan to do the install yourself or hire an experienced installer we can help. Contact us with any questions along you may have along the way. Our Customer Service is very knowledgeable and always happy to help. Call 888-PET-DOOR (888-738-3667).

A: The Saluki sighthound, meaning they hunt by sight rather than smell, is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. There is a lot of archeological evidence that has been found to support this. Images have been found on mosaic sculptures and in tomb paintings that date back 5000 years of slender dogs with feathered ears, tails, and legs. These dogs originate from Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. This “Royal Dog of Egypt” has been found mummified in tombs along the upper Nile with Egyptian Pharaohs. They were known as a hunting dog to pharaohs and kings for thousands of years. This feathered Saluki Sighthound is beautiful with black and white coloring. Saluki Sighthound Speed Salukis are graceful and agile sprinters. They average 30-35 miles per hour and have been clocked at 50 mph. Since they hunt by sight, it is paramount they keep up with their prey and this breed is swift. They were bred by Arab tribesmen for speed and endurance to bring down gazelle. Their slim, long-legged build is surprisingly strong and athletic. They have the stamina to keep up with the quickest of prey. Characteristics They are a gentle breed, dignified and loyal. The saluki sighthound is thought to be independent or sometimes aloof, although not difficult to train. They enjoy running and staying active and require and healthy dose of mental stimulation. With proper nutrition and good care, this breed will live 10-17 years. Males will be 23-28 inches at the shoulder with females typically being smaller in stature. They weigh between 40-65 pounds depending on their sex. Their large oval eyes can be dark to hazel in color. The breed standard has an expression that is gentle and dignified with eyes that are deep, faithful and far-seeing. The Saluki has a short coat, soft and silky to the touch. The breed comes with coats either smooth or “feathered”. Feathered being they have longer hairs on their ears, legs and tails. Their coats are easy to care for requiring only a weekly brushing and an occasional bath when necessary. These hounds are not prone to smelling bad and bathing more often is not necessary. Their beautiful coats make them adaptable to virtually any climate. These dogs can be found in many colors and patterns including white, fawn, cream, tan, red, gold, grizzle, and black. Care The Saluki sighthound requires daily walks and regular runs, at least twice a week. They do best with a large backyard where they are able to stretch their legs as they please. Along with basic obedience training, some type of canine sport training is also a good idea. These are active dogs and should be kept busy. Salukis enjoy both mental stimulation and exercise and would be a good fit for lure coursing, exhibition jumping, flyball and agility training. When bored they have been known to get into mischief like escaping over fences and chewing things up. A strong fence at least six feet high and plenty of sturdy chew toys is suggested. It is in an owners’ best interest to keep their Saluki occupied and exercised. Your Saluki sighthound can best be served to access their large backyard by a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors can be installed through a wall, door or glass and come in both a standard and electronic model. The Saluki would require a large size PlexiDor. These durable, energy efficient doors are guaranteed and warrantied. You’ll love how beautiful this product looks in your home. Contact our Customer Service today for questions on your new PlexiDor Dog Door or call 888-PETDOOR.

A: There is nothing scarier than the sounds of dogs and choking. It is a common emergency with over 200,000 reported incidences in the US each year. Coughing; accompanied by signs of severe distress like pawing at the mouth, drooling, rubbing the face along the ground, gagging and retching are all indications your dog may be choking. There may also be signs that your dog is experiencing trouble breathing and/or a loss of oxygen, such as panting or discoloration of the tongue or gums. In this type of situation, it is important to know what to do beforehand and act quickly. You may not be able to wait for veterinary care to help your dog. Not only is it important to know the auditory, physical and sensory signs of choking, but more importantly what to do in case of a choking emergency. When dogs and choking go together, it's easy to panic yourself. When your dog is in distress, what do you do? Dogs and Choking: What To Do? Well…  Your dog may start to panic. Keep them restrained so they are not able to hurt themselves or you. Next, check for external factors and remove anything around the neck that may be causing the distress. Look inside your dog’s mouth and remove any foreign object blocking the airway. Be careful not to push the object farther back into the passageway or put your fingers down the throat. The delicate tissues at the back of the throat are delicate and can be injured easily. Finally, has the choking dog retained consciousness. It is best to get the dog to the vet as soon as possible when they are choking. Though your dog may have coughed out the blockage on their own, they should still be examined to see if medical attention is needed. Should your dog lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen, there is a Heimlich Maneuver for dogs. Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs and Choking For small dogs: Hold your dog against your torso with their head up and their paws down. Place your closed fist in the dog’s stomach just under the ribs. Hold the fist with the other hand and make 4-5 rapid thrusting motions, inward and upward. For large dogs: If the dog is standing put your arms around the belly, one hand a fist and the other closing around the fist placed in the hollow of the abdomen, same as above. Push firmly, 4-5 times, up and forward on the stomach to dislodge object from throat. If the large dog is lying down, use the same method as above but with one hand placed on the back for support. After performing the thrusting motion 4-5 times, check the airway again and clear debris from mouth. You may repeat thrusts if necessary. Dogs and Choking Prevention Of course, the best way to protect your dog from the dangers of choking is to do your best to prevent it in the first place. Exploring the world with their mouths is true of dogs and choking can be a reality. Many dogs will put lots of things in their mouths they should avoid and are able to choke. Follow these basic guidelines to help keep your dog from choking: Be careful with the chews and toys you give your dog. They should be weight, breed and bite strength appropriate. An object that is too small can easily be swallowed whole and become a choking hazard.Be safe and don’t leave your dog unattended while chewing. Small pieces can break off and pose a choking threat.Be aware of the size and type of bones you give your dog. Take a look at this article on bone safety for dogs. Preparation for the possibility of choking in your dog is recommended as a responsible pet owner. Information and education on pet safety are the best ways to love on your dog. Another way to keep your dog safe and secure is with a PlexiDor Dog Door. You can offer them the freedom to access to the outdoors and the safety of a lockable dog door. Contact our Customer Service for more information at 888-PETDOOR. We’re always happy to help!

A: A dog’s face has a lot to do with their ears. While there are lots of different styles of ears on dogs, nine stick out as the most common dog ear types. One type is so sought after it is regular practice to crop or surgically alter the ears to achieve the look. Other dog’s ears almost drag the ground and some appear they could take flight at any moment. What type of ear does your dog have? Is it one of the common dog ear types or are they a bit more unique? Yorkshire Terrier with Upright Ears Types of Dog Ears The Prick, Upright or Erect Ear is quite common and is characterized as sharp, pointed ears standing erect. The Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Cairn Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and German Shepherd are all examples of this type of dog ear. German Shepherd with Upright Ears The Cropped ear is an erect ear that was achieved through surgical alteration. This is seen on Boxers and Dobermans. Boxer with Cropped Ears Bat Ears are characterized as ears that are upright and seem too big for the dog’s head. The ears angle out past the side of the head sort of like bat wings. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Chihuahua are seen with these ears. Chihuahua with Bat Ears Drop Ears hang down from the dog’s head where most are set upright at the base in some form or fashion. Drop ears come in a wide span of shapes and sizes, but the Bassett Hound has the longest and the droopiest. Bassett Hound with Drop Ears Folded Ears also lie against the dog’s head, but unlike drop ears that hang down at the base, the folded ear sits up away from the face and then folds down. Bloodhounds and many field spaniels sport this type of ear. English Springer Spaniel with Folded Ears The Cocked or Semi-Pricked Ear is exactly that. It’s an upright ear with the top part bent over sticking forward. Collies and the Shetland Sheepdog are known for these ears. Shetland Sheepdogs with Cocked Ears The Button Ear is seen on a Jack Russell Terrier, some Pugs, and the Jack Parson Terrier. This is an upright ear but then it’s folded over to completely cover the inside of the ear. Jack Russell Terrier with Button Ears The Rose Ear is another upright ear, but it falls backwards not forwards. The ear folding to the back causes the top part to fall to the side creating the appearance of a rose petal. Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Bulldogs all have this type of ear. Bulldog with Rose Ears A V-shaped Ear is upright at the bottom and the flap folds forward from the base. The flap is flat and creates a triangular shape with rounded corners. The Bullmastiff, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and other retriever breeds all have this ear type in common. Golden Retriever with V-Shaped Ears Other Unique Dog Ear Types Hooded Ear is another version of the upright ear, but these ears curve inward just a little. The Basenji is an example of this ear type. Basenji with Hooded Ears The Candle Flame Ear will only be found on the English Toy Terrier. No other dog breed has these unusual upright ears that curve inwards slightly, like that ears of a Basenji. The candle flame appearance comes from the narrow base and wider middle then coming to a point on top.The Filbert-Shaped Ear is only seen on the Bedlington Terrier. This is a V-Shaped ear that has the tip covered in a tuft of fur.The Rounded or Blunt-Tipped Ear is characteristic of the French Bulldog and the Chow Chow. These are upright ears without a point. They instead have a smooth, rounded edge. French Bulldog with Rounded Ears Butterfly Ears can be found on the Papillion. These are upright ears set at ten and two on the dog’s head and tend to move like a butterfly’s wings when the dog is in motion. Papillion with Butterfly Ears Did you identify your dog? There are common dog ear types and a few specialized ones. Each makes the face special. Ears say a lot about your dog and they complete their face. Whatever your dog’s ear type. Keep them happy by giving them the freedom to go outside and in, as they please, with a PlexiDor Dog Door. They are durable, energy efficient, guaranteed and warrantied. Available in sizes for any breed small, medium, large and extra-large. Contact our Customer Service team today at 888-PET-DOOR.

A: Ever wonder why dogs sniff each other’s behinds? It’s definitely not the way humans approach each other. People shake hands or wave hello. However, for dogs sniffing butts is normal behavior and expected. There is a scientific reason, a social reason, and some legendary explanations for why dogs sniff each other's behinds. The reasons and the legends may surprise you and give your day a chuckle. Read further to find out more. Reasons Dogs Sniff Each Other’s Behinds GreetingAnal sac secretionsNative American legends The Greeting - Sniffing each other is like a handshake and a hello. It’s a greeting between dogs. They immediately know if they are friend or foe. Science - There are anal sacs on the sides of your dog’s butt with glands that secrete chemicals identifying a lot about your dog. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and use it to communicate. A dog can tell the sex, reproductive status, and tips on the health, diet and emotional state of another dog from the scent. Legends Why Dog Sniff Each Other’s Behinds There is an old Sioux legend that offers another possibility… A long time ago, the dogs decided to hold an election. They needed someone to lead them. A strong, swift and wise dog. They congregated at the big dog convention. A dog spoke up and nominated the bulldog. “I nominate the Bulldog. He’s tough and he can fight.” “But he’s slow. He’ll never catch anyone.” Then another dog spoke and nominated the greyhound. “I nominate the Greyhound. He’s fast as anything. He will outrun anyone.” “Sure, he can run, but he can’t fight! What happens when he catches up to them? He’ll get beat up and then what happens? All he can do is run away. He is no leader.” An ugly dog jumps up and says, “I nominate the dog who smells good under his tail!” Another ugly little dog jumps up and says, “I second the motion!” All of sudden, there is a huge commotion as everyone starts talking at once. All the dogs start sniffing each other’s tails. “Eww, that smells terrible!” “That one’s not good.” “He’s not the people’s choice” “Wow! This guy’s not my candidate.” “Gross! That’s awful!” It went on and on… So, when you’re out walking, watch the dogs. They’re still looking for a leader. That’s why they still sniff each other’s behinds. Leni Lenape Legend The Leni Lenape or Delaware people are indigenous to the Northeastern woodlands of the United States and Canada. They have a legend that involves dancing. While the humans slept one night, the dogs had a party. They would always take their tails off for the party to enjoy dancing. After dancing the entire night, they’d put their tails back on and go home to their humans. One night a wolf came upon them and all the dogs, in a panic, grabbed a tail and dashed home to safety. In their haste, many of them took the wrong tail. They were afraid of the wolf, so they never partied and danced again. For the rest of their lives, they were stuck with the wrong tail. Have you heard any other legends explaining why dogs sniff each other's behinds?   There is a legend surrounding the pet door also! Visit PlexiDor Dog Doors Learning Hub for the details.  PlexiDoor Dog Doors has a solution for walls, doors, and glass. They come in standard and electronic models sized for dogs from Teacup Yorkshire Terriers to Great Danes. Warrantied and guaranteed, these are durable, long-lasting and energy efficient dog doors. Contact our Customer Service department with questions at 888-PETDOOR today.

A: Dogs can’t tell us they aren’t feeling well with words. As pet owners, you are the best person at reading the signs your dog is sick. Although their indications aren’t verbal, they can be easy to see with a little practice and observation. Knowing the signs and taking your dog to the vet early can save money and suffering in the long run. Be aware of possible signs of illness in your dog Look For These Signs Your Dog is Sick Changes in behavior – You know your pup best and will recognize if they are sleeping more than usual, hiding or spending more time alone than usual, are lethargic, aggressive, irritable or needy. Any odd shift in their normal routine can be a warning sign your dog is sick and should be taken seriously.Loss of appetite – Sudden loss of appetite is a warning sign that something may be wrong. If it lasts for more than a day, it is a good idea to get your dog checked out by a medical professional.Potty problems – This could be trouble peeing or pooping, urinating too much, diarrhea or constipation. Any extended change in your dog’s bathroom habits can be a cause for concern.Respiratory symptoms – If your dog is having difficulty breathing – see your vet! Other respiratory ailments like coughing, wheezing and nasal discharge can be a cold or flu and may require veterinary attention as well. Drinking too much water – It may be difficult to determine what “too much” water is. A dog needs a fluid ounce of water for every pound of body weight each day. Rather than get out the measuring cups, a noticeable change in your dog’s intake can be a sign of a serious problem. Be sure to see a vet.Excessive licking – Depending on where your dog is licking, this can be a symptom of a couple of different things from allergies to gastrointestinal troubles. Visit a vet to determine the nature of the problem. The above signs your dog is sick are not exhaustive and do not replace veterinary care in any way. If you suspect your dog may be ill or in discomfort, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Proper medical attention can extend the life of your pet and improve the quality of their lives. We all love our furbabies. PlexiDor Dog Doors wishes all dog owners a happy and healthy spring. Our dog doors come in standard and electronic models in sizes for small to extra-large dogs. Our doors come in sizes for Chihuahuas to Great Danes and everything in between. Choose a dog door for your wall, exterior door, French door, sliding glass or other glass house door. Contact our Customer Service department for any questions today!

A: The Miniature Pinscher, or Min Pin, are thought to be descended from the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. They originate in Germany where they are known as the Zwergpinscher or “little biter”. It is is also thought that the German Pinscher may be a component in the ancestry of the Miniature Pinscher. The breed is several centuries old and the true, absolute history has been lost. Min Pins were originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin in homes and stables. Extremely alert, they make excellent watchdogs despite their small size. They are fearless and their “big dog” personalities drive them to protect their people by challenging intruders with their ferocious barking. They are territorial by nature and wary of strangers. The Miniature Pincher is the "King of Toys" Min Pins are small dogs in the Toy Group and favorited as the “King of Toys”. This is in part to their proud high-stepping gait. They come to no more than 12.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh only eight to ten pounds. Their ears are usually cropped and the tail docked, although cropping the ears is less popular now. They appear naturally well-groomed. Their smooth, shiny coat requires little maintenance, only an occasional brush and wash. Min Pins coats are red, chocolate and rust or black and rust. They do not have an undercoat and get cold in chilly weather. They should wear a sweater or coat when there is a chill. Miniature Pinschers are popular pets in the United States and rank 77th on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2020 List. They make good family dogs, but are not meant for the rough treatment possible with younger children. They are best in households with children 10 and older. Life With a Min Pin These self-possessed dogs are good for experienced dog owners. A Miniature Pinscher’s owner will need to establish oneself as the “alpha” in the relationship, or the Min Pin will. They are stubborn to train. A positive, gentle and ongoing training regimen will be necessary to cement lessons and produce a favorable result. Proper training on the basics will be essential. While loving and protective, this breed can be high maintenance. They are a fun-loving and energetic companion breed who doesn’t like to be left alone. They are known to have separation anxiety. They are high energy breed and require a good amount of exercise. While they do adapt well to apartment living with regular walks, they do very well in a properly fenced yard also. The fence should be free of holes or gaps. Miniature Pinschers are natural escape artists. They are athletic, sturdy, compact and curious. Combine all those things and you have an animal that sees obstacles as puzzles to overcome and has the stature and grace to breakout of their enclosures. It is recommended they not be outdoors off-leash as they tend to take off after small prey animals, like rabbits and squirrels. They may be aggressive toward small pets in the home as well. The Miniature Pinscher is the PlexiDor Dog Doors April calendar dog. A Medium size PlexiDor, standard or electronic, for wall, door, sliding glass door, French door or glass house door would be appropriate for this breed. Our doors are warrantied and guaranteed. Contact our Customer Service department today via email or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions.