Frequently Asked Questions

A: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From all of us here at PlexiDor Pet Doors We here at PlexiDor Pet Doors are closing for the holidays.  The answering service at 1-800-749-9609 will remain available, and the office with customer service will be open again on December 26th. Until then, have a wonderful holiday!

A: Each year, the website vetstreet.com compiles a list of most popular names for puppies and kittens. The 2014 puppy names lists were recently released.  For female puppies, the top three remains constant. Bella is the number one name, and has kept that position since 2006. The first book in the wildly popular Twilight saga was released in 2005 and the heroines name is Bella. That could be a coincidence, or maybe not... The other names in the top three - Daisy and Lucy - have also held their positions for years. When it comes to the boys, Max has been the number one name for nine years. The second most popular name used to be Buddy, but this name was kicked down to a number four position in 2014. Instead, Charlie and Rocky have filled out the second and third spot. Top 2014 puppy names for girls are: Bella Daisy Lucy Sadie Molly Lola Sophie Zoey Luna Chloe Top names for boy puppies are: Max Charlie Rocky Buddy Cooper Duke Bear Zeus Bentley Toby

A: Christmas is a holiday of giving, but if you're considering giving away a puppy, kitten, hamster, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, or other animal, pause and think about it some more. Pets as surprise gifts are rarely a good idea. Pets give immense joy, but they require commitment too, and once the holiday is over shelters all around the country will overflow with abandoned animals. If you really want a pet and everyone in the family is onboard with the idea, you can go to a shelter and adopt one once the holidays are over. For Christmas morning, you can give the kids a stuffed toy as a promise you'll go to the shelter and look. Every pet deserves a good home where they are loved and receive proper care. If you want to surprise your own children with a pet, be aware that you as an adult will have the final responsibility to care for it. This includes ensuring the children respect it and aren't too rough with it. If you want to surprise someone else's child with a pet, discuss with the adults in the family and make sure everyone's on the same page. Christmas morning isn't a good time for new pets Even if all the adults in the family are on the same page, Christmas morning isn't the best time a year to get a new pet. Everyone's tearing into gifts, there are loud toys, potentially dangerous ribbons everywhere, chocolate, and general chaos. A new pet needs to land in calm environment where he or she can feel safe. You don't want a frightened, cowering animal that is overwhelmed by all the sudden attention, children squealing with excitement, and almost battling each other to hold it. Important things to consider before getting a pet: Different animals have different tempers and needs. Research the type of pet you're considering, and make sure the animal is right for your family. If you're getting a dog, research breeds and get a breed that fits your lifestyle. Do you have enough space? Enough money to get the equipment you need? Are you prepared for a lifetime commitment? Even small pets like guinea pigs can live for five years. Dogs can live for fifteen years, and some other types of pets live for decades. If you can't deal with someone being dependent on you every day for that amount of time, don't get a pet. All pets require attention, care, and training. Discuss the pet's schedule with the family. If you're getting a dog, he or she will need walks every day. Puppies need to go out every time they eat, sleep, or play - even if it's raining or in the middle of your favorite TV show. Make a budget. Include food, toys, treats, vet costs, kitty litter, straw, and whatever else your new pet will need. Plan for emergencies. Who can care for your pet if everyone in your family needs to travel somewhere? Create an emergency fund in case something happens and your pet needs urgent care. A child should not be sole caretaker of a pet. As an adult, the pet is your responsibility.

A: Many use the new year holiday to reflect on the year that has passed, and to look forward on what they want to change. Top new year's resolutions for humans often include to exercise more, lose weight, and stop smoking. The new year can be a fresh start for your pets too.  Here are five ideas for New Year's Resolutions for your pet. 1. Measure your pet's food. Every time Over half of pets living in the USA are overweight. Measure your pet's  food every meal to make sure you're not overfeeding your furry friends. Keeping a healthy weight can decrease the risk of serious diseases and increase the pet's life span. 2. Do something new together It's easy to get stuck in a rut. Try something new - go hiking, take your dog to dogs, or try a dog sport. This is fun, a great way to bond, gives your pet important socialization, and you both get some exercise. 3. Groom your pet and brush their teeth A daily session does more than help your pet look great - it builds the bond between you. Brushing your pet can help alleviate your stress, and show him or her that you love them. Brushing teeth can be more of an ordeal until you both get used to it, but keeping pets' teeth clean is important to their overall health. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste meant for pets. 4. Teach your dog some new tricks Mental stimulation helps keep your pets healthy and happy. Practice tricks your dog already knows, and learn something new. Puzzle feeders and toys are also great to help keep your pet entertained and alert. 5. Check your pet's tags and microchip information When something changes - be it a phone number, an address, or even your name - there's a lot to think about, and the pet's information is often forgotten. If any of your information has changed, update your pet's tags and microchip information.

A: We got many wonderful entries to the 2014 PlexiDor dog food contest, and three winners have been drawn from the submissions. Don't lose hope if you didn't win this time - the contest is likely to return in 2015. Third Prize of a $25 Dunkin Donuts gift card goes to: Tiffany Hughes in Arizona. When asked what she thinks about the PlexiDor she answered, "The PlexiDoor sounds incredible and we would love to have one! With the varying temperatures in Southern AZ (very hot during the day and cool at night), it would be great to have a doggie door that helps regulate the internal temperature of the house without letting the outside temperature interfere. Our last plastic doggie door flap at our old house completely broke and though we tried taping it back on with duck tape and plastic tape, it was a futile battle and it ended up as a gaping hole." Second Prize of a $50 Dunkin Donuts gift card goes to: Sean Selman in Texas. When asked what he thinks of the PlexiDor, Sean answered, "Professionally engineered. Quality materials. Quiet. Energy-efficient. Completely secure. Long-lasting. Safe. Easy for pets to use. COOL FACT: Plexidor doggie doors are in Marmaduke. The Plexidor dog door is the door featured in Marmaduke when he moves to California. Last but not least! They are manufactured in the U.S.A.!!!" First Prize of 1,000 pounds of Black Gold Dog Food with delivery goes to: Penny Hamilton in Colorado. When asked what she thinks about the PlexiDor, Penny says, "Our dog and we love the freedom that our pet doors gives. We live in Colorado high mountains so we made an 'airlock' with two pet doors. Our smart dog, rescued from a high kill area, just bounds through 'his' pet doors to our elevated deck with is elevated to keep him safe from mountain lions, bears and other mountain critters."   Congratulations to all the winners, and a warm Thank You to everyone who participated! 

A: Most pets take to their cat door or dog door quickly. They are eager to be outside, and love the option to go in and out whenever they want to. Some pets are intimidated by the door at first, but with a little patience your cat or dog will learn to use the door. Most pets learn in between five seconds and five days. The PlexiDor is different from traditional cat flaps and dog doors in many ways. The difference most important from the pet's point of view is that your cat or dog can see through the panel. Many cats and dogs like to lie just inside the door and peek out at what's happening outside. Being able to see through also makes it easier for many pets to learn to use the door - they can see the outside, and they want to get there. If the pet doesn’t take to the door, try propping one of the panels open and tempting the pet with a treat. If the pet is reluctant, start with propping both panels up. Never force your cat or dog through the door, and give praise once they do come through. Be patient - they'll get it. For the electronic door, it usually works well to put a treat on the bottom lip of the pet door. The dog or cat approaches to get the treat, and the collar key triggers the door to open. It doesn’t take long for the pets to figure out that the door will open when they come close to it. //youtu.be/bi01-eLGF7s

A: The PlexiDor Electronic  pet door is a unique solution that works well for both dogs and cats. The door has a composite panel that slides up and down, and the panel is controlled by an RFID key attached to the pet's collar.  When the pet comes close to the door, the panel slides up. The door will only open for pets with the right key. When the door is closed the panel acts as a security door. The collar key is waterproof and lacks moving parts, so it is very sturdy while being small enough not to disturb the pet. See the PlexiDor Electronic dog door and cat door in action in this video: //youtu.be/zxeAnyQhrrI

A: Today is Cat Herders' Day - a whimsical holiday dedicated to all those who feel like they're battling an impossible task. Whether you're literally trying to herd cats - a task that have been attempted by many herding dogs - or you're struggling with something else, today is your day.  For cat people, the day means promoting everyone's efforts to improve the lives of stray and homeless cats and other animals, and to take some time to appreciate the cats in our lives. If you don't have a cat, adopting one and listening to its soothing purr might help alleviate the stress of managing the unmanageable. If you've never seen a herding dog at work, check out this Youtube video of two Border Collies working together to bring in the sheep. Those dogs can run! //youtu.be/8HwwdSKrqEk

A: Some human behaviors translate poorly into the world of dogs, and they often cause accidents or bites. Here are four things we humans tend to do that dogs in general don't like. Four Things Dogs Don't Like: 1. Misreading the dog's signals A vast majority of dog bites, especially when children are involved, happen because humans misread a dog's body language. Parents can think something is cute, but the dog just wants to get away, even if it knows the child. The follow signs should be put in context, of course, and each sign below is usually accompanied by other signs of stress. Licking nose and lips A stressed dog licking nose and lips looks very different than when you feed your dog a treat. Yawning A stressed dog often yawns repeatedly, with intensity. Some dogs even yawn when they need to go out. Panting Of course dogs pant to cool off, but it is also a common sign of stress. Other common signs include looking away, turning away, pinning back the ears with a tense facial expression, low body posture, leaning backward, and tension. 2. Hugging Hugging is a human phenomenon. Many dogs get used to being hugged by their family members and can even learn to appreciate it, but there are also dogs that never get used to it. Hugging a dog can make them feel threatened or challenged. There are countless news stories where a child has been bit by the neighbor's dog - or even the family's own dog - and the parents say, "It came out of the blue. She was just hugging the dog." This misunderstanding between the species ends with a traumatized child and euthanized dog. 3. Patting on top of the head While most dogs love to be petted, that's not the same as going up to a dog and patting them on the top of the head or on the face. Teach your children not to do this - especially not to dogs they don't know. While most dogs tolerate it, they might not like it, and some perceive it as a threat. They don't like a hand coming at them from above any more than a human would. When you meet a dog, crouch and turn away a little - this means that you're not a threat. When the dog comes up to you, pet it on the side. 4. Staring into a dog's eyes Most dogs are okay with gazing into their owner's eyes. However, don't approach a dog you don't know and stare into their eyes - this is a challenge in doggie language.

A: Holiday decorations are a big part of the season, and lights and cheerful colors spread joy in the winter darkness. Everything new in the house brings new dangers to pets as well, and here are some safety tips for pets on little things that can make a big difference. The tree Whether you use an artificial tree or a reason, make sure it's securely anchored so your pets can't knock it over. Especially cats are tempted to climb into the tree. Also clean up any tree needles regularly - they're sharp and can get stuck in your pet's throat or paws. Tinsel Pets love to play with and eat tinsel and ribbons. These can cause a lot of damage if swallowed, and even require surgery. Keep tinsel and ribbons off the floor. Baubles Many pets, particularly cats, see baubles as irresistible play things. Try to use decorations that won't shatter if they hit the floor, and that aren't too small. You don't want your pet to accidentally swallow a decoration. Power cords Protect cords so your pet can't play with them or chew on them. New house plants Many of the season's house plants are poisonous. Most people think the poinsettia is very dangerous, but it is only mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Pets shouldn't be encouraged to eat it of course, but the poinsettia's reputation is quite exaggerated. Mistletoe, rosemary, and holly can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach, and contact a veterinarian if you think your pet has ingested any type of holly.