Frequently Asked Questions

A: There are peculiar laws of many kinds across the USA. Many state laws are really old and were never updated. Allegedly, Florida women who are single, divorced, or widowed cannot parachute on Sunday afternoons. Also allegedly, Hartford Connecticut deems it illegal to educate a dog. That one seems impractical. Another funny rule that allegedly exists says donkeys in Arizona may not sleep in bathtubs. Cats clearly deem themselves above all laws, but what does the legal system say about them? In French Lick Springs, Indiana, black cats need to wear bells on Friday the 13th. Reed City, Michigan says you cannot keep a pet cat and a pet bird in the same house. In International Fall, Minnesota, cats are not allowed to chase dogs up telephone poles. Interesting. Do Minnesota dogs in general climb telephone poles? Staying in Minnesota,  Duluth states cats are not allowed to fall asleep in a bakery. Barber, North Carolina have prohibited fights between cats and dogs. In Columbus, Georgia, cats cannot yowl after 9 PM. Sterling, Colorado takes a firm stance on cats. There, a pet cat may not run loose without a taillight. Luckily, there doesn't seem to be any statutes against cat doors... The truthfulness of these laws has not been verified.

A: Today is international homeless animals day and organizations around the world come together to inform about pet overpopulation. Today, you can count on seeing adopt-a-thons, spay/neuter clinics, microchip clinics, and many other activities.  You might not think the situation is all that bad in the USA, but every year pet shelters are overrun by homeless cats and dogs. The sad consequence is that millions of pets are put down in shelters, often after just a couple of days. There are all sorts of pets in shelters. You can find pure bred dogs, mutts, cats, birds, rabbits, and even chickens. There are puppies and kittens as well as adult animals. Many are scared and confused, and don't understand why their family isn't there for them anymore. If you've thought of adding a furry friend to your family, this might be a great day to do it. Go to your local shelter or visit petfinder.com to see available pets near you. Even if you don't want or can't commit to a pet, you can help by spreading information, sharing pets on social media, or bringing supplies to a local shelter or rescue.

A: It is Veterans' Day, and many in the USA take a moment out of everyday life to think about and thank military veterans. This year, six military dogs will be honored on a float in the Veterans' Day parade. Many dogs work in the military. They perform dangerous tasks, and are often not even transported back home after duty overseas - their handlers return home, but the dogs are left abroad. The dogs and their handlers have often worked side by side for years, and many veteran advocates lobby for all four-legged defenders to be returned to the USA. The American Humane Association helps retired military dogs to be reunited with their human veterans. The AHA writes, "With an estimated 2,500 military working dogs and contract working dogs working side by side with soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, the need has never been greater to bring each dog home. The dogs have noses that are 100,000 times more sensitive than humans', giving them an unparalleled ability to sniff out and detect weapons caches and Improvised Explosive Devices. It is estimated that each military working dog saves the lives of between 150-200 service members."

A: Slimkitty is a new blog for cat lovers, inspiring cat owners to exercise their cats and make sure they have the right types and amounts of food to keep kitty' weight down.  58 percent of cats in the US are overweight - 5 percent more than the corresponding percentage for dogs. At the same time there are ten percent more obese cats in the US than there are obese dogs. Being overweight can lead to a row of health problems in the cat, such as diabetes and joint problems. Slimkitty is a sister site to slimdoggy.com. The latter contains everything from ratings of dog food to fitness and fun, and the intention is that slimkitty.com will hold the same position, but aimed at cats. Cats and dogs have completely different forms of metabolism, and this makes it harder for cats to lose weight. Cats cannot go on crash diets. If a cat's food intake is significantly and rapidly depressed there's a risk for Hepatic Lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.      *These websites no longer exist

A: There is still time to enter our fun dog food contest and win 1,000 lbs of dog food delivered to your door, or to a shelter/rescue of your choice. The contest has been featured on petproductnews.com! The website tells readers about the contest, and emphasizes the easy entry. Just submit a photo of a dog using a pet door. It doesn't have to be a PlexiDor dog door; it can be any pet door. The winner will receive 1,000 lbs of Black Gold Premium Dog Food. Runners up will win Dunkin Donuts gift cards.

A: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is well-known for being Queen Elizabeth’s dog of choice. These short, squatty little dogs with satellite ears have been a constant companion to the Queen Mother since 1933. Perhaps not surprisingly, this breed is popular with Americans as well and ranks number ten on the American Kennel Club’s 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds list. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Overview: Outgoing, energetic, highly intelligent, playful, friendly Respond well to positive, rewards-based training Height: 14 to 17 inches Weight: 22 – 30 lbs Life Expectancy: 12-15 years Not hypoallergenic Group: Herding Colors: Fawn, Sable, Black & Tan, Black & White, Red Pembroke Welsh Corgis are long and low to the ground. They possess short, powerful legs and muscular thighs. Their deep chests allow them to keep up with a full day’s work herding cattle or sheep. Necessary traits for herding, these dogs are quick and agile and have a surprisingly “big” bark for their size. Corgis do have a tendency to bark. Welsh Corgis make good watch dogs. They are loyal and loving pets and have middle-of-the-road care requirements. They are active dogs and require moderate daily exercise, 20-4- minutes a day. A long walk or slow jog is best as their short legs would not be able to keep up on a bike ride. Their waterproof, double coat needs to be brushed daily to help with shedding. Pembroke Welsh Corgis they are working dogs at heart. As a herding dog, they like to have a job to do. Keeping your Corgi engaged will lead to contentment for both of you. When they aren’t busying themselves with a task, they want to spend their time with their people. They are affectionate, loyal and like attention. They are happiest spending time with their families. Overall, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a healthy breed. As always be sure to use a reputable breeder that will screen for stock health conditions in the breed. History of the Breed The Corgi came to Britain by way of the people of Flanders, from what is now northern Belgium, in 1107. As master weavers, they had been invited to relocate to southwestern Wales to live and work crafting carpets, textiles and tapestries by Henry I of Britain. Their skills were highly valued by the crown. They re-created their way of life in their new home which included bringing their small herding dogs. The corgi eventually split into two distinct breeds in the late 1800s, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke is the more popular of the two. Th Pembroke’s characteristic features are pointed, erect ears and a shorter tail than the Cardigan. These energetic, playful little dogs make great pets. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are loyal and loving and would require a medium PlexiDor Dog Door for access to their backyard environment. Contact our Customer Service team with any questions or call 888-PETDOOR. We are always happy to help!

A: The Gift of a New Dog If you are considering introducing a new dog into your home this Christmas and you already have a dog in the home, be sure to take the following things into account. To Get Started: Give some thought on what type of new dog you will get. They will need to be compatible with your current pooch. Consider sex, age, personality and needs of your current dog. Introducing a New Dog During the Holidays Can Be Tough Arrange to be home for awhile when you first get your new dog to introduce the dogs slowly and to monitor the time they spend together. They should be introduced very gradually on neutral territory and ease into sharing space. Keep Them Separated Give them their own space. Their eating and resting areas should remain separate until they are completely relaxed around each other. When you are not at home and when sleeping, it is best for one dog, most likely the new dog, to be crated or separated in some other way. Supervise play between the dogs at first. Rough play can result in growling or snapping and when this happens they should be distracted and redirected on to something else. Let Them Be Dogs Don’t punish the dogs when they have conflicts. It can lead to fear and then they may never learn to get along. Instead redirect their attention when there is a scuffle until they get comfortable with one another. Keep excitement to minimum. As excitement increases, so can the potential for a conflict. Avoid activities that may make the new dog feel restrained in front of the other dog, like grooming or bathing. Ensure the new dog has and knows a way to signal to go to the bathroom. A good solution is a dog door. Bear in mind that, when introducing a new dog into a family, it’s just a matter of time before everyone is getting along just fine. It will be an adjustment for everyone. If you are planning to get a dog door for convenience with the new dog, contact PlexiDor Dog Doors or call 888-PETDOOR. Our customer service is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

A: There are more benefits of a dog door than just convenience for the dog owner. Although convenience is a key factor. Your dog’s health and happiness profit from the addition of a dog door. A well-constructed, attractive door is even an asset to your home. As dog owners we want the best for our companions and allowing them freedom outside can provide safety for them and peace of mind for us. Your dog’s health is a primary concern for all dog owners. While dogs can hold their urine for long stretches, many up to 8 hours, it’s not good for their urinary health. It can lead to urinary tract infections and other more serious bladder and kidney diseases. The easiest way to keep urinary health up is regular drinking and urination. This can be facilitated by a pet door. The dog door also reduces your dog’s stress when they need to go to the bathroom. They know they shouldn’t relieve themselves in the house, but they just can’t hold it any longer. They don’t want to disappoint you by going in the house. Stress affects a dog’s overall health just as it does ours. They may begin to show signs of stress and anxiety by tearing up the house. Or their way of signaling you they need to use the bathroom may be to scratch on the door. Either way, it saves your house to install a dog door. Safety is another benefit of a dog door. In case of an emergency, your dog can exit the house on their own. Dogs can also get stimulation from being outside they can lack by being cooped up indoors. And, of course, there is convenience for you and your pet that a dog door affords. If you have security concerns surrounding a dog door that may outweigh the benefits of a dog door, consider a PlexiDor Dog Door. Our doors come with a security plate standard. Our Electronic dog doors have a RFID chip for the collar that allows only the dog wearing the chip access to the door. If you have any questions, contact us or call 888-PET-DOOR. Our Customer Service team is happy to answer any questions!

A: There are many qualities about the Golden Retriever that make it one of the most beloved dogs around. These qualities have contributed to the AKC citing the Golden as the third “Most Popular Dog Breed” for 2020. They have been considered among the “smartest” dog breeds by some. Regardless of popularity or intelligence, it’s hard to argue with their cuteness factor. Goldens have looks and smarts, what else is there? Amazing Facts About the Golden Retriever Versatile in their purpose, they are known for being bird dogs, family pets, service dogs for the disabled and search and rescue dogs They are easy to train; reliable and consistent in following commands Enjoyable and even-tempered, playful and friendly. They are a “smile-y” dog and generally do well with kids and other animals They have a water-repellant coat There are three different recognized colors for Goldens: golden, light golden and dark golden There are three different types of Goldens: English, Canadian and American. The English Golden is light golden to white in color and is stockier than the Canadian and American Goldens, which share the same slighter build. However, a Canadian Golden Retriever’s coat is thinner than the American Goldens’. They weren’t recognized as a breed by the AKC until 1925. Goldens need 40 minutes or more of exercise each day or the equivalent of two good walks. They like to chew. You can curb this by providing toys to mouth. Obedience training is a must to have a relaxed and well-mannered dog. The Goldens’ beautiful feathered coat needs to be brushed daily to avoid matting and keep shedding down. They have a distinctive odor about them and are prone to produce lots of dander. They are super-energetic as puppies and require much mental stimulation and room to romp. They tend to jump and play more vigorously as puppies. One thing about the Golden Retriever, they start out a true puppy, playful and rambunctious, then calm down as they mature. Their need for mental stimulation continues into adulthood and enjoying the backyard through an electronic PlexiDor Dog Door https://plexidors.com/product/plexidor-electric/ won’t be enough for them. (Although it will save you from getting up and down to let them out.) You may consider doggie agility classes to keep them entertained and get the energy out. Golden Retrievers have lots of potential health problems. They are prone to joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy and cancer. While this breed can live up to 12-13 years, the later years may not be healthy due to chronic illness. The Golden has many wonderful character traits and qualities that put this breed at the top of many dog lover’s lists. However, they won’t be a good dog fit for everyone. They are a moderately high maintenance dog, as they need exercise at least twice daily and daily brushings. They are friendly, playful, mouthy, and easy to train. And they will more-than-likely experience health issues in later life. Now that you know more about the Golden Retriever, will this be the dog for you?

A: Halloween is a spooky, fun time of year and all the candy, costumes and creepy décor are the best part for people. Unfortunately, they can be major stressors for our canine companions, but don't worry. by By taking a few precautions, it is easy to keep your dog safe during Halloween. 6 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe During Halloween Put the candy up and out of reach. Dogs should not have any kind of candy for many reasons.   1) Chocolate is toxic for dogs and it can even be lethal. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and seizures.   2) Raisins and many nuts are dangerous for dogs and raisins can be lethal.   3) Wrappers, string and sticks come with candy and can cause blockages that may need medical attention Don’t leave your dog out Halloween night. People can be cruel and despicable things have been known to happen to animals on Halloween night. This is especially true for black cats and dogs. Keep your dog safe during Halloween and keep your darker colored and black dogs inside Keep pumpkins, Harvest corn, and other decorations out of reach.  Dogs like to chew; especially new chewy things. Plastic decorations and the sweet smell coming from a pumpkin may be too difficult to resist, so save yourself a potential trip to the vet for gastrointestinal upset or blockage and keep these things out of reach. Candle lit pumpkins and electrical cords should be kept out of reach to prevent a fire, a burn or an electric shock. It is always better safe than sorry! Costumes can cause stress. When we wear costumes our pets may be stressed. They may make noise, not show our face, or just look weird. Costumes also cause stress for pets when they wear costumes. Many dogs do not enjoy wearing clothes and even those that do may be upset by a costume if it interferes with their movement, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Be sure to try the costume on them and make sure it’s comfortable for them. These dogs don't mind their Halloween costumes Keep stressed out pooches safe on Halloween night and away from the busy front door. Many dogs would prefer a quiet room to themselves. Some animals who are quite social may revel in all the visitors, but if your dog seems upset by all the commotion, give them a secluded spot to be alone. Should your dog get out during the front door opening and closing a million times, be sure he’s micro-chipped and your contact information is up to date. A collar with up to date contact info never hurts either. As each dog is different, all concerns won’t apply to all dogs. To keep your dog safe during Halloween, determine which of the above applies to your situation and furry friend and take those precautions. For your PlexiDor Dog Door, you can lock the security door for the night or disconnect your RFID chip Electronic dog door for the evening. Contact us via email or call our Customer Service at 888-PETDOOR for product help or questions.