Frequently Asked Questions

A: In the past, the Volpino would be used as guard dog. The dogs are too small to be much of a threat to an intruder, but they would work in pairs with mastiffs. If the alert Volpino sensed any danger they would bark to get help from the large dog. The Volpino Italiano has been called the dog of Michelangelo and the breed was historically very popular in Italy, but almost died out during the mid 20th century. Today there are around 2,000 Volpinos around the world. They are known for being energetic and friendly. These dogs get tightly attached to their families, and they are intelligent, happy, lively, and playful. It is a hardy and healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Volpino Italiano.

A: To assist your dog in easily enjoying the backyard, consider dog door installation in an outside door, wall, or glass house door. Dog doors facilitate your dog’s freedom to the outdoors and free up your time opening and closing the door to let them in and out. The initial cost of dog door installation will pay for itself in the convenience you and your dog will enjoy. Installation is possible as a DIY. Here are some tips: Dog Door Installation of Extra Large Door for Boxer Tips For Dog Door Installation Choose the Right DoorSize - Measure your dog and get the right door for your dog’s size.Substrate - consider where you will place the door and ensure the door you buy is right for the substrate you will place it in.Security and energy-efficiency – there are different levels of security you can achieve in a pet door from locking security plates to electronic doors that utilize microchips in a collar. Ensure the dog door you choose is energy-efficient and doesn’t pose a problem with drafts and leaks.Door Template We are ready to begin the project! Locate the template included in the package. Trace the template on the surface and mark any screw holes. Mark the inside corners of the dog door opening. This shows where you will need to make your cuts. Drill Holes With a ½ inch drill bit, drill holes in each of the four corners of the rectangle created by the template. To drill holes for the mounting hardware, consult the manufacturer’s directions. Make the Cuts Use a saw to cut the opening of the dog door along the marked outline. Insert the dog door from outside the house. Dog door should be inserted so the side with a flap or doors is on the inside of the dog door. The dog door should sit flush against the door. Attach the Dog Door Frame Attach the interior frame of the dog door with the supplied screws. Seal the frame with caulk to keep the air outside from entering the home. These few quick tips on dog door installation are provided as an overall outline of what to expect when installing a dog door and not specific steps for any particular model. Each dog door will be unique. Be sure to consult your manufacturer’s guide for reference during installation of your dog door. Glass House Dog Door A popular model is the PlexiDor Dog Door which features shatter resistant saloon-style doors instead of a flap. The Wall, Door and Glass Series doors come with a 10-year warranty while the Electronic Doors come with a 5-year warranty. All their dog doors carry a 90-day money back guarantee. Contact our Customer Service Department for more information or call 888-PET-DOOR.

A: Large dogs are often gentle giants with as much love to give as they are huge. Here are five of the world's largest dog breeds.  The Great Dane This large breed is easy to recognize, and they are known for being friendly, strong, and elegant. They normally get along well with people, other types of pets, and other dogs. The Dane has roots in ancient history. The earliest known drawings that resemble the breed have been dated to around 3,000 BC, and the oldest written mention to 1,121 BC. The Irish Wolfhound On a breed average these are the world's tallest dogs. When standing on the back legs many Irish Wolfhounds reach seven feet! This breed is known to be patient, intelligent, and reliable. They love people in general, and do well with children. Many Wolfhounds thrive in the city, but they need a lot of exercise. The English Mastiff On a breed average, this is the heaviest dog breed with individuals weighing over 250 pounds. It is also considered England's oldest breed. English Mastiffs are known for being on the lazy side and need to be activated to make sure they get the exercise they need to stay healthy. They're devoted to their family, good with children, and accept other dogs. The Scottish Deerhound The Scottish Deerhound resembles an extremely friendly rough-coated greyhound. They are known for being gentle, loving, and easy to please. It's important to know that these Deerhounds require lots of exercise and gets bored easily - if they have too little to do they might take upon themselves to reorganize the home or redesign furniture. They love to have company of another Deerhound. The Leonberger The Leonberger gets its name from the coat resembling a lion's mane. Young Leonbergers can be very energetic and don't settle down until around three years of age, but after that, nothing fazes them. They're surprisingly agile for their size, and require lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Dog doors for giant dogs If you want a dog door for the large breeds, the extra large PlexiDor dog door accommodates dogs up to 220 pounds. It is constructed to take the impact of a big and powerful dog running through at full speed.

A: Chinese Crested are believed to be an evolution of African hairless dogs, bred down in size by the Chinese. Their earliest appearances in written history are around the 1500s, and even then explorers encountered then in Central and South America as well as Afria and Asia. They are prone to allergies and sunburn, because they lack a protective coat. In cold climates they need to wear clothes in the winter, and in warm climates they need protection from the heat and sun. There is a variety with a double, straight, and soft coat called a Powderpuff. The two types are often seen in the same litter, but the Powderpuff is genetically recessive and will eventually disappear. Chinese Crested are alert, agile, charming, and affectionate. They are intelligent and good at learning tricks. Most Chinese Crested is very gentle with children, but parents still need to pay attention; since the dogs don’t have a protective coat they get injured easily. Children must be taught to return the dog’s gentleness. This is not a breed that does well when left alone. They covet company, and they need to be a part of the family. The PlexiDor MEdium is the right size dog door for Chinese Crested.

A: This is a rare breed, traditionally used for hunting of large animals such as wild boar. The dogs are intelligent and easy to train, they bond closely with their families, and are generally good with children. They can be suspicious against strangers, and early socialization and training are recommended. If you’re considering a Cane Corso, remember that this is a big and strong dog that is both intelligent and active. An unruly dog of over 100 lbs can be a challenge and it’s better to teach them good manners from the start. The breed is generally athletic and requires plenty of exercise. The short coat looks smooth on photos, but it is really coarse and thick, and protects the dog from water. The Cane Corso is an easy breed to groom; they shed little and only require an occasional brushing. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Cane Corsos.

A: In the 17th century, the Coton de Tulear was considered the “Royal Dog of Madagascar” and only nobility was allowed to have one. The breed is nearly extinct in Madagascar now, but gains popularity in the USA and Europe. These dogs are fairly sturdy and have a lifespan of 14-16 years. They have great personalities; they are playful, lively, intelligent, trainable, and affectionate. They are also know for extreme curiosity, and they love to meet new people. An average Coton de Tulear adapts well to new environments, and do great with children as well as other types of animals. The fluffy coat requires regular brushing and combing. The dogs don’t shed, but unless they’re brushed nearly every day the coat mats quickly. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Coton de Tulear.

A: The dogs are related to the German Shepherd, and the breed emerged from white coated German Shepherds. Switzerland was the first country to officially recognize the dogs as a separate breed, thus the name. White Swiss Shepherds are gentle and normally get alone well with other dogs. They are often used for search and rescue, agility, and obedience, and make great assistance dog. While they are both willing and able to protect their family they’re not usually used as guard dogs. Unless someone the love is threatened they’re generally too gentle and mellow to bother with strangers. Like all working breeds, they are happiest if they get ample exercise and something to do. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for White Swiss Shepherds.

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A: Pyrenean Shepherds were traditionally paired with a Great Pyrenees that would protect the herd against wild animals. Two Pyrenean Shepherds are enough to manage a flock of 1,000 sheep. The breed comes in two varieties; smooth-faced and rough-faced. They are intelligent and energetic, and need a job to do. When herding, a dog easily covers 25 miles every day, and running one tired is almost impossible. Mental stimulation can make them tired, and they are great at agility, flyball, and competitive obedience. This is not a breed that does well being left alone. They prefer to be by their human’s side at all times, and love to follow a person around the house to help with daily chores. They are very sensitive to a person’s moods and often seem to read minds. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Pyrenean Shepherds.

A: If your cat's mouth smells bad, you should take them to the vet. A healthy feline mouth doesn't stink. Dental diseases are the most common cause of a cat's mouth smelling bad. Cats can get plaque and tartar just like humans, and they may need to have teeth cleaned or removed. Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums - and stomatitis - inflammation of membranes in the mouth - are painful. If you notice your cat drooling excessively and having problems eating, contact your vet. Other diseases can also cause foul breath: Kidney disease can lead to breath that smells like ammonia or urine Diabetes can cause a sweet smell, or one like aceton Liver disease or an intestinal blockage can give a breath that smells like feces The sooner your cat is treated, the better.