Frequently Asked Questions

A: Cats can get diabetes, just like humans. Males are more prone than female, but both genders can be affected. The treatment will vary from cat to cat, depending on how severe the situation is, but can include things like insulin and a change of diet. The sooner your cat is treated, the better. Keep your eyes open for the following signs: Increased urination or going outside the box Increased thirst Increased appetite Weight loss Disheveled appearance Weak legs and/or general fatigue Sweet-smelling breath Many of these signs can be seen in other diseases as well. If you note any of them, contact your veterinarian.

A: Many believe that a dog's nose being cold and wet is a sign of good health and that a dry and warm nose means they're sick. It is a little more complicated than that. Dogs lick their noses all the time, for several reasons. They like to keep clean, the moisture on the nose helps them identify interesting scents, and it helps them figure out the direction of a smell. The moisture from licking their noses also helps them cool off. A warm and dry nose could just mean that the dog took a nap and hasn't licked its nose for a while. If your dog's nose changes texture or loses pigmentation, it's time to see the vet.

A: PlexiDor pet doors manufactured prior to November 2017 have a five-year warranty. PlexiDors manufactured from November 2017 and forward have a ten-year warranty.  

A: There are several theories on the breed’s history. Some claim the earliest references to Barbets in literature actually refers to poodles. Others claim the breed’s history stretches back into antiquity. Some researchers subscribing to the latter theory believe the Barbet descends from herding dogs brought to Europe from North Africa with the Moors occupying the Iberian Peninsula. This would have been during the 7th and 8th centuries. From there, they followed crusaders over the Pyrenees to central Europe and France. Other researchers who also date the breed back to antiquity state the Barbet originated in Asia and found its way to Europe over land. It is difficult to prove either theory, and the truth might very well be a mix of all three. The dogs are quick to learn, and as all intelligent breeds they need training and stimulation. They tend to be joyful and goody, and they generally love children and other pets. They enjoy swimming, hiking, and traveling. A fun fact about the Barbet is that they have hair much like humans instead of fur. That means that they don’t shed in the same way as most other breeds, and that they require regular combing and trimming. Depending on the individual, a Medium or Large PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for a Barbet.

A: When the war was over, the state operated Red Star Kennel was required to provide dogs for the Soviet Union’s armed services. The country needed large, strong, and unpretentious dogs that were also intelligent and easy to train. Furthermore, they could not require extensive coat care. At the moment, there were few purebred dogs in the country, and some breeds were imported to create a new breed that would live up to the requirements. The Black Russian Terrier stems from a mix of Rottweilers, Airedale Terriers, Giant Schnauzers, and very likely a couple of other breeds as well. They have a strong instinct to guard and protect. They are typically reserved with strangers but loving towards their family. All breeds with strong guarding instinct require early socialization, and the Black Russian is not an exception. This breed has a great memory and learns new things easily. They also have a strong work ethic, and as all working breeds they need something to do. They excel at agility and obedience. Black Russian Terriers are still rare outside of Russia, but these large, black dogs are gaining ground throughout Europe. The PlexiDor Extra Large is the right size dog door for Black Russian Terriers.

A: This is a fascinating breed because it is not created; it was discovered as a naturally occurring shepherd’s type of dog. It might be a natural mix of the Pumi, Puli, and German Spitz type of dogs. The Mudi breed counts as naturally developed, and this is the last natural breed of its kind that still works with livestock and shepherds. Many claim that this is one of the best herding breeds. The Mudi also makes a good companion, watchdog, and hunting dog. Like most herding breeds it does very well in various sports; these are great dogs for agility. An average Mudi loves to play and swim. They will easily learn to play ball or frisbee, and they make great jogging companions. The breed is great for families with children, houses with yards, and active people. Just watch out if the dog is left alone outside; they are notoriously good diggers and can dig their way under a fence. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Mudi.

A: This breed generally do very well with children and they are known to be mild and gentle with their family. It is important to teach them good recall; they run extremely fast, and it is not a good idea to let them off leash unless in a securely enclosed area. Bedlington Terriers can get along fine with other household animals, but they were bred to be hunters and it’s a good idea to get them accustomed to living with other pets at a young age. Despite their small size they have been used to hunt both badgers and foxes, and the strong hunting instinct remains. When it comes to care and grooming, the Bedlington sheds little to no hair, but needs trimming every six weeks. Despite some hereditary diseases such as a liver problem, their average life expectancy is still around 17 years. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Bedlington Terriers.

A: In its homeland, the Aidi often protects herds of sheep and goats. They are also good at hunting and tracking scents. For hunting, an Aidi is often paired with a Sloughi, a type of hound that chases down prey tracked by the Aidi. The breed is gaining popularity as city pet, but most of them are still hard workers, either in the countryside or as police dogs. A typical Aidi is highly protective, alert, powerful, and always ready for action. As many working dogs, it does best with an experienced owner and a job to do. They need ample amounts of exercise, long daily walks, and prefer to have a large yard. These dogs can come in a variety of colors and color combinations. They're considered healthy, and have an average life span of 12 years. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for an Aidi.

A: The breed resembles the Shiba Inu and the Akita in appearance, but the Shiba Inu is smaller, and the Akita larger. In its homeland Korea, owners divide the Jindo into two groups: The Tonggol or Gyupgae, which are stocky, muscular, and have a deep chest. This variant of the breed has an equal proportion of height at the withers and length. There is also the Hudu or Heutgai, which are slender with less depth of chest. The Korean National Dog Association recognizes one more body type: the Gakgol, which is a gradually emerging combination of the two traditional types. Jindos are highly intelligent, independent, and strong willed. While they tend to be suspicious towards strangers, they are loyal, loving, and protective towards the family. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for a Jindo.

A: This is a large and active breed that requires exercise, training, and a job to do. Due to their size and high energy level they’re not ideal for apartment life. They bond closely with their owners and thrive on attention, but can be suspicious towards strangers. They do, however, normally get along well with other dogs and other types of animals. Appenzellers are generally affectionate and charming, intelligent, tough, and energetic. They learn quickly and love having something to do. They are often used to herd cows, and control wayward cows through dashing in to nip at its heels. This, of course, requires courage. They also excel at agility and games of catch. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for Appenzellers.