Frequently Asked Questions

A: There are many potential problems with off-leash dogs that may arise. It is understandable to want your canine to have the freedom to run without restraint, free to be unfettered and unrestricted. However, there can be consequences for both your dog and other dogs. Potential Problems With Off-Leash Dogs Problems with Off-Leash Dogs for Other Dogs An unleashed dog that is free to run is also free to approach other dogs without confines. Even the best trained dog is still an animal with instincts and may, when provoked or otherwise stimulated, behave out of character. Your dog or the free-range dog may get injured or worse. There is a possibility the owners may become injured as well trying to break up a skirmish. Even the friendliest of dogs can be difficult for another dog to handle when they are off-leash and barreling toward you and your beloved pooch at top speed. Despite the owner telling you to “relax” and “their friendly” there is no assurance an altercation will not arise. Your dog may not be friendly or they may not appreciate the exuberant approach of an unwelcome visitor. Types of Dogs Experiencing Problems with Off-Leash Dogs Senior Dogs – An older dog approached by an off-leash dog may be overwhelmed or feel threatened. This is an unequal position for the elderly pup to be in and they may become aggressive or simply cower.Dogs Recovering from Medical Procedures, Illness, or Injuries – These dogs are fragile and don’t need another animal interfering with their healing process, no matter how “friendly" they are.Shy Dogs – A timid dog may also be traumatized by an unwelcome dog coming toward them. Some dogs do not like to socialize and should not be forced into it. Dogs owners who allow their dogs off-leash and cannot control them create an unsafe situation for shy dogs, real or perceived.Fearful Dogs – Some dogs are just out-right afraid of other dogs. Perhaps they are small and larger animals intimidate them. Or they don’t like to be approached by dogs they don’t know. Anytime your dog finds an experience overwhelming it should be avoided.Potentially Aggressive Dogs – Some dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened. A dog flying toward them can cause even the best trained, even-tempered animal to become combative, feeling the need to defend themselves. One animal being off-leash and another dog leashed creates a socially unequal situation. This is the perfect recipe for a fight to break out. In an ideal situation, both dogs would be leashed and on equal footing. The dogs would be allowed to come in contact only when agreed upon by both owners and only when both dogs are open to the greeting. Remember, most places have leash laws. These laws are in place to protect you and your dog. Should an aggressive animal be off-leash, or you have problems with off-leash dogs, be sure to report it to the authorities. A problem for you is sure to be a problem for another person and you may save someone else a potential heartache.

A: Many people are feeding their dogs a raw food diet. It is becoming increasingly popular. This consists of raw meat and bones, organs and raw fruits and vegetables. (Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. Be sure to do your research.) While there are many purported health benefits to feeding a raw food diet, there are disadvantages too. Chicken is a large part of a raw food diet for dogs Benefits of a Raw Food Diet You know what you’re feeding your dog. You make it yourself and can source it however you like.It’s easy to customize. Another benefit of homemade food is small adjustments are no problem. Preparing your athlete for a sporting event or bulking up for the winter are easy changes with this diet.There can be physical and mental benefits… Enhanced Joint and Bone Health – There is no better way to support healthy bones than with all the body building sources like calcium, phosphorus, chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and marrow.Softer, Shinier Coat & Better Skin Condition – Raw diets can be rich in omega-3 fatty acids most notably from salmon, chia seeds and flax seeds.Reduced Stool Volume – With highly digestible food comes less waste. The food is absorbed and used with better efficiency so there is less coming out the other end.Mental Benefits – There have been reported cases of shy dogs becoming more social, aggressive dogs more personable, and grumpy dogs more playful. People’s guts are tied to our emotions, why not our dogs? Disadvantages of Raw Food It’s expensive. Raw meats twice a day, not to mention organic, grass fed, free-range, ethically raised raw meats, can get expensive fast.Preparing the food is time consuming. Don’t forget to include disinfecting of the space and research to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition from his raw food diet and it almost becomes a full time job.It takes up a lot of freezer space. You will need more room than just your refrigerator’s freezer. For many apartment dwellers adding a chest freezer is just simply not an option. There are benefits to a raw food diet such as health benefits and of course knowing exactly what you’re feeding your pet. However, the cost may not be worth it for your situation in the end. Perhaps another flyball class is a better choice for you and you’ll keep feeding Fido the kibble. Every pet parent must make their own decisions based on what’s best for their dog and themselves. It’s just good to know there are options available.

A: In this ever-changing world of marijuana legality, it is important to know the harmful effects and symptoms of marijuana poisoning in dogs. Dogs are very susceptible to marijuana, more so than humans. They have a more severe reaction to the psychoactive substance in marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as they have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains. As the increase in marijuana legality has spread across the U.S.A., so has the rise in calls to Animal Poison Control. Marijuana is now legal in 18 states, Washington D.C., and Guam. Care should be taken to protect dogs from marijuana toxicosis. This will be exhibited by several symptoms. Symptoms of Marijuana Poisoning in Dogs Stumbling over their feetLethargic and sluggishUrinary incontinenceDilated pupilsVomitingDistraughtTremors/shaking Marijuana toxicity occurs when the plant is ingested, either through smoke inhalation or eating cannabis directly, either the plant or edibles. Edibles are particularly dangerous because they are designed as junk food and candy. They are very tempting for dogs who like human food and only a small amount can have a high dose of THC. The dosage of THC an animal receives is important when discussing marijuana poisoning in dogs. Poisoning by ingestion of edibles is much more potent and dangerous than second-hand inhalation. Due to this range of poisoning, there is also a range in treatments used. Some will require IV fluids and a stay at the vet’s office, while some dogs will be fine as outpatients at home. While marijuana poisoning in dogs is serious, it is rarely fatal and most make a full recovery in one to two days. However, do not neglect seeking veterinary care for marijuana ingestion, edibles especially.  Edibles often contain artificial sweeteners which are additionally toxic for dogs increasing the toxicity concerns. Any ingestion event should be discussed with a vet as you cannot be sure of the dosage or the exact effect it will have on your dog.

A: Approved for Coastal Storm and High Wind Regions PlexiDor HURCAN Wall Series The PlexiDor® HURCAN Series is the only NAMI certified dog door designed for the coastal areas from Maine to Florida to Texas (except HVHZ). The PlexiDor team manufactures in Florida – we know storms firsthand. A standard PlexiDor passes testing for non-coastal areas right out of the box. The new HURCAN Series with our unique integral shutter system, passes the stringent impact testing required to achieve certification. Simply apply the shutters for the most protection during severe storm conditions. Available Sizes: Medium - 40lbs | Large - 100lbs | XLarge - 220lbs Protect Your Family, Your Dogs, and Your Home If you live in an area highlighted in green or blue on the map below, you need a PlexiDor HURCAN Series dog door to meet state building code. If you live in an area shown in white or red/blue stripe on the map below, you can use the standard PlexiDor dog doors shown in the front of this catalog. The map shows Wind-Borne Debris Regions in blue and green. These are the areas that require the PlexiDor HURCAN Series dog door to meet state building code. The design pressure ratings of specific PlexiDor models can be found at FloridaBuilding.org – FL41814. Usage limitations and installation instructions are also listed. The HURCAN Series is not approved for the High Velocity Hurricane Zones of Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. Please call our office with questions regarding current impact rating and approval: 800-749-9609. Questions regarding shipping are specified in the PlexiDor Shipping Policy

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