Frequently Asked Questions

A: Mounting a dog door in a garage door can be a convenient way to give pets their own entrance. Depending on your property style, access to the garage may be necessary for your pooch. The possibility for success, however, depends on the type of garage door. There are three important considerations when installing a dog door in a garage door. The height of the door will be limited. Also, take into account the depth of the dog door must be taken into account. First, when installing, always inspect the back of the garage door panel and make sure there are no obstacles that will interfere with cutting a hole for the dog door. Check for obstructions like structural support bars and hardware. Dog Door in a Garage Door Height Considerations The size of the dog door will be limited by height. The dog door frame cannot be taller than the garage door panel height. Should the dog door not fit completely inside one panel, it will interfere with the garage door as it opens and closes. As an example, the PlexiDor Dog Door medium frame measures 13 3/4" wide by 15 1/4" high from frame edge to frame edge. The garage door panel would have to be at least 15 1/2" tall to be able to accommodate the dog door. Dog Door in a Garage Door Depth Considerations Many garage doors are not very thick. Some are made of thinner materials like fiberglass or aluminum and the dog door is thicker than the door. The dog door will not mount flush on both sides of the garage door. For example, the dog door frame is 1 3/4" thick. The dog door needs to be screwed to the outside surface of the garage panel door and it must be flush with the garage door surface. On the inside, the pet door frame will stick out about an inch or so.    

A: Cats enjoy warmer temperatures than humans and love stretching out in a ray of sunshine, but they can still get heat strokes. Given the option, the cat will move out of the heat before that happens, but a cat in a carrier, in a closed room, in a car, or maybe locked out on a porch depends on us making good decisions. The average normal body temperature of a human is 98.6 F, and the normal body temperature of cats falls in the range of 99.5 - 102.5 F. When we get too warm, the body solves the problem through sweating, but cats can't do that. They pant and sweat through their foot pads. Watch for signs like: Panting Drooling Restlessness - the cat may be walking around, trying to find a cooler spot Grooming excessively - the cat is attempting to cool down Sweaty paws If you notice these signs, move the cat to a cool place and provide water. If the temperature remains too high, the cat will show signs of heat exhaustion. Stumbling or staggering Rapid breathing or pulse Red mouth and tongue Vomiting Move the cat to a cooler environment immediately! If the cat's body temperature rises further, they will collapse. At that point you can expect seizures, coma, and eventually death. If you suspect heat exhaustion, bring the cat to a cool environment, soak with cool water (not ice cold), and provide water to drink. Your cat needs to get to your veterinarian or the nearest pet ER as soon as possible. If the worst should still happen and you find your cat unconscious in a hot environment, soak with cool water and place a bag of ice or other frozen item between their legs to help them cool off. Make sure they don't get water in their nose or mouth! Time is of the essence, don't wait with going to your veterinarian or pet ER; go right away.

A: The PlexiDor sliding track accessory is easy to install. To install the sliding tracks to the dog door you only need a Phillips-head screwdriver. There are screws provided with the tracks, and you just screw the tracks to the holes where you would normally attach the security plate.  Once you've screwed the tracks to the frame, remove the machine screws and nylon washers from the security plate, so it can slide down the tracks. Secure the cover with the flip lock.   How To Install the Sliding Tracks    

A: There is a spacer on the PlexiDor sliding-tracks accessory that gives a small gap between the PlexiDor and the security plate. The spacer is there to allow the flip lock to move freely, and should be left on.

A: Sliding Track Installation Process The Sliding Track Accessory can be installed on the pet door after the pet door has been installed in your home. You actually have to install the pet door first, to be able to reach the installation screws. The Sliding Track Accessory screws to the surface of the pet door frame, from the inside of the house. It is very easy to attach. If you want to screw the security plate in place at some point in time, just remove the tracks and screw on the plate.

A: Will my dog suffocate in a dog house with a PlexiDor Dog Door built in? The PlexiDor closes tight to keep weather outside, but houses have ventilation and the dog house shouldn't be an exception. However if the dog house is very small, it can be a good idea to put a CO2 detector up. Always be on the safe side when it comes to our furry friends!

A: When working with a load-bearing wall, it is important not to compromise the structural integrity of the wall. You can still install a PlexiDor through a loading bearing wall, but the way to do it will differ with the pet door size. PlexiDor sizes up to and including the large door will fit between the studs in a wall, so the framing structure won't change. Just removing insulation will not weaken your wall. If you're installing an Extra Large PlexiDor, it's wider than the space between studs and you you will need to cut one. Add a cross member support to the framing to even the load - this will ensure the weight is still distributed evenly. If you have any questions, call our customer service at 1-800-749-9609.

A: If you find you cant program a new collar key for PlexiDor Dog Doors, it may be a simple answer. The most common issue with programming new keys for the PlexiDor Electronic is that too many keys are already in use. The circuit board can handle up to ten keys. If for instance a couple have been lost and need to be replaced, the 11th key will not be programmed. The solution is to first delete all the collar keys and then re-program them. If no key opens the pet door, not even the ones that were delivered with it, the antenna might not be connected. Read this article for help on troubleshooting the antenna.    

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: 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.