If you have a screen sliding door, or a full screen regular door, it is nice to let those spring and summer breezes through the house.
While screens are awesome at letting in nice fresh breezes, and keeping bugs out, they tend to easily be destroyed by our pets! If your dog always scratched at the window to come in, then he will do the same to a screen. You can get pet safety screens which we have on our patio door, but even better, why not let you dog roam in and out at his or her leisure?
By installing a screen door with pet door for your dogs or your cats, they have an entry point which will then save the rest of your door from damage. It also means they can enter or leave the house without having to leave the door open and still keep bugs out.
As my Sasha got older, she slowed way down but loved to venture in and out of the house which meant someone had to let her out or in. Having a well installed dog door can give them that independence even in senior years, and save you the task and still let the breezes in and the keep the bugs out.
This dog door installs quickly and easily with only a screw driver and box cutters. The frame is sturdy and it comes in different sizes. Make sure you get one large enough for your dog to fit through so they don't yank at the frame work. By using a dog screen door, you save the rest of the door from wear and you pooch can come and go. This one has a magnetic flap that shuts securely behind them so no bugs through this opening either!
This is another quality screen entrance for your pooch. It has a different pattern on the flap than the first one, but both require minimum tools and effort to install. It is best to have it right at the base frame of the door for added strength and so your pet doesn't have to try and jump through, which can be difficult for an older or senior dog.
Play Peek a Boo with your Older Dog to Train
If you wonder if your pooch would learn to use one of these, you would be surprised at just how quickly they learn. Most dogs are independent and love the idea of going in and out themselves. In the beginning they may keep trying this as it is something new and a bit of a novelty. You could get down on your hands and knees and show the door open on the opposite side to your dog. Let him see your face through the opening and have a treat handy, and he will give it a try.
It may take a little coaxing, so be patient, but even old dogs can learn new tricks, especially something like this door which means they don't have to depend on you to let them in or out.
If you would prefer your dog not to have his own door, but you are constantly replacing your screens, you can try this pet screen saver. I have this product on my patio door and so far my cats nor squirrels nor dog have been able to damage it. Best investment yet. But I am considering installing a pet door so I don't have to keep opening and closing the door!
Another option is to add a "screen door" or curtain such as the one in the picture to a present door. If you don't have a screen to install a dog door into, you can simply create a screened opening in a present man door and you and your dog can simply push through. The magnets find one another as soon as you are through the doorway to close behind you so no bugs!
This is one of the quickest ways to add a screened doorway to your place. Little installation is needed and you can take it with you if you rent and you can find these for less than 25 bucks. (just click the picture or the link).
Making Life Easier for You and Your Senior Dog is Important
But it doesn't have to break the bank. You know your dog better than anyone, and taking your cues from him/her, you can tell which activities have become a bit more difficult. By using or making aides for them, you can keep them from getting depressed and still enjoy their company well into their golden years. Don't let their age stop you from enjoying activities together, you just have to get creative and find the right aids for your pet.
I personally have found online with Amazon to have the best variety and affordability when it comes to senior dog aids, everything from ramps for the car, to body slings to help them and you walk better. There are ways around small problems. Enjoy this special time with your older dog.