As our dogs age, they tend to need the outdoor potty a bit more than they used to. My dog Sasha, simply loved to be able to come and go as she pleased, which I feel she earned as a senior. She would lay in the grass (as above header picture) and simply enjoy the sun on her face, and then sometimes she just wanted to hang out inside.
I work at home, so this is not too hard for me to accommodate, but I was researching ways to make our sliding patio door capable of handling a dog door instead of simply leaving it open to let bugs in. We left it open while I was in the kitchen and she would come and go, but as soon as the bug season rolled around, I was constantly opening and closing the door! This was getting old. I didn't want a new door, and I didn't want to break the bank. As I was researching ideas, I was excited to find there are products available, that are easy to install in your present sliding glass patio door. Check this out!
As you can see by the above picture, the doggy door simply fits right between the two large glass panels. The dog can come and go as he pleases and you don't have to keep opening the door.
Perfect for renters or apartments or condos, as you can simply take the portable dog door with you when you move with no harm to the patio glass. I thought this was a brilliant idea for apartment dwellers whose dog likes to hang out on the balcony or condos. These are a great idea for a senior dog too, as they don't have to "jump" through a opening. It is ground level and they can simply walk it, but yet it can be closed for security reasons when not in use.
They come in different sizes and have a latch kit for security. My dog is about the size of the one in the picture, so I can see her enjoying this door. You just have to get them used to it, which is pretty quick if you get the right size so that they don't hurt their limbs or stiff joints using it.
This door is more high tech than the first one, in that the door is electronic. It still fits into your sliding glass door, but instead of your dog coming and going through the flap it is electronic.
You place a device on your dog's collar and it matches the door which then automatically opens when you pooch is in the right direction to enter the door. It won't simply open because he chose to lie near the opening, he has to be facing it and then it will open as you can see in the product picture.
This one might be easier for a senior dog to use, he doesn't have to push through anything or jump too high. He will learn quite quickly when he faces it that it opens just for him.
If Your Senior Dog Loves to Come and Go Out of the House...
Maybe you already have a dog door, but for me, our patio door leads out to the fenced yard where she is allowed out on her own. Her age, makes her less agile, and I wanted something that would make life easier for her and us. Leaving the door open to the elements is not practical, and replacing the door is definitely not in the budget, so this simple addition to me, would make all the difference, so she can come and go as she pleases.
She used to wait until we were all seated either inside or out, and then bark to come in, so she would enjoy a setup like this, and so will we!
There are so many senior dog aides on the market now that can help you and your pooch enjoy those golden years. I have found online to be the best place to purchase as well as research. Amazon carries a huge variety of aides that may help you. Every dog is different and you know your pooch better than anyone. Watch out for signs that they are having trouble. If they need to walk up a couple of steps to your patio door and you notice they whimper or keep circling then a ramp would also help.
Watch how excited your dog will get when he/her uses the dog door for sliding glass doors for the first time! HOME PAGE