The hidden dangers of doggie doors are often missed until it’s too late! For busy pet parents, long workdays can evoke feelings of guilt about leaving their dogs at home alone. Homeowners often install a doggie door to give their pets “freedom” during the day. At first glance, it may seem like a convenient solution. With a dog door, dogs can let themselves out, stretch their legs, or relieve themselves as needed. While appealing, doggie doors create a surprising number of risks for your pet and home. Let’s discuss the hidden dangers of doggie doors and why hiring a professional dog walker is a safer, healthier, and more reliable option.
Risks Associated with Doggie Doors
Doggie doors aren’t just portals to your backyard; they’re open invitations for a host of potential problems. Here are some hidden dangers of doggie doors:
Wildlife and Unwanted Animals
Doggie doors allow critters like raccoons, skunks, snakes, or even stray neighborhood pets to enter your home. This puts your dog (and your family) at risk of bites, disease, or injuries.
Security Concerns
Doggie doors can compromise your home’s safety. Burglars or even children could crawl through certain styles of doors. Even “secure” dog doors often provide points of vulnerability.
Dog (and Cat) Escapes
Many dogs (and their cat friends) quickly learn that a doggie door means total access to the world. While your yard may be fenced, determined dogs can dig or jump their way out. This creates risks of traffic injuries, lost dogs, or dangerous encounters with other animals.
Behavioral Issues
Without supervision, dogs may use their newfound independence to bark excessively at passing people, chase wildlife, or indulge in destructive habits like digging. These negative behaviors solidify over time and can be difficult to correct.
Weather and Pests
Doggie doors can let in cold drafts, insects, mud and dirt, or even water during storms. This wear and tear leads to damage both inside and outside your home. This video of a dog rolling around in the mud then bringing it into the home is enough for me to know that doggie doors are not for me!
While doggie doors might provide convenience, the potential safety hazards far outweigh the benefits.
Why a Dog Walker Is the Better Choice
Instead of leaving your pet with unsupervised access, a professional dog walker provides structure, supervision, and care that a flap in the wall can’t match.
Safety First
A dog walker makes sure your pup gets exercise and potty breaks in a safe, controlled way. No wildlife encounters or escape risks, just a secure walk with a trained companion.
Human Interaction
Dogs are deeply social animals and thrive on companionship. Having someone visit during the day reduces loneliness, anxiety, and boredom that can build up during long work stretches.
Exercise and Stimulation
Most dog walking services incorporate not just bathroom breaks but real exercise and mental stimulation through sniffing, exploring, and engaging play. This keeps your dog healthier and calmer at home.
Personalized Care
Our dog walkers tailor visits to meet your dog’s needs, whether it’s a quick walk and potty break for a senior pup or a brisk, energy-burning jaunt for a younger, more active dog. We also refresh water, give treats, and ensure your home looks good while you’re at work; bringing any issues to your attention immediately.
Peace of Mind for Pet Parents
Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is the peace of mind you’ll feel knowing your dog and home are looked after with care. Our dog walkers provide updates, photos, and notes so you can check in on your pup’s day. Thanks to the Time to Pet app, you’ll know when we’ve been by, and can plan your return home or evening accordingly.
Hidden Dangers of Doggie Doors
Doggie doors may seem like a solution to the long-workday dilemma, but they often create bigger problems that range from home security issues to risks for your beloved pet. A professional dog walker not only eliminates those dangers but also provides meaningful companionship, tailored exercise, and reliable care. When balancing safety and peace of mind, a dog walker is the clear choice over a door in the wall.
The Best Dog Walkers in the CT Shoreline
Shoreline Happy Paws is currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services!
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your family up for success. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.
We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
