Dog doors are a brilliant invention that allows your dog to come and go. Gone are the days when they had to whine and bark to grab someone’s attention to unlock the door! Your dog may now enjoy their free time without having to wait until they’re ready to come back into your life.
- Our Top Picks
- What Is The Difference Between Cold Weather Dog Doors And Regular Dog Doors?
- What Are The Types Of Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
- What To Consider When Choosing The Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
- What To Look For When Choosing The Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
- Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather
- Best Overall Insulated Dog Door: PetSafe Extreme Weather Door
- Best Wall-Entry Dog Door: Petsafe Aluminum Wall Entry Insulated Pet Door
- Best for Large Dogs: Ruff Weather Dog Door by Ideal Pet Products
- Best for Extreme Weather: Endura Flap Pet Door – For Sliding Glass Doors
- Best Electronic Dog Door: PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Weather Dog Doors
- Wrap Up
When the sun is shining and the weather is nice, keeping the door open to let your dog come and go as they want isn’t a problem; however, it’s a different story when the weather is chilly. Anyone who owns a dog is familiar with the door dance: as soon as you let your dog out, they want to get back in, and as soon as they get back in, they want to go out again. All dogs can get cold, even cold-weather dogs like Labs do get cold in chilly weather, especially at night. Playing doorman to your dog is not only annoying, but it also makes keeping your house warm in the winter nearly hard.
The best cold weather dog doors will provide you with the best of both worlds: access for your dog while keeping the heat in.
Our Top Picks
What Is The Difference Between Cold Weather Dog Doors And Regular Dog Doors?
Standard doors aren’t always appropriate in all climates. In extreme climates, we require a dog door to keep drafts out and heat in.
If you live in a colder environment and choose to install a standard dog door, your door will most likely leak heat in addition to not being weather resistant. You need to choose a dog door specifically intended to keep out harsh weather, which will last longer and save you money on maintenance.
The weather seals used in cold weather dog doors are being used in mall and movie theater doors, so you can trust them to perform the job. Doggie doors for cold weather are frequently composed of excellent metal frames that can withstand rain, snow, and wind.
What Are The Types Of Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
- Wall mount doggy doors are the best for cold weather since they are more durable, fit better, and provide insulation from the wall around the entrance. However, these are more difficult to install, and you may need assistance.
- For a variety of reasons, electronic doggie doors are the safest. The door will not open to a neighbor’s pet or a rodent such as a raccoon or other obnoxious animals. It only allows the RFID microchip in your dog’s neck to open the door.
- Patio panel is the simplest and quickest to put together. All you have to do now is cut a hole in your patio screen and put the door in place. However, these aren’t the best for keeping the cold out.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
Dog doors, like our pets, come in a variety of forms and sizes. There’s a dog door for every situation, whether you need access through a wall, a wooden door, or a pane of glass.
However, there are a few things to consider to assist you in making your decision:
Location
The location of the door is maybe the most important factor to consider while choosing one. While rear doors have traditionally been the most popular installation, there is a growing need for doors that fit against walls, glass, and screen doors. Because the structure of a pet door differs depending on where you will use it, it’s critical to get it right before investing.
It’s also essential to consider how accessible your chosen area is. Your dog will likely spend a lot more time in the area once they’ve gotten used to going in and out without your help.
Climate
Energy-efficient door seals are the best dog doors for cold weather. It keeps your house warm while giving your dog the flexibility to come and go whenever they choose. If you reside in a more moderate environment, door seals are less important, but they should still be one factor to consider.
Your Dog Size
It may seem self-evident, but you should consider your dog when purchasing a dog door. Are your dogs timid, lively, or boisterous? Do you have an aging dog with mobility limitations, or do you live in a home with multiple dogs of various sizes?
The amount of effort required to open a dog door, the height of the stepover your dog must negotiate, and the materials used vary. All of these factors have an impact on the pet door’s suitability for your dog.
Security
If you have a large dog, the dog door’s security level is critical. While few people would attempt to enter a home with a large dog, a locking dog door adds an added layer of security.
Dog doors come with a variety of locking mechanisms. Some feature manual locks, while others have smart locks, and only a gadget worn by your dog can unlock it. When it comes to the security of a dog door, consider your neighborhood, ease of entry to your home, and the size of your dog. Locking dog doors to keep unwelcome visitors out is also a good idea when it comes to potential animal intruders, such as raccoons, alligators, and neighboring cats.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather?
When choosing the best cold weather dog doors, dig a little deeper into the following details:
Waterproof
Most dog door concerns for cold weather are that they constantly let in drafts and wind. Some people even lock the door when it isn’t in use, but it hinders the benefit of your dog being able to leave and enter your home whenever they want. Your dog door must be entirely waterproof to prevent outside elements from entering.
Single and Double Flap Doors
The single flap door is the most common and, in most situations, performs an excellent job of keeping the cold out. Those with multiple (or triple) flaps, on the other hand, keep out more air.
Insulation
Just like any other door, insulation keeps the cold out better than one without it. Your doggie door should also be well-insulated to prevent cold air from penetrating the materials. Make sure you choose correctly because some dog doors have a lot of insulation while others don’t have any at all.
Seal
A magnetic strip is the most typical way for these doors to work. We recommend a magnetic seal since it closes up when the door is not in use. It will keep the heat inside while keeping the cold outside.
Material
Some materials like plastic frames shrink in cold climates, whereas they expand in hot weather. A shrinking pet door would almost certainly allow a cold draft into your home, so look for a winter dog door made of the best materials available. Steel is the ideal material for a doggy door, and it should also be insulated to keep the cold away.
Best Dog Doors For Cold Weather
If your dog has to go outside regularly, you may want to give them the ability to do so on their own — but not at the expense of your energy cost. Because of its self-closing and weather-blocking components, the best-insulated dog doors let your pet out while keeping warm or cool air in.
Best Overall Insulated Dog Door: PetSafe Extreme Weather Door
- MAXIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Unique three flap system is more energy efficient than traditional single flap doors
- ADDITIONAL INSULATION: Great for hot and cold climates ranging from -10 to 100 degrees F, the center insulated flap helps keep extreme warm and cool air outside of your home
- CONTROL YOUR PET’S ACCESS: A snap on closing panel keeps your pet from using the door; use a second closing panel (sold separately) for an additional layer of weather protection
- MATCH YOUR HOME’S DESIGN: The paintable plastic frame allows you to match your door’s existing color
If you live in a place where the weather is harsh, then you should carefully consider PetSafe Extreme Weather Door. It has three flaps, the middle of which is insulated to keep the cold out. When compared to other doors, this can significantly reduce your heating bills. We’ve decided on this door because it’s highly versatile, not too expensive, easy to paint to match your door, and fits most dog sizes.
It has a few drawbacks, but generally, this door will satisfy most demands at a reasonable price, and it wins for us.
Pros
- Features three insulating flaps for triple heat retention and keep the cold out
- Simply snap on the door block
Cons
- It only comes in one size
Best Wall-Entry Dog Door: Petsafe Aluminum Wall Entry Insulated Pet Door
- INSTALL INTO YOUR WALL: This pet door is best for homes where it might not be possible to install a pet door into your human door
- DURABLE FRAME WON'T RUST: Our pet door is made out of durable plastic that won’t rust like other steel options while also providing great insulation
- TELESCOPING DESIGN FOR WALL INSTALLATION: Telescoping tunnel lets you use the door in walls that are 4 3/4 - 7 1/4 in thick; compatible extension kits sold separately for walls thicker than 7 1/4 in
- DIY INSTALLATION: This do-it-yourself project easily installs in all types of interior and exterior walls; cutting template and step-by-step instructions are included
Suppose you want your pet to be able to exit and enter through a wall rather than through your door. In that case, the PetSafe Aluminum Wall Entry Pet Door is the best alternative. It comes with a heavy-duty aluminum frame and shatter-resistant safety glass that uses an ultra seal flexible flap mechanism to keep your home warm. It also has a cover that keeps the door closed when not in use.
Pros
- The double flaps keep the cold out
- Excellent quality for its price
Cons
- Installing it can be challenging – Some basic carpentry skills are required (but don’t cut load-bearing studs)
- It doesn’t stretch far enough to support super-insulated, thick walls
Best for Large Dogs: Ruff Weather Dog Door by Ideal Pet Products
- Durable, energy-efficient all-weather pet door with inner telescoping frame
- Structural foam molded plastic frame with two vinyl flaps for maximum insulation
- Flap size is 9.75 inches x 17 inches, frame size is 13.9375 inches x 21.625 inches and pet door cutout size is 11.512 inches x 19.25 inches
- Installs easily and securely - optional wall kit available and sold separately
Ideal Pet’s Designer Series Ruff-Weather Dog Door with Telescoping Tunnel is available in four sizes, making it suitable for both small and large dogs. The Ruff-weather pet door is made of molded plastic and features twin vinyl flaps for greater energy efficiency. It also has a three-inch air gap between the flaps for added insulation. The flaps are held in place by magnets, and there is a locking mechanism for added security.
Pros
- Best for large dogs
- It is more energy efficient because of the double flap design
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The magnets that keep the flaps closed aren’t strong enough to keep them locked in bad weather
- It is not simple to set up
Best for Extreme Weather: Endura Flap Pet Door – For Sliding Glass Doors
- DUAL-FLAP EXTREME WEATHER DESIGN: our double-flap insulated pet door offers maximum energy efficiency, protecting your home from harsh weather conditions, and keeping it cool in the summer and warm in...
- INSULATED FOR ENERGY SAVINGS: this energy-efficient pet door features dual-pane LoE glass that reduces UV rays and infrared light, helping to conserve energy in your home; the dual-flap system creates...
- SECURE LOCKING MECHANISM: designed with safety in mind, featuring a secure locking cover, as strong as 1/16" steel, that prevents unauthorized entry when not in use; enjoy peace of mind, knowing your...
- SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH VINYL SLIDING DOORS: pet door is specifically engineered for vinyl-framed sliding glass doors with 'U' shaped tracks (minimum 1-1/2" thick), ensuring a perfect fit and...
The Endura Flap Dog Door is an award-winning door with a strong aluminum frame. It’s an energy-efficient dog door that can withstand winds of up to fifty miles per hour so that it can withstand even the harshest conditions.
It has a locking cover to keep the flap closed when not in use. Furthermore, it features a double flap attached with strong magnets that provides excellent insulation against cold weather no matter how many times your dog enters and exits.
Pros
- Cold weather insulation is excellent
- The flaps are held in place by strong magnets on the bottom and sides
- The double flap saves energy and improves insulation
Cons
- Installation is complicated unless you’re a DIY expert
- The magnetic flaps make a loud noise
Best Electronic Dog Door: PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR PET’S ACCESS: The Electronic Pet Door features programmable selective entry, exit and auto-locking options
- PEACE OF MIND: The Electronic Pet Door works with the waterproof Electronic Pet Door Key worn on your pet's collar; only the pets wearing the key can go in and out
- MULTIPLE PETS: Great for households with multiple pets; programmable for up to 5 Electronic Pet Door Keys
- BATTERY OPERATED: The Electronic Pet Door is battery operated (4 D-Cell Batteries, not included)
Your dog or any pet can have complete control over entering or exiting the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor. This pet door will automatically lock after the dog comes in or out. This feature adds extra security. This door only allows dogs with matching collars to enter, so you can rest assured that your dog will be the only one there. This key is waterproof, and the dog wears it with it. If your pet is an avid swimmer, the key will not rust after a soaking.
Pros
- This smart door can program up to five animals
- Weatherproof
- It’s suitable for both exterior and interior doors
- Energy-efficient and insulated flap
- It comes in different sizes and materials
Cons
- The batteries tend to deplete very rapidly, which can be costly
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Weather Dog Doors
How big of a dog door do I need?
It’s important to choose the right pet door size for your pet’s health and the lifespan of your pet door investment. Review the important factors to consider while selecting the right pet door for your home. The golden rule for dog door dimensions is to choose a size that clears your pet’s back by at least 1.5 inches; ideally, the dog door height should be two inches. When it comes to the bottom, also known as the lower rise, it’s all about providing adequate room for dogs to step over it simply. While we can estimate dog door sizes based on breed, it’s best to measure your dog’s size.
How much will it cost me to install the dog door?
The price of a dog door varies depending on its size and features. The average cost of installing a manual medium-sized wooden dog door measuring 8″ x 15″ ranges from $150 to $600, with most homeowners spending about $300. A modest manual plastic dog door measuring 6″ x 7″ in a door can cost as little as $100 or as much as $1,500 for an extra-large aluminum electric dog door measuring 12″ × 23″ in a wall. It might be worth seeking quotations from local handymen or glaziers.
How do I keep a dog door from freezing shut?
A pet door freezing shut is extremely rare, but it can occur in severe instances when cold and humidity are combined. To provide a barrier between the frame and the door or wall where the pet door is, you may choose to add a foam weather seal to the back of the pet door frame. If the door still doesn’t open, apply hot tape to the edge.
Wrap Up
Allowing your dog to come and go as they choose is a huge plus. However, keeping your house warm in the winter is much more important especially if your concern is your dog care. You must consider several factors, including your location, your dog’s size, and, in some situations, the possibility of outside invaders, both human and animal, for you to come up with the best cold weather dog doors.