Dog doors are increasingly becoming a standard installation in many modern homes. As such, there are so many great dog products available nowadays. However, finding the best doors for cold weather is an uphill task.
That brings up the question, which is the best dog door for the cold season? In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best options to help you make an informed decision.
And who knows, maybe you’ll find the door that meets your needs. We will also cover things like:
- Factors to consider when buying dog doors
- Frequently asked questions
- Our top pick dog door for cold weather
Comparison Table of Best Cold Weather Dog Door
If you’re looking for the best dog door for cold weather, then we have some nice recommendations for you. So, below are some of the best models that are not only sturdy but also robust and with great insulation properties.
| # | Name | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruff-Weather Pet Door by Ideal Pet Products | 10.47 Pounds | Check Price |
| 2 | PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door | 5.69 pounds | Check Price |
| 3 | Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Dog Door | 1 Pounds | Check Price |
| 4 | Endura Flap Extra Insulated All Weather Pet Door | 19.8 Pounds | Check Price |
| 5 | Perfect Pet All-Weather Dog Door | 5 Pounds | Check Price |
| 6 | Extreme Weather Aluminum Door by Extreme Dog Door | 8.7 Pounds | Check Price |
| 7 | Aluminum Dog Door by PetSafe | 5.6 pounds | Check Price |
| 8 | Pet Door for Dogs by Petouch | 3.2 Pounds | Check Price |
| 9 | Ruff Weather Alarm Pet Door by Ideal Pet Products | 8.6 Pounds | Check Price |
Best Dog Door For Cold Weather:
1. Ideal Pet Products Pet Door Ruff-Weather
It doesn’t matter if you live in the coldest or hottest place in the world, controlling the temperature of your pet house may prove challenging.
So, its high time you invested in a pet door that ensures no energy is wasted and also adds up as an insulator.
This ruff Weather dog door with 2 soft flaps for the dog to open easily will sort you out.
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Product Description
This white-colored pet door features an inner telescoping frame for more effectiveness.
The 2 vinyl flaps create an air pocket of about 3 inches for extreme energy efficiency and insulation.
For the measurements; this extra-large pet door’s flaps measure 9.75 by 17 inches. Likewise, this door can fit dogs weighing 36 to 90 lbs.
Lastly, this door is also available as small, medium and super large.
This, therefore, means that it is suitable for dogs of different sizes and breeds including a Great Dane. So, if you are looking for an economical door for your growing puppy, this is worth considering.
Pros
- Handles all climatic conditions
- Available in multiple sizes
- Double flap feature for great energy efficiency
- Gives ultimate freedom to your pet
Cons
- It takes time for the pets to get accustomed to the double flaps
Also Read: 25 Special Dog Decals & Stickers
2. PetSafe Energy Efficient Extreme Weather Pet Door
PetSafe is a company whose experience in manufacturing pet products spun over 30 years.
Giving your dog the liberty to enter and go out of the house cuts down on the effort you usually take to open the door for it.
This PetSafe door also helps conserve energy in very cold or hot areas. The 3-flap system saves energy 3.5 more times as compared to the standard single flap doors.
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Product Description
The center flap of the door is insulated so as not to bring the hot or cold air outside into your home.
The plastic frame can be painted similarly to the color of your door. This frame measures 12 ½ by 19 7/8 inches.
Additionally, the flap door opening has a width of 10.125 inches and a height of 16.25 inches.
There’s a Snap-On closing panel that allows you to deny the pet access to the door.
This not only ensures controlled access to the dog house but also maximum security. Besides, you can use a second closing panel on the outside if you want an extra layer of weather protection.
Pros
- Comes with detailed installation instructions
- Features a controlled access panel
- Offered in different sizes
- More energy conservative
- Great for pets weighing up to 100 pounds
Cons
- The included magnet is not too strong to hold the door in windy places
- The flaps are noisy when closing
3. Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Designer Series Pet Door
This designer series pet door is one of the perfect dog doors for cold weather there is.
The door features a well-molded structural foam plastic frame together with 2 vinyl flaps to deliver endless insulation.
This door is easy to install and is safe for your pet.
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Product Description
Each flap measures 9.75 by 17 inches and the frame is 13.9375 by 21.625 inches. Concurrently, the door cutout is 11.512 by 19.25 inches.
This door is suitable for any type of weather, is durable and energy-efficient.
There’s an optional wall kit that may be bought separately.
The grey colored extra-large door weighs 8.5 pounds and is good for both dogs and cats.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- Multiple sizes
- Beautiful design
Cons
- Magnets cackle noisily as the flaps fall back
4. Endura Flap Wall Mount Double Flap Pet Door
This wall mount by Endura is an extreme weather doggie door that gives your pets the much-needed freedom and also maximizes the insulation of your home.
The door features double flaps that provide enough shield against harsh climatic conditions. Alternatively, there is a single endura flap pet door option.
There are various sizes to suit different sizes of pets; small, medium, extra-large and super large.[amazon box=”B003P5LWWC” template=”vertical”]
Product Description
The wall mount has adjustable power magnets that are three-sided. These magnets are ergonomically designed to stay shut even in high winds of around 50mph.
A sturdy aluminum Tunnel of about 8 inches thick is used to connect the frames of the pet door. The frames are made from durable extruded metal.
As an added bonus, there’s a clip-lock that securely shuts up the door when not in use.
Pros
- Obtainable in different colors and sizes
- Includes a secure locking cover
- Flush-fit simple installation
- Superior energy savings
Cons
- More expensive
- Getting a pet to use the double flaps is quite a task
5. PERFECT PET Energy Efficient All-Weather Dog Door
If a pocket-friendly but efficient pet door is what you are looking for, then this Perfect Pet door is here for you.
This sliding glass dog door features an energy-efficient molded structural foam plastic frame.
The unique part of this pet door is how the frame telescopes can be adjusted from ¾ – 1 ¾ inches of thickness.
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Product Description
This medium pet door weighs 7.75 pounds while its flap size is 7.25 by 13 inches. Furthermore, the door is great for pets weighing 36 to 100 lbs.
The ultra-modern flexible Vinyl flap design forms an energy-efficient pocket of air to deliver maximum insulation.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Adjustable frames
- Provides perfect seal from adverse weather conditions
- Features a locking latch
Cons
- Plastic door might be a security weak point
6. Extreme Dog Fence Aluminum External Door Mount
Allow your lovely pets to get a burst of fresh air whenever they want with this large extreme weather dog door.
The 2 included magnetic sealing flaps conserve the energy that is inside the house by creating a barrier that stops the outer air or temperature from getting in.
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Product Description
The dog door comes with a security panel that slides in place easily. That panel has 2 easy lock slides, once locked, the panel is unbreakable thus safe even if you are away from the house.
On durability, the aluminum tough frame doesn’t wear out even under extreme weather. Similarly, the solid frame won’t get discolored over extended use.
This Extreme dog door is available in different sizes and also as a single flap.
The dogs that will use this door should not weigh more than 100 lbs.
Pros
- Supported by a 5-year warranty
- Dual flap door
- Strong and durable aluminum metal frame
- Safe and secure
- Suitable for any weather
Cons
- Difficult to install
Sometimes your dog gets bored of eating the same food, you can try fish based dog food for your dog.
7. PetSafe Pet Wall Entry Door for Cats and Dogs
If mounting a pet door on your main or side door is not convenient, then this PetSafe pet door is the best alternative for wall installation.
The door can be mounted on walls made from different materials such as; stucco, brick or any type of siding.
The featured telescoping tunnel is for easy installation on walls whose thickness is about 4.75 to 7.25 inches. But for thicker walls, you can obtain the extension kits that are sold separately to allow the door to extend more.
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Product Description
The strong aluminum frame and the long-lasting plastic telescoping frame tunnel improve the durability of this ruff weather dog door.
This pet door has double flaps that are replaceable. The flaps help ensure that the temperatures inside the house aren’t affected by the outside weather.
The door flap measures a width of 10.375 inches and a height of 15.375 inches.
To sum up, pets of up to 100 lbs can pass through this large wall entry door.
Pros
- Do-it-yourself easy installation
- Affordable
- Slide-in locking panel delivers controlled access
- Features double flaps
Cons
- Unclear installation instructions
- Flimsy plastic tunnel
8. Petouch Low Maintenance Large Pet Door
The performance of this pet door by Petouch makes it one of the top dog doors for cold weather.
This fall-off pet door can’t be broken easily because it’s made of quite strong material.
There’s more, the installation chart will give you step by step guidance on how to put up your pet door.
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Product Description
Unlike other tinted pet doors, this one is transparent so that your pet can easily see through it.
The external screen is waterproofed and there’s a brush strip that prevents this large pet door from closing noisily.
This plastic door automatically self-closes immediately your dog goes out and can be locked to deny total access to the pet.
In summary, this large pet door measures about 15.2 by 20.4 inches and is perfect for different dog breeds weighing up to 100 lbs.
Pros
- Properly laid out installation instructions
- Quite sturdy
- Weatherproof
- Gives ultimate freedom to your pet
Cons
- No template is included
- The accompanying ½ inch screws are quite short for a standard door
9. Ideal Pet Products Alarm Alert Designer Ruff Weather Pet Door
This high-quality all-weather dog door is uniquely designed with an alarming slide that works effectively despite the drastic changes in weather.
The lock-out alarm alert slide lets you know when it is removed, this gives you peace of mind whenever you are away.
The tinted, flexible 2 vinyl flaps deliver maximum energy efficiency. They do so by creating an air pocket of about 3 inches to provide supreme insulation.
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Product Description
This pet door weighs 8.6 pounds and is easy to install in both walls and doors.
The house doors should have a width of between ¾ inches to 1 ¾ inches while the walls from 4 ¾ – 7 ¾ inches of thickness.
Even though expensively priced, this pet door stays put over a long period of time.
Pros
- Clear installation instructions
- Elegantly designed
- Long-lasting
- Features double flaps for improved energy efficiency
Cons
- Does not include the 2 AAA batteries for alarm
10. Dog Mate White Dog Door, Medium
Pet Mate is a well-known manufacturer of innovative products for pets, under different brands, including Dog Mate and Cat Mate. They have a wide range of dog doors for different types of dog breeds.
When it comes to this specific door, it is medium in size. Consequently, this makes it ideal for dogs up to 18-inch such as Terriers, Spaniels, Beagles, and poodles. It can also be used as a cat door.
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Product Description
One of the best features of this product is its robust construction. Basically, the door’s flaps are brush sealed using magnetic closures. This not only helps with weatherproofing but also helps to minimize energy loss from the dog house.
What’s more? The door is easy to install. You can choose to install it on the wall or window as well as on selected lines. However, you will need a wall liner or the appropriate adapter to install it.
When it comes to security, this is yet another area that this product does not disappoint. It comes with a security locking panel that is not only robust but also durable.
Pros
- Easy to wash clean and install
- Made from durable hard plastic
- Door flap does not rattle
- Fully tamper proof
- Door action is smooth and quite
Cons
- Poor installation instructions
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Good Cold Weather Dog Door
Dog doors for cold weather come in different styles and each is suited for different situations, dogs, and owners. Therefore, if you’re looking for the extreme weather dog door, here are some factors to look out for:
Insulation
When looking for a good cold weather dog door, you want to ensure it’s well insulated for optimal energy efficiency. You definitely don’t want the cold and snow to get into your home.
Generally, you should choose a door that locks automatically to help block the cold from coming in. Also, doors with a double flap tend to offer great insulation from the cold weather.
Size of the dog
The size of your pooch matters a lot. This is because if the door is too small than your dog, it will be of no use. So, you need to take the dimensions of your dog and carefully check the door specifications for its size.
However, if it’s a puppy, we recommend getting a bigger door since dogs grow very fast.
On the flip side, though, buying a bigger door is not always a good idea. You see, a door that is too big for your dog will bring more cold air in than necessary. So, look at the size guides before making any purchase.
Design
The dog doors for the cold season should fit that of your house entrance. Therefore, you need to take into account its design. We recommend finding a model that complements the design and looks of your house.
The last thing you want is for your front door to look hideous with an unattractive pet door. So, make sure to consider getting a unit that matches the design of your front home. This includes even the color of door
Materials
Dog doors for cold weather and frames are constructed from different materials. However, most are made from some type of plastic or aluminum.
Generally speaking, doors made from aluminum material are more likely to be durable. However, high-quality plastics are also adequately sturdy.
But for your pet’s safety, it’s advisable to choose a dog glass door made of non-toxic materials. The materials should also be rust and weather resistant.
Types
Dog door types are categorized according to their mode operation. Basically, we have the traditional flap type, magnetic and electronic type.
The traditional flap-type features one, two or three flaps and is operated manually. As such, it is easy to train your dog to use this kind of door. However, it may not be a good choice if you’re planning to install it on the main door. This is because it’s not good at blocking the cold from getting into your house.
Magnetic or electronic type is automatic doors hence are great for the cold season. This is because the magnetic or electronic dog door tends to stay locked if your pooch does not use it.
Additionally, you may consider getting a door that uses a sliding glass. Sliding glass doors are also quite common.
Location
The location of the automatic dog door is yet another important feature to keep in mind. After all, you don’t want it to be in the way of other when they are going in or out.
As a pet owner, you can choose to install it on an existing door, which is cheaper and more convenient. This method is also less technical or permanent.
On the other hand, you can mount it in a wall, which is not only expensive but also hard to install. The good news is that this option is more durable and even attractive.
Quality
Whether you’re on a budget or not, it doesn’t make sense to buy a low-quality product as a dog owner. You see, the quality of the doggy door is what determines how long it will serve it purpose.
Generally, we recommend you get a high-quality glass dog door for your peace of mind. Sure, the initial price might be higher, but in the end, it will be worth it. The last thing you want is to buy the cheapest glass door you find only for it to last a couple of months. Besides, low-quality doors may not provide your doggy with better protection.
Ease of Installation
One thing is for sure, there is not an easy way out when it comes to putting up a pet door. Whether you like it or not, you have to install the sliding door correctly.
Unfortunately, installing a doggy door, especially one with a sliding glass takes a lot of effort. This is because you will need to cut out a part of a wall or door.
So, for this reason, we recommend choosing a product that is easy to install. However, this feature may not be important if you plan to hire professional help.
How many Flaps?
Next up, you should look out for the number flaps that the door for cold weather comes with. This is because some units have one flap while others two or more.
Doors with one plastic flap are easy for dogs to use. However, they only come with one sheet of vinyl. As such, these units may not offer the best protection against the cold weather.
On the other hand, doors with a double flap or three flaps provide better protection against the freezing temperatures.
Durability
The right sliding door for cold weather should be as durable as possible. After all, cold temperatures can be very harsh. This, therefore, means that not all materials will hold well in these extreme temperatures.
For instance, some type of plastic may shrink and become brittle. Also, the magnetic closure may get so cold and stop working properly.
So, we recommend you read as many customer reviews as possible just to be sure the doggy door is durable.
The Weather Seal
Pet doors are designed to work in various ways. Some models choose to use magnetic seals while others spring-loaded mechanisms. However, the magnetic seal is considered to be the best when it comes to cold weather.
This is because magnetic seals are built to close up anytime the sliding door is not in use. Consequently, this helps keep the cold weather outside and the heat inside.
However, not every magnetic seal is good quality. Therefore, you should invest in a unit that uses a high-quality seat.
Benefits of a Dog Door & How It Keeps Out the Cold?
There are so many benefits that come with installing pet doors for cold weather. Some of these include:
- One of the major benefits of these doors is that they help keep out the cold. This is because they are insulated and weatherproof.
- Ideal for pets that are afraid of certain things like bad weather or loud noises. These doors enable them to get back in as fast as possible.
- Allows your fur baby to go out when they need to. More so, these doors can be lifesaving as far as emergencies are concerned like intruder or house fire.
Steps on How to Train Your Pooch to Use an Insulated Dog Door
Choosing the right patio door for cold weather is important. But knowing how to train your pooch to use the door is also critical.
Step 1: You need to first make sure your canine companion is not cranky or tired when you train them.
Step 2: Stand outside and then hold the flap open completely. Then show your dog outside and offer them a treat if they are not willing to go through the screen door.
Step 3: Next, try lifting the flaps in different ways after a few times.
Step 4: Lastly, close the door and then stand outside. Next, call your pooch and reward him if he uses the door.
Step 5: Be patient with your canine companion because this may take some time.
Aspects you Should Not Overlook when Buying a Dog Door
You are bound to make some mistakes when shopping for a sliding glass door. This is especially, if it’s your first time to buy a door for cold weather.
For instance, if you have a puppy, you get a dog door based on the final size of your pooch. This way, you pet can use the sliding glass door for many years.
Secondly, if your pooch is heavy, you should get a model that is sturdy enough and made from durable materials.
Additionally, you need to consider the height or step-over between the door and the floor. This is important if your pup is smaller in size or has limited mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure which is the perfect dog door for the cold weather? Have a look at these frequently asked queries so you can make a good purchasing decision.
Q: How do you secure the dog door from an intruder?
A: Make sure not to install it in a door but rather in a wall. You can also install a security alarm, security cameras or motion-sensing lights.
Q: How much will it cost me to install the dog door?
A: Prices vary depending on factors like materials and the installation location. However, prices may range between $200 and $1600.
Q: Can I lock the dog door?
A: Yes, it’s possible. Most doggie doors come with a lock that goes into the interior frame.
Q: What makes a pet door good for cold weather cold climates?
A: To begin with, it should be made from high-quality and durable materials like hard plastic or aluminum. Secondly, the door should be properly insulated to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Q: How do you keep a dog door from freezing?
A: You should add insulation while installing the sliding glass door around the frames. Also, you can add caulk or heat tape around the sides of the frame.
Check this: How to Clean Shih Tzu Ears
Our Top Pick
The Ruff-Weather Pet Door by Ideal Pet Products is our overall best choice. It features vinyl insulated flaps to keep the warm and cool air inside your house. What’s more, it boasts a telescoping frame making it ideal for all weather conditions.
Conclusion
Dog doors are designed to let your pooch come in and out of the house as they please. However, not all doggie doors are best for the cold season. So, if you’re looking for the best dog door for cold weather, we recommend you try the options we’ve reviewed.
