10 Common Myths About Dog Flaps

You would think a simple hole in your door with a flap to let your dog in whilst keeping the weather out would be free of myths and misunderstanding, wouldn’t you?

Yet, in our many years of experience of manufacturing dog flaps, we have seen a number of myths and mistruths shared online.

It’s time to set the record straight.

Closer Pets has pulled together the 10 most common myths about dog flaps and will seek to correct them here.

1. Dog flaps let burglars in

Not true. Well, technically a very small burglar could get in using a dog flap but it would take a very brave burglar to do that!

Depending on the size and ferocity of your dog, a potential burglar would need to scope out your property to make sure the dog won’t attack when they break in.

Then, the burglar will need to be small enough to get through the flap. Only the largest dog flaps could allow an average set of human shoulders in!

2. One size fits all

Not true. You’ll see dog flaps typically come in small, medium, large and extra large sizes. Don’t take this sizing for granted.

Along with that size, there should also be an ideal shoulder measurement outlined with the dog flap.

Measure your dog’s shoulders and use that rather than a generic average to make sure your flap fits.

3. Dog flaps are only for doors

Not true. You can use dog flaps in walls too. You may need a tunnel attachment to keep it safe for your dog to use, but you can add them to a wall as well as a door.

This happens a lot with glass doors. Rather than cutting the glass or replacing the door, owners cut into the wall instead.

4. Dog flaps can hurt my dog

Not true. As long as you buy the right size flap for your dog, a dog flap will not hurt your dog.

The only way a dog flap can hurt your dog is if you use the wrong size and they have to contort themselves to get in and out.

5. A locked dog flap can be opened from the outside

Not true. A dog flap locked from the inside is secure and cannot be opened from the outside.

Even a locking dog flap that uses a tag is secure from the outside. The mechanism and lock are located inside the flap, so are safe.

6. You can install a dog flap in any door

Not true. You can install a dog flap in almost any door, but not all of them.

Glass doors for instance, are a challenge. You’ll either need to replace the bottom pane with a pane with a hole or have a glazier cut the hole for you.

Most other door types can take a dog flap as long as you buy the right flap for the door.

7. You cannot install dog flaps in UPVC doors

Not true. You can install a dog flap in a UPVC door.

You will need to make sure the flap can handle the thickness of the door and is self-framing. This helps keep your dog safe and keeps the insulation in the door from escaping.

8. Small dogs can’t open dog flaps

Not true. Dog flaps are designed to balance ease of use with weather resistance.

Most dog flaps are made of plastic or rubber and will be robust enough to keep the wind and rain out but light enough that just about any dog can use it.

9. Dog flaps make the room cold

Not true. Dog flaps are designed to keep the weather out as much as possible while giving your pet freedom.

Most dog flaps will keep all but the worst weather out and as much heat as possible in. It won’t be as efficient as an insulated door, but you shouldn’t notice that much difference.

All our dog doors here at Closer Pets come with a draught- and weather-proof fully brush sealed flap with magnetic closure to keep the heat in.

10. Dogs don’t like dog flaps

Not true. Dogs don’t care about the dog flap either way. What they care about is being able to go to the toilet when they want and having a little freedom.

As long as you introduce your dog to the flap properly and use positive reinforcement, your dog will come to appreciate the freedom the flap brings.

Those are the 10 most common myths we hear about dog flaps. Hopefully we have dispelled them enough for you to consider getting one. If you know of any more myths or have questions about dog flaps, don’t hesitate to connect with one of our team who’ll be happy to help.