Winter is not a joke and if you thought that selecting a dog door for the season would be easy, you would be terribly wrong.
It’s not about picking the thickest product you can find because that will not offer the protection you are looking for.
That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to bring you this guide on how to choose the best cold weather dog door.
Contents
Top-Rated Winter Dog Door: Quick Comparison List
We have some highly detailed reviews lined up for you. But before that, here’s a brief list for your perusal.
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The Best Cold Weather Dog Door – Reviewed
1. PetSafe New Wall Entry for Cats and Dogs
Our top pick is the Petsafe New Wall Entry for Cats and Dogs. This pet door might be a great choice for pet owners who want a cheap yet high-quality door for their pets. To know more about this door, check out the review below.
Product Description
This unit is ideal for both exterior and interior walls. It is constructed with an aluminum frame, which makes it quite sturdy and durable. More importantly, this dog door is quite easy to install since it comes with step-by-step instructions.
The Ideal Pet Products Modular Aluminum Pet Patio Door can be installed in many types of walls, including stucco, siding, shingles, and brick.
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Other Features and Benefits
The two vinyl flaps offer insulation. In terms of security, this unit features a slide-in locking panel, which completely closes the access when necessary. Then there is the telescoping tunnel that makes it easy to fit the door in walls of different thicknesses.
Pros
- Looks great
- Durable construction
- Ideal for most walls
- Comes with extension kits
Cons
- Not quite easy to install
2. Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Telescoping Frame Pet Door
Next up is the Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Telescoping Frame Pet Door. This option is ideal for keeping your pooch safe and comfortable. Let’s do a brief review to give you a better understanding of the door.
Product Description
For starters, this unit uses a telescoping frame, which makes it easy to install. In addition, it makes it easy for you to adjust the telescoping frame to the most comfortable height. Another great feature is that the door is built with aluminum, which makes it more durable than plastic options.
It also makes it sturdy enough to withstand regular use. More importantly, the product comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
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Other Features and Benefits
The pet door features a slide-in locking design. Though the slide-in cover is made of plastic, it is strong and safe enough, even for the most aggressive dogs. Also featured are a clear polyvinyl flap and a magnetic strip located at the bottom for limiting airflow.
One downside about this Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Telescoping Frame Pet Door is that the flap might not offer protection against frigid weather and moisture. So, you might be required to cover the door frame with caulk to prevent moisture from getting in.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Lifetime warranty
- Durable aluminum frame
Cons
- Not ideal for extreme weather
3. BarksBar Plastic Original Dog Door
Another great option is the BarksBar Plastic Original Dog Door. This product is specially designed for large and energetic pooches that weigh up to 100 pounds. To know more about this dog door, check out the review below.
Product Description
The pet door is constructed with aluminum, which makes it durable and sturdy enough for regular use. The good thing is though well-built it comes at an affordable price. On top of that, this pet door features an impact-resistant and thermoplastic frame that help to deter your pup from chewing or biting on it.
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Other Features and Benefits
The telescoping frame features a flexible, sturdy vinyl flap that is able to withstand the regular pressure of your pet coming and going. Besides that, the flap is fitted with a magnetic strip, which makes it easy to open and close.
In addition, it is well built to withstand extreme temperatures. The door has a self-locking slide that helps you to restrict your pup’s access. More importantly, installing the BarksBar Plastic Original Dog Door is pretty easy.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Long-lasting durable
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Plastic slide-in locking panel
Also Read: 12 Best Blanket for Dog Hair : A Guide of Buyers
4. Petsafe Freedom Patio Panel Aluminum Glass Pet Door
The Petsafe Freedom Patio Panel Aluminum Glass Pet Door might be a great option for renters as you can uninstall the panel easily and then return the doorframe to the initial state. This brief review will give you a better understanding of the pet door.
Product Description
This sliding glass dog door is available in three different colors, which makes it easier for you to find the color the matches your home décor. It features a telescoping frame, which helps you to adjust it to the most preferred height.
Your pooch can comfortably move in and out of this door. While it has sturdy aluminum construction, it is super lightweight, so it will not cause issues when moving out. You can easily install this glass door because it is easily adjustable and removable.
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Other Features and Benefits
Petsafe Freedom Patio Panel Aluminum Glass Pet Door has a tinted vinyl flap for protecting your home’s interior from weather damage. Further, it features an ultra -seal flexible energy-conserving flap system that helps to keep cold and heat outdoors.
The seal keeps heat inside whenever you open the door. The pet door is made from aluminum, which makes it durable and withstand harsh weather conditions. Another great thing is that it is rust-resistance, so you can use the pet door for a long time.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Comes in multiple colors and sizes
- Energy saving
- High-quality construction
Cons
- No proper insulation
5. PERFECT PET Energy Efficient All-Weather Dog Door
If you are looking for a dog door that will offer your adventurous canine freedom, consider checking out the PERFECT PET Energy Efficient All-Weather Dog Door. Let’s look at some of the pet door’s features and benefits.
Product Description
Installing this door is quite easy and secure, all thanks to molded foam plastic construction. Though some might be skeptical because of the plastic construction, it is quite sturdy but lightweight, so this pet door will last for a long time.
Your canine can run through this door as many times as he wants in a day without it breaking. Because it is lightweight, it is super easy to operate.
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Other Features and Benefits
This option uses double vinyl flaps, which create air pockets that protect the interior from harsh weather climates. It comes at a very affordable price, which makes an economical option for harsh weather pet doors.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Adjustable frame telescopes
- Weatherproof construction
- Ideal for most pets
Cons
- Cannot be operated from outside
6. Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Designer Pet Door
Moving on, we have the Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Designer Pet Door. This pet door is specially designed for those who want to save energy in extreme climates efficiently. To know more about the dog door read on!
Product Description
You can either install the door in your home’s wall with an installation kit, or you can install it into your existing door. The good thing is that it is available in multiple sizes, so finding the right match for your furry friend should be easy.
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It uses a telescoping frame that makes it easy to adjust the pet door to fit the preferred space. This also makes it easy for your pooch to get in and out of the door.
Other Features and Benefits
To begin with, the Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Designer Pet Door comes with a limited lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind. That said, most customers reported that the dual vinyl flaps tend to get warped by water or damaged, which prevents the magnetic strip from closing when it’s too windy.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Can be installed on exterior walls or doors
- Adjustable telescoping frame
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Cheap vinyl flaps
7. Apulus Super strong Magnetic Screen Dog Door
Most people don’t find Insect repellants to be very pleasant, and this is where we introduce to you the Apulus Super strong Magnetic Screen Dog Door. This door is quite effective in keeping flies and insects away.
Product Description
The door features a mesh screen that helps you to stay in a bug-free environment. Fresh air easily flows in without worrying about flies or even mosquitos. Besides that, you can save money and live in a healthier environment by eliminating the use of dangerous insect repellents.
This door stays in place during summer, and it’s portable, washable, and removable so you can take it down easily during winter. The curtain has a discrete design that makes it ideal for any environment. It comes in two different sizes.
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Other Featured and Benefits
The door features magnetic pieces that help the curtains to close together like magic automatically. In addition, it is quite durable, windproof, and does not allow any insect to pass through.
The hand-free magnetic door is quite versatile as it can be used for campers, single doors, or even sliding doors. No need to make a pet door on this curtain because your pet can easily pass through this door . Installing the Apulus Super strong Magnetic Screen Dog Door is pretty easy because you don’t need a screw or any other tool.
Pros
- Easy to use
- High-quality
- Durable construction
- Keeps insects out
- Windproof and pet-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable for metal doors
8. Petsafe Aluminum Freedom Cat and Dog Door
The Petsafe Aluminum Freedom Cat and Dog Door is designed for pooches that like their freedom and enjoy moving around. Let’s do a brief review to give you a better understanding of this cat and dog door from Petsafe.
Product Description
You can easily install this pet door because it comes with installation instructions. You can install it yourself into your existing door though you need to use a few tools such as a measuring tape, a droll, and a jigsaw.
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Besides that, it is ideal for both dogs and cats. It comes with a tinted, magnetically sealed vinyl for protecting the interior from harsh weather damage. The slide-in panel prevents your pooch from accessing outdoors and also keeps stray dogs away.
Other Features and Benefits
The pet door has a sliding cover that helps to keep the opening closed whenever you want to restrict your pup’s access or when you are away. The sliding cover is more durable compared to Snap-on covers provided in a plastic door.
This product is available in four different sizes; therefore, you need to measure your fluffy friend to purchase the right fit. The door is built from solid aluminum that can handle active and strong pets. It is also strong enough to withstand wear and tear.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Secure slide-in door cover
- Customizable door frame
- Ideal for cats and dogs
Cons
- Not suitable for harsh weather
9. High Tech Pet Electronic door for pets
The other item to earn a spot on this list is the High Tech Pet Electronic door for pets. The unique feature about this door is that it is electronic. We’ve done a brief review to give you a better understating of this electronic pet door.
Product Description
Unlike the RFID-activated door systems, this door is ultra-sonic activated. The automatic ultrasonic system is completely directional; therefore, it does not get activated when your fluffy friend is in a direct path of the system’s signal.
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This feature is quite unique and extremely important as it helps to prevent inadvertent power activation if your canine is near the electronic door.
Other Features and Benefits
To start with, the High Tech Pet Electronic door for pets comes with four access control which allows you to decide how this pet door will behave at a given situation or time. Also worth noting is that this door features an airtight seal that makes it water and weatherproof.
Then there is the deadbolt locking that offers it a higher security level than most regular pet doors on the market. Overall, this is a great choice for those looking for a completely automated system for their pet
Pros
- Simple installation
- Waterproof smart key
- Offers convenience
- 4 access controls
Cons
- Expensive changing batteries
10. Ideal Pet Products Modular Aluminum Pet Patio Door
The Ideal Pet Products Modular Aluminum Pet Patio Door might be a fantastic option for dog owners who want to allow their pets to get in and out easily without engaging in a complex construction project when installing the door.
Product Description
This aluminum door is designed to fit into existing sliding doors. It has an adjustable height, which makes it super easy to operate. The panel can accommodate pets weighing up to 90 pounds. Another notable feature is that the panel is easily removable, which makes it easy to access the flap.
Other Features and Benefits
Ideal Pet Products Modular Aluminum Pet Patio Door is constructed with aluminum, which makes it sturdy enough to withstand regular getting and out.
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On top of that, it is rust-resistant, so it will last for a long time with proper maintenance. The pet door comes with four different flap sizes, which make it ideal for pups of all sizes. Installing this unit is pretty easy, as it does not require you to use any tool. Moreover, the locking mechanism helps to keep the door secure.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Removable panel
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Not ideal for vinyl sliding door tracks
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11. Perfect Pet Energy Efficient The all-weather Pet Door
The Perfect Pet Energy Efficient The all-weather Pet Door is another great option. It is available in multiple sizes, so finding the right fit for your furry buddy is quite easy. This brief review will give a better understanding of the dog door.
Product Description
The dual vinyl flaps make the door sturdier and also creates air pockets for insulation. Just like its name implies, this pet door is ideal for all-weather conditions because of the air pockets in the two-door flaps. It also helps to lower energy costs significantly.
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Other Features and Benefits
It is available in multiple sizes, so finding the right size for your doggy should be pretty easy. Then there is the frame telescope that is quite easy to adjust, making it easy four pet to fit through this dog door.
What’s more, it is well-insulated and keeps away moisture and rainwater, all thanks to the double magnetic flaps.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Easy to install
- High-quality dog door
Cons
- Some dogs are scared of multiple flaps
12. Endura Flap Wall Mount Double Flap Door
Last but not least, we have the Endura Flap Wall Mount Double Flap Door. This pet is specially designed for extreme temperatures since it guarantees energy protection against harsh conditions of up to 40-degree temperatures.
Product Description
This heavy-duty pet door uses two clear and durable flaps that do not get stiff even in freezing temperatures. On top of that, the flaps are UV-proof and lack vinyl, which is prone to warp, discolor, and tear.
Other Features and Benefits
The Endura Flap Wall Mount Double Flap Door features magnets on three-sided, which ensure the door stays sealed on windy and cold days. Besides that, this dual flap prevents energy loss during extremely hot conditions.
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It has two horizontal barriers that offer additional insulation hence standing against the strongest winds. This USA made pet door comes with a 15-year warranty. However, this door installation is super lengthy and handles so you might need the help of a professional.
Pros
- 15-year warranty
- UV-proof flap
- Ideal for extreme weather conditions
- Resist strong winds
Cons
- Very expensive
Buying Guide for Cold Weather Dog Doors
There are several important considerations you need to make before investing in a dog door for cold weather.
Type of Door
When it comes to dog doors, there are different types and you need to pick one that fits your needs or rather those of your dog’s.
You may want to get a conventional flap door if you want to install it on a door that opens up to the garage.
Electronic or magnetic doors are a great option for cold weather since they prevent cold from penetrating your space.
Size of Door
It is important to get your dog’s dimensions before purchasing a door for them. The smaller your pooch, the smaller the door should be, and vice versa.
If you have more than one dog, you want to pick a door that will fit your largest dog.
Door Insulation
Since you are looking for a dog door for cold weather, you want to get one with insulation. The last thing you want is for the cold to get into your house.
Pick a door that has an automatic lock to keep the cold outside. This way, you do not have to get up to close the door each time your pooch gets in or goes out.
Door Design
It is important to consider the design of your dog door because it has to fit into the one you plan to install it on.
You want to find a model that matches the design and features of your home. As much as you want a fancy and stylish dog door, you want to ensure that you do not sacrifice functionality for style.
FAQ about Cold Weather Doors
Perhaps you have a question or two about cold weather doors and we can definitely answer them. Below are some that we have addressed.
How big should a dog door be?
It largely depends on the size of your pooch. You need to measure your dog and use the dimensions against a sizing chart to pick the right size.
Once you get the right size, you want to add several inches to it to cater for any extra weight that your pooch may add along the way.
How high should I install my dog door?
The door should be positioned high enough such that your pooch can pass through without hitting their back. Other factors like size, age, and breed of your dog also come into play when deciding how high your dog door should be installed.
Best Choice
In our view, the Petsafe New Wall Entry for Cats and Dogs takes the top honors as far as quality is concerned. It’s easy to install and capable of keeping the dog’s house warm and cozy. So, if you’re on the quest for the best cold weather dog door, you now have an idea what to settle for.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, it is important to install a dog door especially during winter because you do not want cold seeping into your space.
This guide should help you make the right choice so go ahead and do it.
Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)
Great Tips! When I got my windows and doors installed I just directly hired the services of Trust Build Windows and Doors because I was worried about the cold. The windows and doors they installed were great!