February, 2023 - Barky.com.au

February 28, 2023

5 Best Electronic Dog Doors in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog doors come in handy in many situations. Many dog owners are at work during the day while their dogs are left inside. What’s more, dog owners are often awakened to the sound of a whining dog needing to go potty, leaving them no choice but to get up and let the dog out. Considering these situations, electronic dog doors are extremely valuable. No more calling a friend or neighbor to let your dog out if you’re running late getting home, as your electronic dog door will let your dog out for you.

Electronic dog doors come in different sizes, but they all work similarly to one another. Most work by using Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID)¹ that are lightweight and attach to your dog’s collar. Intrigued? If so, keep reading, as we’ve selected five of the best electronic dog doors available based on consumer reviews. Pull up a chair, and let’s check them out.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

	Product	Details
Best Overall	High Tech Pet Products PX-1 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door	Door opens vertically rather than outward Four-way programming options Door is quiet and smooth	Check Price
Best Value	PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor	Program up to 5 keys Door flap is insulated with UV protection Flap automatically locks back into place	Check Price
Premium Choice	PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door	Requires no batteries Hardwired or plugged in Stainless steel deadbolt	Check Price
	SureFlap Microchip Small Dog Door	Program up to 32 pets in the system Perfect for small dogs or large cats Curfew mode	Check Price
	Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door PX-2	Wind and weatherproof Quiet operation Control panel is easy to operate	Check Price

The 5 Best Electronic Dog Doors

1. High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door – Best Overall

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Dimensions:	15 X 6 X 36 inches
Tech features:	Microchip/RFID
Batteries Required?	Yes

The High Tech Pet Products PX-1 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door automatically opens upward rather than outward, meaning your dog doesn’t have to push it open to enter or exit the home. It features an automatic deadbolt locking feature to keep the home safe from intruders and stray animals, and the door only opens when your pet is approaching. Made from bulletproof resin, the door is airtight, weatherproof, and windproof and cannot be kicked in for extra security.

This dog door comes with a pet transmitter MS-4 collar with a sensor, which will open when your dog approaches. The door quietly and quickly opens, and you can adjust your pet’s level of accessibility by way of a four-way control. Your options are in-only, out-only, full-access, or closed and locked options. This door is compatible with plug-in power or battery powered, and it comes with an AC adaptor and all required hardware to install and assemble. You can also add more collars if needed.

The door may break down after 1 year, and the company will send you replacement parts rather than a new door.

This door is suitable for dogs up to 30 pounds, but the PX-2 is available for medium to large dogs. For the price point, level of security, and sensor capabilities, this door is our pick for the best overall electronic dog door.

Pros

Door opens vertically rather than outward
Four-way programming options
Door is quiet and smooth
Battery-powered or AC adapter
Sensor MS-4 collar included

Cons

May only last 1 year
Company only sends replacement parts

2. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor – Best Value

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Dimensions:	27 X 16.1 X 23.6 inches
Tech features:	SmartKey, RFID, programmable
Batteries Required?	Yes

The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor comes in a small or large size to accommodate any size dog breed. This dog door works by a Smartkey attached to your dog’s collar that triggers the battery-powered driven flap to unlock. When the Smartkey is no longer picked up, the flap automatically locks back into place.

You can program up to five Smartkeys with a touch of a button, and it operates in two modes: fully locked or unlocked. While in locked mode, no pet can enter or exit. While in unlocked mode, entry and exit are available for all pets. This dog door fits doors 1.5 to 2 inches thick, and the flap is insulated with UV sun protection.

The flap is made of plastic and may not hold up well, and it requires 4-D batteries. However, this dog door is a more affordable option, making it the best electronic dog door for the money.

Pros

Program up to 5 keys
Door flap is insulated with UV protection
Flap automatically locks back into place
Can choose lock or unlock mode

Cons

Require 4-D batteries
Flap may not hold up well

3. PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door – Premium Choice

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Dimensions:	60 X 20 X 10 inches
Tech features:	RFID, programmable
Batteries Required?	No

Dimensions:
Tech features:
Batteries required?:

For a premium choice, the PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door acts as a mini-garage door for your pet. This product features a waterproof collar key that is lightweight for your pet and requires no batteries to operate. The collar key works by using a sensor that automatically opens and closes the door. You can also change and set the code with one-touch programming. The vertical door can be programmed to control how long the door remains open after your pet has entered or exited. While not in use, the door stays locked with a stainless-steel deadbolt, and the large door is suitable for dogs up to 125 pounds.

This state-of-the-art dog door can be hardwired into your existing electrical system or plugged in. You can purchase additional collar keys through the manufacturer for multiple pets, and the kit comes with two collar keys. Another nice feature is the door will automatically stop if it’s obstructed, and you can place it on a wall or a door.

This electronic dog door is expensive, but it is not unsightly like some dog doors. It also may be a little more involved in installing.

Pros

Requires no batteries
Hardwired or plugged in
Stainless steel deadbolt
Comes with 2 collar keys
Door will stop if obstructed

Cons

Expensive
May be hard to install

4. SureFlap Microchip Small Dog Door

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Dimensions:	6 X 8.15 X 9.25 inches
Tech features:	Microchip, RFID
Batteries Required?	Yes

For dog owners with small dogs, the SureFlap Microchip Small Dog Door might be what you need. This door is compatible with a microchip or a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) collar tag for pets without a microchip. It uses your pet’s unique microchip to read only your pet’s collar, which keeps stray animals out.

You can program up to 32 different pets, and it’s perfect for small dogs and large cats. You can set a curfew mode, which automatically locks and unlocks at a specific time, and you can install it on a door, window, or wall.

It does require four C batteries but has an indicator to let you know when to replace the batteries so the door doesn’t lose its function. This dog door comes with a three-year warranty, and it comes with all parts and hardware you need to install. The sensitivity of the door may be too long for some and could take 2 to 3 seconds to unlock.

Pros

Program up to 32 pets in the system
Perfect for small dogs or large cats
Curfew mode
3-year warranty
Compatible with microchip or RFID collar

Cons

May take too long to unlock
Requires four C batteries

5. Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door PX-2

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Dimensions:	12 ¼ X 16 inches (panel size)
Tech features:	Automatic deadbolt lock, MS-4 ultrasonic collar
Batteries Required?	Optional

The Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door PX-2 uses a motor-driven vertical door activated by an MS-4 ultrasonic collar. The door doesn’t open until your pet is in the direct path of the door and not while near the door on the sides to keep unwanted pests or strays at bay. This door can accommodate pets up to 100 pounds, and it’s wind and weatherproof. You’ll have four-way access control to in-only, out-only, full access, or closed and locked.

The door operation is quiet and locks with a secure deadbolt for added safety. The control panel allows you to customize the collar’s range control, and it comes with an AC adaptor, or you can purchase an optional rechargeable battery separately. It’s also easy to install on a door or wall and comes in a medium or large size.

After some time, the door may malfunction and need costly repairs, which is disappointing considering the price.

Pros

Wind and weatherproof
Quiet operation
Control panel is easy to operate
Four-way access control

Cons

May malfunction with costly repairs needed
Expensive

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Electronic Dog Door

Hold on to your hats because we’re not done yet. At first, trying to choose the right electronic dog door for your needs may seem overwhelming. Still, to ease the process, we’ve included a buyer’s guide to help you understand what to look for before committing, especially considering the installation process, price, and your specific needs.

Size

Knowing what size you need is an important factor. Your dog should be able to come and go through the door without any trouble or, worse, without getting stuck. You’ll need to measure your dog from the ground to the top of his shoulders and then add 2 to 3 inches (your dog’s shoulders should not touch the sides of the dog door).

If you have more than one dog, measure your largest dog and go by that measurement. It’s OK if your dog has to crouch a tiny bit or lower his head a bit to get through, but you don’t want your dog crouching to where the stomach hits the frame.

Sensor System

Most electronic dog doors work by some sort of sensor system that is programmed to your dog’s microchip or ultrasonic collar (these collars are included with your dog door). It’s best to find one that sensors a directional path, meaning the door only opens when your dog walks toward the door rather than near it. Otherwise, the door can open and close when not needed.

It’s also wise to look for a dog door that automatically stops if there is an obstruction to keep your dog from getting injured.

High Tech Pet Products PX-2 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door — Image Credit: Chewy

Security

A quality feature of electronic doors is that most have a security feature complete with a deadbolt lock while not in use. This feature keeps intruders and stray animals away, and the door will only open for your dog or other dogs the system is programmed to. Ensure the door is durable with quality material and not something that someone can break easily.

Compatibility

Some systems allow you to program the door to your dog’s microchip, and some work with Smartkey collars or Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) that go onto your dog’s collar. These collars are needed if your dog has no microchip.

Installation

Installation can be tricky, but they all come with instructions. Something to remember here is you’ll need to cut into your wall or door for installation, which makes choosing the correct size very important. You can also opt for a wall tunnel that allows you to install the dog door on an exterior wall. If you’re not sure you’re comfortable installing the dog door yourself, enlist a friend or someone with the knowledge of how to do it correctly.

Seals

You’ll want a dog door with an airtight seal to keep inclement weather outside where it belongs. You certainly don’t want a draft through the door, which can drive up your energy costs.

brown pet door flap — Image Credit: loocmill, Shutterstock

Vertical or Swing Door

You can choose a dog door that opens vertically or swings open with a flap. If you opt for a vertical door, ensure the mechanism that opens the door is quiet. Vertical doors are easier for your dog because they don’t need to push the flap open. Vertical doors are also an excellent option for senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues. However, flaps work just fine too.

Programming Options

Some electronic dog doors have the option to program and customize for in-only, out-only, full access, or closed and locked. This allows you to determine when your dog can have access to the door and when he can’t.

For example, the in-only feature only allows your dog to come inside but not go back outside. The out-only allows your dog to go out but not back in. This is a good option if you have visitors and don’t want your dog around at the time. However, you can choose full access or closed and locked, which is an excellent feature at nighttime when you don’t want your dog outside.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews of the best electronic dog doors help you in making the best decision possible for your needs. For the best overall electronic dog door, the High Tech Pet Products PX-1 Power Pet Fully Automatic Pet Door has an airtight seal, vertical door, and deadbolt for the best overall. For the best value, the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor has an insulated flap that seals when closing, the capability to program up to five collars, and is reasonably priced.

Featured Image Credit: Inked Pixels, Shutterstock

The post 5 Best Electronic Dog Doors in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on Pet Keen.

February 28, 2023

Why Am I Allergic to Some Cats and Not Others? (Vet Answer)

Do your eyes itch and your nose run every time you come into contact with a cat or a person who owns cats? If so, you are probably allergic to cats. But it is not the mere presence of the cat that causes your allergy nor is it their hair, but rather the proteins found in the cat’s dander, urine, and saliva. That said, cat hair floats in the air, making it the primary means of transport for those proteins. Allergen-carrying cat hair will end up in the environment on the objects that you come in contact with.

Hypoallergenic cats do not exist—they are a myth! All cats can produce allergies in humans, but some pets produce more allergens than others.¹ This is why some individuals develop an allergic reaction to certain cats and not all of them.

In cats, the dominating allergenic protein is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin and the salivary glands.

Why Am I Allergic to Some Cats and Not Others?

An allergen is a harmless substance that the immune system sees as an enemy, triggering an allergic reaction. There are 10 known cat allergens that cause allergies in humans. The most commonly encountered is the protein secretoglobin Fel d 1. It’s omnipresent in the United States (even in households that do not own cats)² and is produced by the cat’s anal, salivary glands, and sebaceous glands. Intact or unneutered males produce more allergens than neutered cats.

All 10 proteins accumulate on your cat’s fur when they groom themselves. These remain on their fur and are released into the environment as your cat sheds hair and dander. Allergic people who come into contact with them will have a reaction.

Therefore, regardless of the cat breed or coat length, these pets have the potential to trigger an allergy.

woman sneezing into tissue because of allergy to cats — Image Credit: Kmpzzz, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of a Cat Allergy?

Cats love to be clean! They groom themselves all day and thus fill their fur with allergens. Hair and dander are lightweight and end up in the environment on various objects that the cat comes into contact with. Allergens are also persistent—they have even been discovered in houses where no cat has lived for several years.

If you are allergic to cats, the allergens that reach the lungs combine with the antibodies that your immune system produces and cause the following clinical signs and symptoms:

Sneezing fits
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Difficulty breathing
Asthma
Itchiness around the eyes
Red and watery eyes
Rash
Scratching
Excessive tearing
Cough
Neurodermatitis
Hives
Flatulence
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Migraines

Signs and symptoms usually appear shortly after coming into contact with the respective allergen. Other important signs of cat allergy are fatigue (especially manifested in the case of untreated allergies) and continuous coughing. Symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, or vomiting are usually related to other health conditions rather than allergies.

The 7 Cats That Produce Less Allergens

Although there are no hypoallergenic cats, certain breeds produce fewer allergenic proteins than others. Here are seven cat breeds that are considered hypoallergenic.

1. Sphynx

sphynx cat relaxing on sofa at home — Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

This breed is known for being mostly hairless, so the allergenic proteins in their saliva cannot be trapped in their non-existent fur. That said, they will still groom themselves and get saliva on their skin.

2. Cornish Rex

Cats’ hair is usually arranged in three layers: the outer coat, the middle layer, and the undercoat. The Cornish Rex cat only has an undercoat, which means they have much less hair than other cats, so the risk of causing an allergic reaction is lower.

3. Devon Rex

devon rex kitten — Image Credit Veera, Shutterstock

This cat breed has the same type of fur as the Cornish Rex. The difference between these breeds is that Devon Rex cats have even less hair and do not shed much.

4. Oriental

Black and White Oriental Bicolor — Image Credit: Jenni Ferreira, Shutterstock

Oriental cats have short, fine fur and shed very little. For best results, bathe your Oriental cat regularly to help remove loose hair and thus reduce the amount that they shed around the house.

5. Russian Blue

Although they have a rich coat, Russian Blue cats produce less Fel d1 protein. So, if you are thinking of getting a cat but are allergic, this may be a suitable breed for you!

6. Balinese

balinese cat in the garden — Image Credit: Fazlyeva Kamilla, Shutterstock

As with the Russian Blue cat, the Balinese cat produces less Fel d1 protein than most other cats.

7. Siberian

Person brushing a siberian cat lying on floor — Image Credit: Massimo Cattaneo, Shutterstock

If you want a cat with rich and long fur that will not cause you to have so many allergic reactions, choose the Siberian cat because it produces less Fel d1.

How to Reduce a Cat’s Allergen Levels

Here are a few tips and tricks to help reduce your cat’s allergen levels:

Bathe your cat twice a week with cat-safe shampoo, and make sure you rinse them well. Studies show that the accumulation of Fel d1 restores to its basal value within 2 days. Fel d1 levels are higher in the face area, so give it extra attention when you bathe your cat.
Sterilize your cat.
Wash your hands every time you touch your cat.
Avoid touching your face.
Vacuum and wash the floors as often as possible.
Change bedding often.
Use antistatic sprays to prevent dust from spreading.
Replace your carpet because it attracts and hosts many allergens.
Avoid heavy curtains because they attract dust.
If you have a yard, create outdoor enclosures for your cat and encourage them to spend more time outside.
Keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area.
Use dust-free litter.
Consult the doctor for an effective anti-allergic treatment.

Conclusion

A significant percentage of the population suffers from cat allergies, and it is common for allergic cat owners to have to give up their dear friends because of this. All cats, regardless of breed, can cause allergies. The primary cause of allergic reactions is the proteins found in the sebaceous glands of cats’ skin. There are 10 allergenic proteins in cats, but Fel d1 is the most common one that produces allergies in humans.

Cat hair and dander are the elements that lead to allergic reactions. The hair itself is only a vector for the allergenic proteins found in dander, saliva, and urine. Intact males are also considered more allergenic than neutered cats.

To reduce the allergens around you, bathe your cat regularly, vacuum the floors often, change the bedding frequently, and neuter your cat.

Featured Image Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

The post Why Am I Allergic to Some Cats and Not Others? (Vet Answer) appeared first on Pet Keen.

February 28, 2023

Do Hamsters Know When Another Hamster Dies? What Science Says

Hamsters are typically solitary animals, but they can occasionally be housed together if you have the right species and a proper introductory period. If you have more than one hamster living together, you might be curious about what will happen when one of them dies. Will your living hamster(s) mourn for their lost companions?

Hamsters can definitely miss their cage mates when they pass away, but they will not grieve in the same way sociable animals like guinea pigs would. Keep reading to learn more about housing hamsters in pairs and the grieving process they may go through when their cage mate passes away.

Do Hamsters Know When Another Hamster Dies?

Though many people don’t think of hamsters as friendly and affectionate pets, they certainly can be. If you keep hamsters together in a cage, one will definitely notice a change in their environment when another hamster passes away. It’s important to remember that most animals have no concept of death, so your pet won’t understand that its partner has died but will think that it’s gone somewhere else for the time being.

Your pet may become stressed or unhappy as it adapts to life without its cage mate. But remember, it has spent time adjusting to life with this other hamster, so it can hit them pretty hard when that other creature isn’t there anymore.

hamster bedding1_ Martin Javorek_Pixabay — Image Credit: Martin Javorek, Pixabay

Can Loneliness Kill a Hamster?

You’re probably wondering if your living hamster will succumb to loneliness after losing its cage mate. This is highly unlikely. Hamsters are pretty solitary creatures in nature, and most prefer living alone, so while your living hamster may undergo an adjustment period after the death of its cage mate, it is not likely to pass away due to loneliness.

To help ease the transitionary period, we recommend spoiling your hamster. Buy it new toys and spend extra time playing with it. Watch for signs of lethargy and make sure it’s eating enough.

small hamster on the floor — Image Credit: TETU222, Shutterstock

Should I Get My Remaining Hamster a New Cage Mate?

If your living hamster shows signs of sadness and loneliness after its cage mate passes away, you might think getting another hamster is the answer. This is not a good idea. The delicate equilibrium that existed in the environment your hamsters shared will be upset by the loss of one pet. Putting a new hamster into the cage will only cause problems.

Do Hamsters Need to Be Kept in Pairs?

No, hamsters don’t need to be housed with other hamsters. They aren’t like guinea pigs, which must be kept in pairs. In fact, certain species shouldn’t be housed together at all. For example, Syrian and Chinese hamsters aren’t naturally sociable species and do better when they’re kept alone. In addition, housing two incompatible species together can lead to territorial behaviors and fights. Hamsters can even get aggressive enough to kill one another.

That said, some types, like dwarf hamsters, can be housed together safely, provided they’re introduced to one another at a young age.

Final Thoughts

Bonded hamsters are a rare occurrence but not entirely unheard of. If you’re lucky enough to have two hamsters that can be housed together, you may notice some behavioral changes in your living pet when its cage mate passes away. Your remaining hamster will adjust to the changes in its environment, but it may take some time. While it might sound like a good idea to buy another hamster to keep your living pet company, this is not recommended as it can cause fights and territorial behavior.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Werner Sigg, Shutterstock

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