How Can I Protect My Back Door From My Dog's Scratches?
Real wooden doors add value and beauty to a house and are an investment many homeowners wish to protect. Unfortunately, dog owners often find it difficult to protect their exterior doors from their dog's claws. Dogs have a way of scratching at the front or back door to be let in--it's the dog version of knocking. Unfortunately, dog claws leave scratch marks on wood, which can do permanent damage to your outer door. These tips will help you protect your wooden door and prevent it from being marred by unsightly claw marks.
Install a Kick Plate
Kick plates protect doors from being dented, scratched or marred by people's shoes and boots. Kick plates actually offer double protection because they can also protect your door from your dog's claws, if your dog is small enough. Kick plates often reach no higher than a person's shins, making this product suitable for protection from dogs only if the dog is small or medium sized.
Use a Plastic Protective Cover
Plastic protective covers (also called door shields) are designed to protect your door from your dog's claws and have several advantages over kick plates. To begin with, plastic protective covers are often clear and therefore less noticeable than metal kick plates. These covers are also removable and easy to install, leaving no permanent marks on the door. Protective covers also protect a wider area on the door and are more suitable for larger dogs.
Make your Dog Wear Rubber Claw Tips
Rubber claw tips soften the effect of claws on wood and are a good option for protecting doors. Claw tips are glued to the dog's claws. When worn, they look like fingernail polish for your dog. Rubber claw tips also protect hardwood floors, and therefore are an excellent option for homeowners who have hardwood floors as well as a hardwood door to protect.
Install a Screen Door
Screen doors seem to be less popular than they once were, and it's not uncommon now to see a home without screen doors protecting the front and back entrance to the house. Compared to wooden doors, screen doors are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. It's better to let your dog scratch at a screen door than a hardwood door, so if there's no screen door on your home, consider installing one in the location where your dog usually scratches to be let in.
For more information about protecting your hardwood door from your dog's claws, speak with a door installation professional. He or she may have good ideas regarding the most claw-resistant door material and the best ways to protect your wooden door.