Have you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home? A puppy or even an older dog can sometimes have difficulty adjusting to a new home and its rules. When our dogs become enthusiastic or want to run outside they often resort to scratching at our doors. This can leave unsightly marks and damage to our glass, but how can we stop it?
In this article, we’ll detail all the different ways you can protect your glass from our overly excited family pets. Keep your home pristine with these useful tips and tricks.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Eltham Glass today.
Methods to Protect Glass Doors
When our dogs are scratching at our doors they are usually trying to tell us something. Depending on their experiences they
may simply want to relieve themselves. Other times it’s because they’ve spotted something exciting or want to go for a run. Regardless of what your cherished puppy is trying to say, their enthusiasm is leaving a mark on your home.
This often results in a rush to let them out or a need to discipline them, however, this can be disruptive to your home life. Likewise, some people may struggle to attend to their dog’s needs. There are several methods and tools available that you can employ to help mitigate and protect against scratching, here we’ll detail them.
Install a Dog Door
Perhaps one of the most efficient ways of protecting your glass door is to eliminate the barrier it creates. Your dog is scratching against the glass because he cannot get out, by installing a dog door he will be able to enter and exit the home with ease. This means that if he needs to exit the house for any reason, you won’t have to interrupt your daily routine and he won’t have to scratch at the glass for your attention.
Though it can be expensive, with a custom fitting, you can ensure it becomes a seamless addition to your home. However, it is recommended that any dog doors lead into enclosed spaces, such as a fenced yard, to keep your furry friend safe.
Apply a Protective Layer
If a dog door is not the right fit for you, you might want to consider applying a protective layer to your glass. This can come in a range of materials such as plastic, laminate or acrylic sheets as well as adhesive film. These can be easily applied to your glass doors and serve as an additional protective layer, preventing your dog’s scratches from penetrating the glass.
Likewise, if these protective films or plastic layers become too damaged or dirty, they are easily replaceable.
Install a Dog Gate
Much like a protective layer, a dog gate can keep your furry friend from interacting directly with the glass. These are usually barred gates that can be easily installed or removed depending on when you need them. These are an ideal solution if you have pets that visit with family rather than your own. They can keep your glass safe without impacting the look of your home cost-effectively.
Apply a Reflective Film
Similar to a protective layer, a reflective film can be easily applied to your glass doors usually adhering quickly. These are a mirror-like reflective layer that can distract and dissuade your dog from scratching at the glass from the outside. If they cannot see the interior of your home, they may not feel the need to get your attention. Though this can be a useful deterrent its effectiveness can vary.
What Should I do if my Door is Scratched?
If your dog has had the run of your home they may have already left a mark on your glass doors. Deep scratches can cause more problems than just an unsightly appearance. They can make your doors difficult to see through, blocking natural light and reducing visibility.
Likewise, if you have scratches on the outside of your door they are also at the mercy of the elements. This can worsen the impact of the scratch, affecting the integrity of your door and potentially causing cracks.
Depending on the severity of your scratches the best option to repair your glass may be to replace it. At Eltham Glass, we offer our expert glass installation services so that you can enjoy pristine glass doors that seamlessly fit your home.
Read related article: How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pet Door in Glass?
Protect Your Glass With Expert Care
Are you trying to find an effective way to protect your glass doors from your favourite pet? At Eltham Glass, we offer expert installation services to protect or replace your doors as needed. Likewise, we can supply or install your preferred dog door with our expert services. Keep your home looking fresh and pristine with our support, reach out to our team today to find your dog-scratching solution.
