Pet Gate Bottom Panel or Open Gap: Which to Choose?

What a bottom panel actually does

A bottom panel is a solid or mesh section that fills the space between the floor and the lower bars of the gate. Its job is simple: it closes the opening that a dog would otherwise use to slip under, push through with its body, or scrape at with its paws.

Without a panel, the gap at floor level can be wide enough for a determined dog to work at. A panel also keeps smaller pets and young puppies from squeezing through a space you did not expect.

Why dogs that dig need a bottom panel

Diggers test the base of any barrier. They scratch, push their nose into the gap, and gradually widen it. An open gap gives them a starting point, and once they find it, they keep returning to it.

A solid bottom panel removes that starting point. Choose a panel that sits close to the floor without leaving a visible slot, and check that it is firmly attached so it cannot be pushed out of place.

Why dogs that jump need more than a bottom panel

Jumping is about height, not the base. A dog that clears a gate will do so regardless of whether the bottom has a panel. For jumpers, the top rail and the overall height are what matter most.

• Pick a gate tall enough for your dog's jumping ability.
• Avoid horizontal bars that let a dog use them as steps.
• Consider a closed or mesh panel that gives no footholds.

Open gap: when it makes sense

An open gap is not always a problem. Some owners prefer it for airflow, for seeing through to the other side, or because a small dog or cat needs to pass under easily. An open gap at the bottom can also make the gate lighter and less costly to build into a specific opening.

If your pet is calm and does not dig or push at barriers, an open gap may be perfectly suitable. Watch how your pet behaves for a few days before deciding.

Measuring and fitting the bottom section

Good fitting matters as much as the design. Measure the opening at the top, middle and bottom, because floors are rarely perfectly level. A gap that is too large at the bottom gives a digger room to work, while a gap that is too tight can cause rubbing and trips.

Discuss floor type with your installer too. Tiles, wood and uneven outdoor ground each need a different approach to keep the panel close to the surface without catching.

Safety, standards and checking with an engineer

Pet gates should be stable, sturdy and free of sharp edges or pinch points where a paw or head could become stuck. For railings and barriers in Israel, the general reference is standard SI 1142, but exact dimensions for your specific installation should be confirmed with a qualified engineer.

Use the gate as intended, check fixings regularly, and do not rely on a barrier alone to contain a strong or highly determined dog.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bottom panel better than an open gap for all dogs?

Not for all dogs. Diggers and pushers benefit most from a bottom panel, while calm dogs may be fine with an open gap.

Will a bottom panel stop my dog from jumping over?

No. A bottom panel prevents digging and squeezing underneath, but jumping is controlled mainly by the gate's height and top design.

Can small pets fit through an open gap?

Yes, often they can. If you have puppies, kittens or small animals, a closed bottom panel is safer.

Should I check the gate height before choosing the bottom design?

Yes. Confirm height and bottom design together, since a tall gate with a gap underneath may still fail with a digging dog.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing the bottom design without first considering how your dog behaves, or leaving a large gap because the floor is uneven. Both can let a determined pet get through.

Our recommendation

Observe your dog for a few days: if it digs or pushes, choose a closed bottom panel, and if it jumps, prioritise height and a top design without footholds. Have the gate measured on site so the panel fits the real floor.

Summary

For diggers, a bottom panel is usually the right choice; for jumpers, height matters more. Match the design to how your dog actually behaves.

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