Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world is an exciting yet demanding task, and ensuring the mother dog has a safe and comfortable space to give birth is essential. A whelping box is a specially designed enclosure that provides security, warmth, and accessibility for both the mother and her puppies. Setting up a well-equipped whelping box is crucial for a smooth birthing process and healthy early development of the newborn puppies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential items to include in your whelping box to make it as comfortable, clean, and safe as possible.
Choosing the Right Whelping Box
Before filling the whelping box with necessary supplies, you need to select the right box. Ideally, a whelping box should be:
- Spacious enough for the mother to stretch out but not so large that puppies can get lost or separated from her warmth.
- Enclosed on all sides to prevent drafts and accidental puppy escapes.
- Equipped with a pig rail (a low rail running around the inside of the box) to protect puppies from being accidentally crushed by the mother.
- Easy to clean with materials that resist moisture and bacteria build-up, such as plastic, wood with a waterproof lining, or durable PVC.
I used a paddling pool for a whelping box for my dog and puppies. It was PVC, easy to clean and spacious enough for the dam to move around yet the puppies could not roll out.
Once you have the right whelping box in place, it’s time to stock it with the necessary supplies.
Essential Items for a Whelping Box
1. Comfortable and Absorbent Bedding
Comfortable bedding provides warmth and helps absorb moisture, keeping the area dry and hygienic. Some excellent bedding options include:
- Whelping pads – These are absorbent, washable pads designed for whelping boxes.
- Newspapers – A cost-effective option that is absorbent and disposable, though it requires frequent changing.
- Vet fleece – A soft, non-slip material that stays dry and warm, even when wet.
- Disposable pee pads – You’ll need loads of these! They are useful for easy cleanup, though they may need to be layered for sufficient absorbency.
Avoid using materials like straw or loose fabric, as they can harbour bacteria or pose entanglement risks for puppies.
2. Heat Source
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature well, making an external heat source necessary. Options include:
- Heat lamps – Positioned safely above the whelping box, they provide gentle warmth without direct contact.
- Heating pads – Placed under the bedding (with temperature control) to provide steady warmth.
- Microwavable heating discs – Ideal for temporary warmth, especially if you need to move puppies.
Ensure there is a cooler section in the box so puppies can move away from the heat if needed.
3. Thermometer for Monitoring Temperature
Keeping the whelping box at an ideal temperature (around 85-90°F for the first few days, gradually decreasing to 75°F over a few weeks) is crucial. A room thermometer will help maintain proper conditions.
4. Whelping Kit for Delivery
During labour, you’ll need a fully stocked whelping kit, including:
- Sterile scissors – For cutting the umbilical cord if the mother does not do it herself.
- Hemostats or clamps – To clamp the umbilical cord before cutting.
- Iodine or antiseptic solution – For disinfecting the umbilical cord stump.
- Gloves – To maintain hygiene while assisting in delivery.
- Bulb syringe – To clear mucus from a puppy’s mouth and nose if necessary.
- Thread or dental floss – For tying off the umbilical cord if needed.
- Clean towels or washcloths – For drying off the puppies and stimulating them.
- Notepad and pen – To record each puppy’s birth time, weight, and any observations.
5. Scale for Weighing Puppies
Tracking each puppy’s weight helps ensure they are growing properly. A small digital kitchen scale with gram measurements is perfect for this.
6. Collars or Identification Bands
If the litter is large, identifying each puppy can become challenging. Soft, color-coded identification bands help keep track of each puppy’s progress.
7. Milk Replacer and Nursing Bottles (If Needed)
Sometimes, a mother may struggle to nurse all her puppies. Keeping puppy milk replacer (such as Esbilac) and small nursing bottles or syringes on hand is helpful in case supplemental feeding is needed.
8. Cleaning Supplies
A clean environment is crucial for preventing infections. Stock up on:
- Disposable gloves – For handling puppies and cleaning.
- Pet-safe disinfectant – For wiping down the whelping box.
- Paper towels and baby wipes – For quick cleanups.
- Laundry detergent – For washing bedding frequently.
9. Puppy-Proof Barriers
As puppies grow, they will start moving around more. If your whelping box doesn’t have built-in barriers, consider puppy playpens or low fencing to keep them contained while giving the mother space to move freely.
10. A Quiet and Secure Environment
While not a physical item, choosing the right location for the whelping box is key. It should be placed in a quiet, low-traffic area where the mother feels safe and undisturbed but where you can still monitor her closely.
Additional Tips for Delivery
- Monitor the mother closely before and after labour to ensure she is healthy and attentive to her puppies.
- Check puppies frequently to make sure they are nursing and gaining weight.
- Keep an emergency vet contact on hand in case complications arise.
- Replace bedding regularly to maintain a clean and odour-free environment.
- Introduce solid food gradually around 3-4 weeks of age, transitioning from milk to soft food.
A well-prepared whelping box is a crucial part of ensuring a successful birth and healthy start for a litter of puppies. By including the right materials and supplies, you provide a safe, warm, and clean space for both the mother and her pups. Taking the time to prepare in advance will make the entire process smoother, giving you peace of mind as you welcome the new arrivals into the world.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the whelping process like a pro and provide the best care for your canine family members!
