For the largest breeds, such as Great Dane and Great Pyrenees, you will need a
whelping box
that is about 5 feet X 5 feet with sides that are around 18
inches high
For medium breeds, whelping boxes are typically 4 feet X 4 feet with sides approximately one
foot high
.
Can a whelping box be too big?
Many considerations go into setting up the ideal whelping box for your breed of dog. Importantly, the size should be appropriate, large enough for a dam to stretch out with some room to spare, as a box that is too large can cause her great distress.
What do you put in the bottom of a whelping box?
If you have built your own whelping box, you may have used wood or cardboard for the bottom. These materials are not easy to keep clean. As such, it is a good idea to line the bottom of your box with vinyl flooring This can be purchased at any home improvement store, and is self-adhesive.
Should you put a dog bed in a whelping box?
They will also feel more fatigued. The
best bed
for a pregnant dog is both supportive and soft so she can sleep with ease. Look for something that will give her extra room and consider placing it in the box to get her familiar with the whelping space.
How deep does a whelping box need to be?
For medium-size dog breeds, considered a whelping box that is about 28 to 34 inches long by 28 to 34 inches deep. Large dog breeds need whelping boxes that measure about 42 to 45 inches long by 34 to 40 inches deep. Extra-large breeds need boxes at least 48 to 58 inches long by 40 to 48 inches deep.
Where should a whelping box be?
Tips for setting up a safe place for your dam: Put the whelping box in a room that is isolated from other dogs Many breeders set it up in their own bedrooms for the first three weeks. A door and/or gate should be used to keep other dogs away. An ex-pen around the whelping box provides an extra layer of safety.
Where do I put my puppies after whelping box?
From day 29 to 49 puppies will venture away from the whelp box sleeping area. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area , where life is happening in the home.
Should I paint my whelping box?
Plywood or particle board can be used, however, to help keep cleaning easy, it should be painted with a latex, glossy paint so urine or fecal material isn’t absorbed by the wood Ideally all whelping boxes should have a puppy protective ledge around the inside to prevent crushing of the puppies by the mother.
Why do whelping boxes have rails?
Most boxes will include a low railing (termed rails, pig rails, or roll-bars) fixed to the inside perimeter of the box. This is to protect puppies from being crushed or smothered by the mother should she roll over during birthing or while asleep.
Should mom stay in whelping box?
Take your cues from the mother though – if she seems anxious away from her puppies, leave her with them. Whelping box if pups are under 4 weeks of age An upside down ½ of a crate will work, a large box with a small walkway cut out, a baby pool or baby gating an area off so the puppies stay close to the mother.
Should I sleep next to the whelping box?
I personally sleep next to my dam and puppies for a few nights , to ensure she does not roll on a puppy, or a puppy does not get out of the bunch and get chilled, etc…. They are VERY susceptible to cold. The whelping box should be at 85°F for the first week and 80°-82°F the second. Make sure there are NO drafts.
Do you clean puppies after birth?
After the birthing process, clean up the mother as much as possible without upsetting her using a warm water and washcloth Do not use any soaps or disinfectants unless instructed to by your veterinarian. Remove any soiled newspaper or bedding from her whelping box.
What is the best bedding for a whelping dog?
Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand.
How do you keep a puppy warm in a whelping box?
You may want to supply the whelping box with an additional heat source This will supplement the mother dog’s body heat and help keep the area warm if she must step away from the box for a short time.
heat lamps
can work for this purpose or choose a heating pad with an adjustable thermostat that’s safe for pets.
Can puppies suffocate under Mom?
Newborn puppies need constant supervision. Puppies can be easily squashed or suffocated if they become trapped under the dam You will also need to monitor the litter closely to make sure that the individual pups aren’t being rejected by the dam.
How high should a pig rail be in a whelping box?
But if you want them in then at a height of about 4 inches would be fine…
How long do you use a whelping box?
Puppies can often leave the whelping box at 3 weeks old At this age, puppies can move out of the whelping box as they become more mobile. Puppies can stand up and even climb out of the whelping box nest.
What height should a whelping box be?
You should find a quiet corner for your box. A whelping box is where a dam will give birth; it is a small area, safe for her puppies. You can buy a range of whelping boxes; cardboard, plastic or wood. They are generally around 4ft x 4ft in size with a height around 2 feet – high enough to prevent escapee puppies.
Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box?
1. Gather your supplies. Choose a plastic kiddie pool that is round rather than scalloped like a sea shell A pool that is 3′ in diameter will work well for a mini sized dog.
How close should heat lamp be to puppy?
How far should a heat lamp be from puppies? The general guideline for newborn puppies is to hang a heat lamp about five or six feet above the box The lamp should be thoroughly secured, as a fallen lamp can cause fires and could burn the puppies or mother.
Can a whelping box be too hot?
The whelping box should have a consistent temperature around 85 degrees , as puppies are not able to generate their own body heat until they are 2 ½ weeks of age. “Excessively high temperatures and high humidity can cause respiratory difficulties and dehydration in puppies.
How long do mom dogs clean up after their puppies?
Mother dogs will lick their puppies to urge them to eliminate, and clean up their poop by eating it, for about the first three weeks after birth.
When should I change my bedding after my dog gives birth?
Replace the bedding daily. During the first few weeks , the bedding in the whelping box should be removed and replaced with clean bedding. This should be done multiple times each day.
How do you keep a puppy whelping box clean?
Take disinfectant in the spray bottle and start sterilizing the entire whelping box with the help of it Now that the whelping box is disinfected keep clean towels and rugs in the whelping box again for the puppies. Place the pups safely in the whelping box back again with their mother.
Should mom sleep with her puppies?
A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. The first week of a puppy’s life is mainly about sleeping and eating so it will grow. Puppies should remain with their mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks.
What should a mother dog eat after giving birth?
- Feed a nutrient-dense diet such as puppy food.
- Without increasing the amount of food offered at a meal, increase the number of meals throughout the day.
- Free-choice feed her, offering unlimited access to dry food throughout the day.
What should a mother dog do after giving birth?
After giving birth, she must resume intake of highly palatable, good-quality food as soon as possible. The inexperienced or overattentive mother may be reluctant to leave the pups. Bring food and water to her if necessary. Some females are anorexic for a few days after whelping.
Why is there PVC pipe in a whelping box?
You are now subscribed! Most whelping boxes are designed to have a ‘pigrail’ which is a rail or pipe around the inside of the box about four inches from the floor which prevents the puppies from being crushed against the wall.
How do I get my mother dog to stop crushing her puppies?
Not all have the instinct to nose the puppies to the center of the whelping box for safety. Smothering, crushing, and laying down on the puppies can be prevented by installing railings that help prevent the dog from accidentally lying on a puppy that may have slipped behind her.
When can I remove pig rails for whelping box?
Rails, also referred to as pig rails, are used to protect the puppies should mom roll over and accidentally smother her babies. When puppies are of sufficient size and strength , rails can be removed to increase internal whelping box space.
How long do you have to watch newborn puppies?
Young puppies must be allowed to stay with their mother for at least twelve weeks to help them grow and develop before they are adopted out. Since puppies are delicate creatures in need of a lot of attention, stay in close contact with your veterinarian to ensure their good health.
Do dogs reject their puppies if you touch them?
There is a long-standing myth that touching newborn animals will cause their mothers to reject them. This is almost never true, and puppies are no exception In fact, family dogs are often very tolerant of their favorite humans touching their babies.
Why do mom dogs bury their puppies?
If she is not producing healthy milk she may bury her young expecting them not to survive This is why it is vital to visit your vet right after the delivery.
Sources
http://www.apollodane.com/blog/the-art-of-breeding-great-danes/preparing-your-bitch-and-her-litter/
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Whelping-Box-Clean
https://www.cuteness.com/blog/content/best-bedding-for-a-dog-giving-birth
https://www.amazon.com/Whelping-Box-Dogs/s?k=Whelping+Box+for+Dogs
https://www.purinaproclub.com/resources/dog-articles/todays-breeder/whelping-box-nurtures-maternal-nesting-instinct