Dog Whelping Box Sizes
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.
What size whelping box does my dog need?
An ideal whelping box should be the length of your female dog plus an extra foot (at least) in one direction That is if your female is 50 inches in length from nose to rear, then the box should be around 62 inches in one direction (for example, width of the box).
What can you use instead of a whelping box?
To make a whelping box out of a kiddie pool, find a pool size where your dog can lay out comfortably with some extra room for the puppies. You can line it with a round whelping pad, old towels, newspaper or even covers made specifically for kiddie pools used for whelping.
Where is the best place to put a whelping box?
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.
How big should a whelping box be for a German shepherd?
German shepherds require a large whelping box measuring at least 48 inches on each side Such a box can be easily constructed using sheets of plywood from a home supply store. Use a circular saw to cut a full-size sheet of plywood (48 inches by 96 inches) into four sections.
What do I put on the floor of my 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.
Is a whelping box necessary?
As the last week of pregnancy approaches, your female dog will often begin looking for a secure and
comfortable place
to have her litter of puppies. Before this time comes, it is essential to create a whelping box so she becomes comfortable with it and knows this is the preferred place to have her 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.
Should a whelping box have a floor?
Floor – Whether you want or need a floor in your box will depend on the floor surface where you are whelping the litter I whelped my litters in my basement, and while these were clean, dry cement floors in newer homes, the floors were also cold to the touch depending on the season.
How big should a whelping box be for a Rottweiler?
The whelping area is about 4′ x 4′ and there is an attached potty room that is about 2′ x 4′. The
pig rail
is PVC piping with a 4″ diameter and has a 4″ space under it. The potty wall can be removed once the puppies are large enough to require the extra space. The entry door can slide into place in 3 height increments.
Is a swimming pool a good whelping box?
I personally like to use a plastic baby pool to whelp our medium breed puppies because their easy to move around, clean and the plastic material moves with my Dams which seems to help because we’ve never had any issues with Mom laying on her puppies and smothering them.
Can I use a playpen for a whelping box?
Our Plastic Whelping Box with a Puppy Playpen is a versatile product which has been designed alongside some of the UK’s top dog breeders enabling dogs to have a safe and comfortable environment during and after birth. The added Puppy Playpen lets the new puppies a safe place to integrate and grow and play.
How long after a dog gives birth can you touch the puppies?
Once the puppies are about three weeks old , they will begin to move around on their own. This is when you can begin to pet them and interact with them more. You should only touch or pick up a
newborn puppy
if you observe that it is sick, if the mother abandons it, or in the case of orphaned puppies.
Why do whelping boxes need 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 This is considered especially important with larger dog breeds.
How long do puppies stay in whelping box?
Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away.
How do you keep a 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.
How big should a whelping box be for a cockapoo?
Bought the 90cm x 90cm box for our cockapoo who had 7 pups. Mum was happy in the box and plenty of room for pups as they grew. 5.0 out of 5 stars Decent little box. Perfect for whelping the pups.
Should newborn puppies be kept in the dark?
This should be a place where they will be able to remain out of trouble but where you will also be able to check in on them often. A dark space or enclosed box are a good idea to provide as well, as this will comfort the mother and prevent her from taking her puppies to a place where she feels safer.
How do I prepare my dog for whelping?
- Lots of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup and garbage bags.
- Non-skid bath mats for bedding after whelping is done.
- Dry, clean towels to clean the puppies.
- Paper towels to help with clean up.
- Thermometer to check your dog’s temperature before whelping.
Should you put blankets in a whelping box?
Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand You should consider all options and select materials that match needs at specific times during your puppy-rearing experience.
How often should you change bedding in whelping box?
At 2.5 weeks, open the whelping box and add an area two times the size and cover with newspaper…. Change the bedding in the box several times per day , but do not change the paper often (keep it smelling like a toilet and keep the bed smelling like a fresh bed…).
How do you introduce a whelping box?
Lead your dog to the whelping box often If she doesn’t take to it immediately, then take her to the box multiple times each day. Show her the box and help try to get her in the box. If your dog is small enough, you can physically place her in the box so she starts to smell her scent on it.
How big should a whelping box be for a lab?
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.
How can I make my whelping box more comfortable?
Help her like the nest by letting her eat and rest in it. Keep her comfortable by adding a replaceable form of bedding such as towels, newspapers, or blankets Try adding heating pads in between the sheets to keep her warm. If the heating pad isn’t available, install a heat lamp right above the nest.
Can I put a dog bed in a whelping box?
For bedding a dog whelping box, you can make use of wood, rubber-backed rugs, black stall mats and much more There are lots of options of bedding for whelping. Choose the box that is safe and secure for your puppies and can be cleaned easily.
Why is my dog trying to bury her 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.
Can my dog give birth in her crate?
A child’s plastic swimming pool or the bottom half of a large, plastic dog crate can also serve as a whelping box Choose a box according to the size of your mother and the litter expected. The box should be large enough for your mother dog to lie on her side with 1 to 2 feet of space around her for the pups to nurse.
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.
How long should a newborn puppy nurse?
Puppies: Puppies should nurse vigorously and compete for nipples. Newborns can nurse up to 45 minutes at a time Be sure to watch puppies nursing at least once a day, if the mother will permit it. Check that everyone is nursing and that there isn’t too much jockeying for position.
Can you leave newborn puppies alone with their mom?
Is it okay to leave newborn puppies alone with their mom? Most responsible breeders do not leave newborn puppies alone with the dam There are many reasons why it’s best to supervise the dam and her litter at all times.
References
Preparing For Your Litter Whelping Box – Hints and Considerations