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.
How do I turn my kiddie pool into a whelping box?
- Gather your supplies. Plastic kiddie pool
- Measure & mark zip-tie hole location
- Drill holes.
-
Secure the
noodle pig rail
in place using the zip ties. - Fit a pad into the bottom.
What is the best thing to use in a whelping box?
Choose sturdy materials such as wood or a laminated particleboard like melamine Melamine doesn’t absorb or trap odors too, so it is the best material to be used as a whelping box. Make the floors easy to clean by using linoleum, protecting the bottom of the nest and the floor of your home as well.
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 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.
How long should puppies stay in 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.
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.
How do you keep a whelping box clean?
Remember to use “free and clear” detergent to keep your puppies healthy. Clean the bottom with a chemical-free disinfectant cleanser Spray a bit of chemical-free disinfectant cleanser on the bottom and sides of your whelping box, and use a paper towel to wipe this up.
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.
What bedding do you put 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.
Are pig rails necessary in a whelping box?
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.
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 does a whelping box need to be?
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).
How do you make a homemade 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.
How long does a dog bleed before she can be bred?
The first signs your dog is in heat are the swelling of her vulva and bright red bloody discharge. “There will be lots of licking,” Nielsen says. A dog in heat can bleed for around 7 to 10 days During this first stage of the reproductive cycle, the female will not accept a male.
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.
What is the purpose of a whelping box?
A whelping box, also known as a nesting box, is where puppies will spend the first 20 days of their life. Designing to protect puppies during birth (whelping), it keeps them safely contained, protects them from the cold, and ensures they aren’t crushed by their mother.
References
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165193312587
Whelping Pools VS Whelping Boxes – How to make your own Whelping Box for Dog Breeders