In this piece, I’m going to discuss the subject “What Can You Use Instead Of A Whelping Box?,” and I’m going to do my best to include as much relevant information as I can.
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.
Boxes Necessary: Are whelping boxes 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.
Whelping Box: Should a whelping box have a bottom
Start With a Box You can add an exercise pen or use pet gates or suitable barricades to contain the
curious babies
. The floor of the whelping box should be solid and waterproof. If the box is not waterproof, find a bottom liner that is rubber, like a floor mat or carpet runner.
Whelping Box: 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 long after a dog gives birth can you touch the puppies?
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.
Newborn Puppies: When can newborn puppies leave the 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.
Whelping Box: 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.
Whelping Box: 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.
Carpet Good: Is Carpet good for whelping box
This is a great way to secure your bedding, so Mom doesn’t roll the puppies in it. Please be careful if you use carpeting in your boxes, as most will string, unravel, or flake, and this poses significant health and
safety threats
to your animals.
Whelping Box: 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.
Why do whelping boxes need rails?
Boxes:
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.
Whelping Box: 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.
Whelping Box: What size should a whelping box 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.
Newborn Puppies: 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.
Good Whelping Box: 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 puppies keep warm after giving birth?
Puppies:
Heating the area over the whelping box with the aid of a heat lamp is usually all that is necessary. The larger the litter the lower the environmental temperature needs to be, since the puppies will huddle together and keep each other warm.
Whelping Box: 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.
Mother Dog: 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.
Where do puppies go after whelping box?
Puppies:
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.
Newborn Puppies Poop: Where do newborn puppies poop
For the first 2 weeks of life, after feeding, the pups should be stimulated to urinate and defecate by rubbing the area between the back legs with a warm wet cotton ball.
Newborn Puppies: What is needed for newborn puppies
Dogs normally gestate for 9 weeks, but having your supplies on hand avoids a panic if she whelps early. Pack a small bag with towels, a heating pad, bulb suction device, string, sharp scissors, iodine, thermometer, petroleum jelly, and surgical gloves.
Why is my dog trying to bury her puppies?
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 you leave newborn puppies alone with their mom?
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.
Why does my dog Bring me her puppies?
Puppies:
It is the strongest sign of affection and trust they will “bestow” upon someone The normal reaction you would expect to see may be growling or snapping at you simply for reaching down to pick one of their babies up. Instead, you are greeted with a joyful litter of the cutest puppies on earth.
What to feed dog that just had puppies?
Puppies:
Many breeders encourage food intake by offering highly palatable products, such as ice cream, homemade mixtures (for example, mix one can of evaporated milk, one can of water, three egg yolks and one-quarter cup of Karo syrup; heat, then let cool), puppy-milk replacers or a growth-and-lactation commercial cat food.
When can puppies be around their dad?
Puppies:
It’s generally advised to keep the male away from the mother and litter entirely, from the last weeks of pregnancy and until the pups are at least four weeks old when the mother is starting to wean them, and ideally for five to six weeks. By then the father can be a part of the socialization process.
Should mom sleep with her puppies?
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.
Newborn Puppies: What is the best bedding for newborn puppies
Straw and wood shavings should be avoided for newborn babies. When your puppies turn into one month old, then you can make use of wood shavings. If you prefer the cheap and disposable bed, then newspaper and puppy pads will satisfy your desire. In this type of bedding, your puppies will not get twisted.
Should you touch puppies when they are first born?
Puppies:
When can you handle newborn puppies? You can touch handle puppies 3 weeks after they are born You should not really touch them before this age unless you really have to. Be careful though, as some mothers can be aggressive particularly it held when being nursed.
What to give a dog after whelping?
Dog:
Feed your dog with water as it will maintain her weight and health Food and water should be given every two to three hours. Arrange a quiet and calm surrounding for the dam and puppies. Keep them away from all noises as much as possible for the first two weeks post-whelping.
Citations
https://www.ebay.com/b/Dog-Whelping-Boxes/134793/bn_7715670
https://www.etsy.com/market/dog_whelping_box