-
whelping box
. A whelping box is necessary for all
puppy deliveries
-
A Laundry Basket Lined with a
heating pad
and a Blanket - A Stack of Clean Towels
- Emergency Supplies
- Remove the Membrane
- Rub the Puppy with a Towel
- Discard the Afterbirth
- Cut the Umbilical Cord.
How do you whelp a puppy at home?
Make sure you have plenty of
clean newspapers
and sheets or towels. 2. Select the place where you would like her to have her puppies and put a suitable whelping box in that location The whelping box should be large enough for her to move around freely, with low sides so that she can see out and easily move in and out.
What should be in a dog whelping box?
Appropriate heat sources include heat lamps, electric or water-filled heating pads, and microwavable heating pads The best bedding materials for a whelping box are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. They should be insect-free, moisture resistant, and not easily ingested by puppies.
Do I have to cut the puppies umbilical cord?
The mother typically does the work of cutting puppies’ umbilical cords. Although the mother dog will usually perform the task, cutting an umbilical cord on a puppy is sometimes necessary after birth Before the puppies begin to arrive, you should have all necessary supplies on hand.
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.
What is the best bedding for newborn puppies?
Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand.
How often should I check on newborn puppies?
Do I have to check the puppies? It is recommended, particularly with a first-time mother, to check the puppies every few hours to make sure they are all suckling and are warm and content.
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 I touch my dogs 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.
Should newborn puppies sleep with mom?
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.
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 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.
Why do dogs eat their puppies?
Dogs still have an instinct close to their wild cousins. Much of their behavior is due to survival. A sick puppy might make the rest of the litter sick and weaken the chances of the group’s survival. The mother may eat the puppy they perceive as sick to save the rest of the group.
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.
Should I give my dog a break from her puppies?
Once the pups are old enough, at a about 2 to 3 weeks, you can provide a separate area for the mother. It should be very close to the whelping box with easy access. However, having a separate bed will give her a break. Let her take breaks after the first month.
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.
What should I do after my dog has puppies?
Schedule your dog and her new family for checkups with your veterinarian within 24 hours of delivery You want to make sure your dog is healing properly and that her puppies are growing. Keep other dogs and people away from her and her puppies. Protective aggression is normal because she is protecting 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.
What temperature is too hot for newborn puppies?
Newborn puppies are able to maintain a body temperature about 12°F warmer than the air temperature. The temperature under the heat lamp in the whelping box should be around 85°F for the first 2-3 days, and then can be dropped to 75-80°F depending on the surrounding temperature.
Citations
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-for-pet-owners-whelping-in-dogs
https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/whelpingkit.htm