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.
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.
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.
What kind of wood do you use to make a whelping box?
To build a whelping box, start by getting a 4- by 8-foot sheet of plywood and cutting it into panels so you have a bottom panel and 3 side panels. Then, attach the side panels to the bottom panel using screws so the walls make a “u” shape. Next, attach a plywood strip across the open side of the box to make a doorway.
Does a whelping box 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What size should a whelping box 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 big should a whelping box B?
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.
How tall does a whelping box need to 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 crate as a whelping box?
If your dog is already crate- or kennel-trained and finds security in her existing den, this often makes a great whelping box If the crate has a removable top, consider taking the top off so you have easier access to the pups or your dog in case of an emergency during delivery.
How do puppies keep warm after giving birth?
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.
How long do you need pig rails in a whelping box?
Registered. Ditto with Lucy – I never use them myself so anytime you feel safe. After two weeks should be OK when the pups can pull themselves around quite actively. It may be a bit of a
mixed bag
.. but its OUR mixed bag 😉 ;-).
How do you keep a litter of puppies clean?
- Cleaning Towel, Newspaper, or Blanket Bedding. Take the puppies out of their bedding and put them in a basket or pen lined with old towels
- Cleaning Wood Shaving or Shredded Paper Bedding
- Weekly Cleaning.
How do you prepare for a whelping dog?
- 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.
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.
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.
Can I keep a puppy from my dogs litter?
Wait until the puppy is at least six weeks old Puppies need to be at least eight weeks old before they leave the litter. While you should be searching for potential homes once the puppies are born, you shouldn’t try to sell or give away puppies in your litter until they are at least eight weeks old.
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.
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.
Do I have to watch newborn puppies 24 7?
Do newborn puppies need supervision? Newborn puppies need constant supervision Not only can they not hear, see, or walk, but they also can’t defend themselves if anything happens to them. Supervising a newborn puppy is the only way to prevent life-threatening accidents and injuries.
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.
When can newborn puppies go outside?
If you’re wondering when can puppies go outside away from home, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about seven weeks old.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Citations
https://www.pvcwhelpingboxesaustralia.com.au/
https://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cheap_Whelping_Boxes
https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/bedding-use-litter-puppies-4737.html