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.
What should be 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 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.
What is the best thing to put in the bottom of a 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.
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.
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.
Where do I put my puppies after whelping box?
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.
How long do mom dogs clean up after their puppies?
Mother dogs will lick their puppies to urge them to eliminate, and clean up their poop by eating it, for about the first three weeks after birth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should you have blankets in whelping box?
You can use towels, sheets, and blankets for bedding your puppies when they start moving here and there Make sure that the
bedding material
should possess body-heat retention level. The bedding should be such that it can absorb body fluids and urine properly.
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…).
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 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.
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 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.
What do you put on the floor of a puppy pen?
Rolled Rubber Any type of rubber protector is a great dog crate floor protection mat option, with rolled rubber being among the best. They are easy to install over concrete, wood, ceramic tile, or any other hard and smooth surface.
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.
Do I have to cut the puppies umbilical cord?
If the momma pup doesn’t chew through each umbilical cord on her own, you will have to cut the cord If you do, be sure to use sterilized scissors, cut about an inch from the pup’s belly, and tie the cord off with the thread or dental floss 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the puppy’s body.
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.
What do I do when my dog gives birth for the first time?
She will need to eat, rest with her pups, bond with them and feed them – make sure they are in a quiet, comfortable space where they won’t be disturbed. If your dog isn’t comfortable and relaxed after whelping, there is a risk that she may reject her puppies and refuse to feed 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 mother dogs eat their puppies poop?
Mother dogs eating their puppies poop is perfectly normal and natural They should start tapering off this behavior after three weeks, or when they start weaning.
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.
Does a father dog know his puppies?
Father dogs do not recognize their puppies It is possible for them to be affectionate and empathetic towards the puppies, but it isn’t due to paternal instincts. Father dogs have a wide range of reactions towards small pups.
When should I move my dog to a whelping box?
Breeders should introduce a dam to the whelping box at least five days before her delivery date to become comfortable and adjusted before the puppies are born. The whelping box should be one and a half to two times the length of the dam, so she can stretch out in full length with room to spare.
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.
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.
Do I need a heat lamp for puppies?
Newborn puppies need a heat lamp up until they are about 7 weeks old They are unable to maintain their own body temperature in the first two weeks after birth. They reach their adult body temperature by their fourth week.
References
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/575968239821171508/
https://www.hepper.com/diy-whelping-box-plans/
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Whelping-Box-Clean
https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/bedding-use-litter-puppies-4737.html