Can you make your own whelping box?

Whelping mothers need to be contained with their puppies in the one area for a few weeks after birth. While you can buy a whelping box at the local pet store, it's easy and cheap to build a whelping box at home. The design is simple but effective for whelping mothers.

Also know, what does a whelping box need?

Your bitch's whelping box should be spacious enough for her and the pups; it also and has to be clean, warm, dry and comfortable: Heating pads or a hot water bottle (read our heating pad guide here) Bedsheets, towels, rags, and newspapers.

Similarly, 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.

Beside this, do you need a whelping box for puppies?

Set aside a safe, quiet, comfortable space for her to have her pups free from interruption, noise or stress. Within that space, she will need a whelping box or large basket, which you can either buy pre-made, or make yourself (often a large cardboard box will do).

What to line a whelping box with?

Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand.

Related Question Answers

Do you really need a whelping box?

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.

How do you keep a puppy 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.

How do puppies keep warm after giving birth?

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.

Do I have to cut the puppies umbilical cord?

A puppy's umbilical cord should not be cut unless absolutely necessary. It is also not advised to cut the umbilical cord if you are expecting more puppies as the umbilical cord will also help naturally tug the placenta /next puppy out of the mother dog. Dogs generally give birth to multiple puppies.

What do I need when my dog gives birth?

Supplies to Have on Hand
  • 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.

Where do you put a whelping box?

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.

What should I do after my dog has puppies?

After the birthing process, clean up the mother as much as possible without upsetting her using a warm water and washcloth. Do not use any soaps or disinfectants unless instructed to by your veterinarian. Remove any soiled newspaper or bedding from her whelping box.

What is puppy Stim?

Puppy Stim is a colostrum and probiotic rich complementary feed which stimulates small, weak, underweight new-born puppies. Puppy Stim can be used in cases of puppies and that are failing to thrive. This is usually established within 2-3 days of birth. The puppy may not be as active, or feeding as well as litter mates.

How long should puppies stay in whelping box?

Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life.

When should I put my dog in a whelping box?

Nurturing a pregnant dog's nesting instinct entails introducing her to the whelping box at least five days before her delivery date. This allows time for her to become adjusted and comfortable before the puppies are born.

How close should heat lamp be to puppy?

Set up the heat lamp at least five or six feet away from the box to protect the puppies, as heating lamps have been known to start fires.

How long after a dog gives birth can you touch the 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.

How much does a whelping box cost?

If you have a small breed dog, EZWhelp offers a budget whelping box called the Classic Value Box. It comes in three sizes and starts at $110 up to $210.

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.

How high should pig rails be in a whelping box?

Pig Rails: A rail or raised ledge that is 1-6 inches (height of rails off floor depends on how big the pups are. Rails should be up higher than pups up until 2-1/2 to 3 weeks of age). For a medium size dog, the rails are usually 4 inches off the floor of the box.

What is a Dura whelp?

Dura-Whelp® is the Original PROFESSIONAL whelping box.

The job of a whelping box is to keep puppies clean, safe, and contained. The Dura-Whelp Box allows for the rails to be completely suspended above the floor. Additional products shown: pad, corner braces, half door, and Thema-Whelp incubator (each sold separately.)

How do you make a German shepherd whelping box?

German shepherds require a large whelping box measuring at least 48 inches on each side. Such a box can be easily constructed using sheets of plywood from a home supply store. Use a circular saw to cut a full-size sheet of plywood (48 inches by 96 inches) into four sections.

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