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.
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
.
Can my dog give birth in a crate?
A child's plastic swimming pool or the bottom half of a large, plastic dog crate can also serve as a whelping box
. Choose a box according to the size of your mother and the litter expected. The box should be large enough for your mother dog to lie on her side with 1 to 2 feet of space around her for the pups to nurse.
Does a pregnant dog need a whelping box?
Does Your Dog Need A Whelping Box?
A box is not required
, but can help with many parts of the delivery process. If you do not provide a box your dog will find an area in your home to give birth. That area might not be as clean or sanitary as a whelping box.
Why do you need pig rails 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 do you make a cheap whelping box?
How can I help my dog push her puppies out?
Step 1:
Grasp the puppy with a clean towel. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the puppy at a slight downward angle. Continue pulling gently and steadily until the pup is delivered
. Step 3: If you are unable to remove the puppy, contact the veterinarian immediately.
How long after a dog gives birth can she be bathed?
Wait at least
2-5 days
after giving birth to bathe your momma dog, and keep her time away from pups as short as possible.
How long do puppies stay in whelping box?
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
.
Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box?
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. The 3′ pool will also suffice for a dog who is on the smaller end of the medium size range as well.
How do you make a simple whelping box?
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.
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.
How warm should a whelping box be?
The whelping box should have a consistent temperature
around 85 degrees
, as puppies are not able to generate their own body heat until they are 2 1⁄2 weeks of age. “Excessively high temperatures and high humidity can cause respiratory difficulties and dehydration in puppies.
How do I get my mother dog to stop crushing her puppies?
To help prevent your dog from becoming aggressive toward her pups, Vet West suggests
keeping the whelping box in a quiet area with low light
, such as your bedroom closet —with the closet door open so she doesn't feel closed in.
Can you touch a newborn puppy?
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
.
How do you keep a 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 high should pig rails be in a whelping box?
But if you want them in then at a height of about
4 inches
would be fine…..
How long is a dog pregnant?
58 – 68 days
Do I need to tie puppies umbilical cord?
It is important to properly tie-off a puppy's umbilical cord before you cut it
because if done improperly you can cause blood loss or even death from doing it incorrectly. When done correctly, on the other hand, there should be little to no bleeding just like when the mother dog does it.
How do you know if a puppy is stuck while giving birth?
Puppies' position.
Puppies are normally born either head first or rear legs first.
If the puppy is sideways or bottom first
, they become stuck. Developmental defects that result in enlargement of certain body parts can make birth difficult.
Why is my dog not pushing her puppies out?
If your mother dog goes through stage one of labor and has not begun pushing after 24 hours, she may be experiencing
uterine inertia
. This is more common in some breeds, when the litter is very small or very large, or there is a calcium deficiency. Overweight mother dogs can be prone to uterine inertia.
Can you touch newborn puppies with bare hands?
Can You Touch the Newborn Puppies with Bare Hands?
Yes, you can touch newborn puppies with bare hands but with some preparation
. First, newborn puppies lack a strong immune system so you should wash your hand with anti-bacterial soap to get rid of any potential bacteria and germs.
Why does my dog keep sitting on her puppies?
Yes, a mother dog can reject her litter and turn on her puppies. This
may happen because she feels unwell herself, or because a puppy seems too weak to be worthy of her care, or simply because of a lack of maternal instinct
. Such behavior may appear from the moment she has given birth, or a few days or weeks later.
