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.
Do I really need a whelping box?
A whelping box is necessary for all puppy deliveries
. … You can buy pre-made whelping boxes, but if you haven't planned ahead, you can use a sturdy cardboard box with the front cut down so the mother can go in and out easily. The sides only need to be high enough to prevent any drafts reaching the pups.
What can I 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.
What is the purpose of a whelping box?
A whelping box, also known as a nesting box or whelping pen, is designed
to protect puppies during birth (whelping) and early life by keeping them safely contained, protected from cold, and safe from the danger of crushing or smothering by the mother
.
When should I put my dog in a whelping box?
Nurturing a pregnant dog's nesting instinct
Should I leave my dog alone while she is in labor?
Should I be present during the whelping?
Some dogs like the owner to be with them the whole time they are in labor
. Others prefer to have their puppies in seclusion. If your pet chooses to be left alone, try to avoid intruding any more than necessary.
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.
Why does a mother dog sit 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.
What is the best bedding for a whelping box?
Many breeders use
shredded newspaper
to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand.
Can you leave newborn puppies alone with their mom?
Is it okay to leave newborn puppies alone with their mom?
Most responsible breeders do not leave newborn puppies alone with the dam
. There are many reasons why it's best to supervise the dam and her litter at all times. … A puppy could be squashed or suffocated in a few seconds.
How long after nesting does labor start in dogs?
A pregnant dog typically shows signs of nesting
within about 48 hours
of the onset of labor.
What should I expect from my dog's first litter?
First-time moms are
young and need reassurance
. A puppy's eyes are not open; they do use rooting behavior to find the nipple, but first-time moms don't realize a puppy isn't positioned to eat – older moms will tuck them. You can help them find the nipple and get a full tummy. Not eating goes with puppies getting cold.
Can I use a cardboard box as a whelping box?
Choose a cardboard box to use for the whelping box. The cardboard box should be large enough that
your dog can lie comfortably
while stretched on her side but no larger. Ideally, the box should feel like a den, where she will feel enclosed and safe. The exact dimensions of the box will vary from dog to dog.
Do dogs usually give birth at night?
Have help on hand. Your dog's labour should go smoothly, but it's useful to have help on hand to keep them calm and in case your dog runs into any complications. Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your dog giving birth, as
delivery often happens during the night
.
How do I know if my dog has delivered all her puppies?
Panting, pacing, whimpering, and changing positions can all be signs that there are more puppies on the way. If your dog still appears restless, it means that it is not done giving birth. The dog may either stand or lie on its side to give birth.
How can I tell if my dog is dilating?
The cervix begins to dilate and uterine contractions commence. Signs include
restlessness, pawing, nest building, shivering
, turning the head to watch the belly, possibly mild straining and occasionally vomiting.
