What can you use for a whelping box?

Half a Kennel 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.

1. What should I put in my puppy's whelping box?
2. Can you use a cardboard box as a whelping box?
3. Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box?
4. Do you really need a whelping box?
5. Should you put blankets in a whelping box?
6. Can you use wood shavings for puppies?
7. How long do puppies stay in whelping box?
8. What size whelping box do I need?
9. How do you keep a whelping box clean?
10. Why is my dog trying to bury her puppies?
11. What is the purpose of pig rails in a whelping box?

What should I put in my puppy's 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.

Can you 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.

Can I use a kiddie pool as 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.

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.

Should you put blankets in a 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. It is essential to keep the bedding dry.

Can you use wood shavings for puppies?

Wood shavings are also environmentally safe, easy to dispose of and naturally repel fleas and other insects. Never use wood shavings of any kind with pregnant dogs or newborn puppies.

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.

What size whelping box do I need?

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 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.

Why is my dog trying to bury her puppies?

Mother canines can reject their puppies for a variety of reasons and then try and bury them away from the other puppies in their litter. ... It could be an indication something is wrong with the puppy or the mother herself. If she is not producing healthy milk she may bury her young expecting them not to survive.

What is the purpose of 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.