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Whelping boxes for dogs are designed to protect delicate puppies from harm’s way. They are more than capable of shielding puppies from infections, colds, and crushing by the mother as a side effect of hormonal imbalance and mood swings. A whelping box for dogs can be made of items such as premium-quality Plastic, plywood, and even cardboard boxes.
While one of the things you can need for the safe birth and raising of the pups is a dog whelping box, you’ll need a durable box that’s simple to wash and draft-free.
You must ensure you offer the puppies a space large enough to contain them but comfy enough to eat, play, and sleep in. The puppies may keep within the box for the first five weeks of their lives.
Contents
- 1 4 Handpicked Whelping Box for Dogs
- 1.1 Recommended Plastic Whelping Box For Dogs
- 1.1.1 PetNap Plastic Whelping Box
- 1.1.2 Plaza MagnaBox
- 1.2 Some Incredible Custom-Made Wooden Whelping Box
- 1.2.1 Solid Wood Waterproof Whelping Box
- 1.3 Disposable Cardboard Dog Whelping Box
- 1.3.1 Disposable Whelping Box – Multiple Sizes
- 1.1 Recommended Plastic Whelping Box For Dogs
- 2 What Style Of Dog Whelping Pen Do I Need?
- 3 Do I Need Any Bedding In The Whelping Pen?
- 4 What’s The Perfect Temperature Of a Dog Whelping Box?
- 5 Can I Build My Own Dog Whelping Box?
- 5.1 Cardboard / Plastic / Wood – Which is Perfect For Your Pet?
- 6 Do It Yourself Disposable Dog Whelping Box – Building Guide
- 6.1 Quick and Easy 4-step guide to building a Dog Whelping Box
- 7 Closing Thoughts
A great dog whelping box is designed to protect the litter from cold or dangerous obstacles if they can roam free. On the mother’s side, most whelping boxes come with a rail to prevent the puppies from being crushed by the mother at night.
Dogs use a whelping pen to look after a litter of puppies. The box simulates a cave, just like dogs used before domestication. The boxes, typically Wood, are designed with three high sides and one shorter side with a front entrance low enough to allow the female to enter and exit but still left high sufficient to keep the puppies within. It’s meant to have a pig rail around the inside perimeter of the box. This rail is typically 2 or 3 inches wide and 2-6 inches tall.
The rail’s peak depends on the puppies’ dimensions at birth. A toy breed may use a fence two inches off the ground, and a large breed can need up to 6 inches. The pig rail stops the pups from being suffocated by the mother once she lies down. It allows the puppy to crawl into an area if the mother lays on them.
4 Handpicked Whelping Box for Dogs
Recommended Plastic Whelping Box For Dogs
PetNaps plastic whelping box for Dogs is a fantastic one-piece box that is simple to use and clean. Perfect for your pregnant doggie and their litter when born.
This dog whelping pen is fantastic and easy to lay blankets down and clean up.
It comes in 3 sizes – 24×24 inches, 30×30 inches, and 36×36 inches, and the opening is slightly different on each.
Openings:
- 24×24 box = 6 inches opening
- 30×30 box = 6.5 inches opening
- 36×36 box = 7 inches opening
All boxes are only available in White and stand 12 inches tall. Depending on your dog’s size depends on which package to get. To give you an idea, the 30x30inch box comfortably housed a cockapoo mum and seven puppies.
Wiping is easy. Wet cloth or wet wipe and then dry with some kitchen roll/ towel. As the Plastic is simple to clean, a regular clean should be carried out to ensure your pups and mum remain free from any nasty germs or bacteria.
MagnaBox Next Generation Professional Dog Whelping Box is made of FDA-approved HDPE plastic, making it the perfect solution to keep moms and babies contained. The grey, lightly textured surface resists dirt and damage and is chew-proof. There are no cracks or crevices to harbour bacteria or contamination.
The box needs no tools to assemble with slip-fit connections and is easily cleaned. The unique design has no bottom to be set on a whelping pad or surface of your choice. The entrance door features unique 1/3 and 2/3 height sliding doors, which allow you to adjust the height of the opening depending on the size of the puppies.
The downside to this box is the wide price range. This becomes the most expensive dog whelping pen if you have a large dog.
Some Incredible Custom-Made Wooden Whelping Box
This beautiful hardwood whelping box for Dogs is ideal for mothers and puppies. The bottom plate and the outer walls are solid and stable. At the front, you can pull out the opening with a handle.
The whelping box is made entirely of a screen printing plate and is completely waterproof. The floor is made of a solid screen printing plate of 8.39-inch thickness.
The whelping box comes in parts and easily fits together in just a few minutes. Should the whelping box no longer be required, you can easily take it apart and store it for another time. The box is different from others due to the waterproof printing plate, but it looks fantastic for your dog and litter.
Disposable Cardboard Dog Whelping Box
This whelping box is low-cost and disposable to avoid cross-contamination between litters. They come in sizes from 24″ square to 48″ square. They are made from corrugated Double-walled cardboard.
Each box consists of 3 rails and a waterproof liner.
It would be most suitable to consider buying additional bedding for your whelping box, but these disposable whelping boxes are precisely that disposable. However, they can become quite expensive if you have to buy several.
The multiple sizes they come in mean that the disposable dog whelping pen caters to all sizes of dogs and litter and ensures the same type of support as the more expensive whelping boxes. The biggest downside is they don’t last as long.
What Style Of Dog Whelping Pen Do I Need?
The style size of the whelping box depends on the dog’s dimensions. The mother ought to have enough space to change her posture on her side and be able to stretch herself out to the nurse. A large box could permit the pups to crawl out of the group and become cold.
A too-little box could cause the female to change posture or tread on a pup due to insufficient space to put her feet and comfortably nurse. Completely different sizes of commercial dog whelping boxes are offered, and the manufacturer may have suggestions on what size you will need.
The box could also be made of durable material, like wood or plastic boards. You should try and avoid cardboard boxes. Cardboard will absorb liquid and become mushy under the female and the puppy’s bodies, thus becoming cold and damp. Puppies are sensitive to drafts, so solid sides are also crucial.
A Plastic Boarded dog whelping box won’t absorb odours and is exceptionally straightforward to scrub clean. If you intend on covering a plyboard box with contact paper or covering material, I will avoid using a plyboard as a fabric as this will only absorb odours. You may think about fitting feet on the box to raise it off the floor a few inches during a colder climate or whelping in the winter. This may allow heat air to flow beneath the box, keeping the puppies nicely heated and comfortable.
While cardboard disposable whelping boxes are sensible initially, they will become quite expensive. Having to change them each day becomes exhausting and extremely expensive. Buying straightforward, clean dog whelping boxes will help keep your puppies warm and healthy.
Do I Need Any Bedding In The Whelping Pen?
You will need some bedding within the box that you may need to replace daily. Several breeders use cut newspaper, towels, and sheets to line their whelping boxes. The liners should be changed constantly, so have plenty of liners prepared for the pups’ arrival. If you use an old bed sheet or a blanket, you may think about using one large enough so the ends will droop over the side of the box.
It would also be great to clamp the ends down so none of the puppies can accidentally get caught below the sheet and away from the mother. Pine or cedar shavings can even be used. However, they are less comfy than fleece and make additional waste.
What’s The Perfect Temperature Of a Dog Whelping Box?
The warmth of the puppies is essential. They cannot regulate their body temperatures for the first few days and are prone to cold, chills, and drafts. This does not mean overheating the dog’s whelping box.
Some individuals use heat lamps or heating pads, and others keep that one room around 75 degrees for a few days. It should get on low and underneath blankets if you utilize a heating pad.
Please don’t place the puppies on the pad, as this could burn their skin. If you. The female must be within the box with the pups for long periods to permit constant nursing.
Heating the box can make the female uncomfortable and discourage her from being with the puppies for the proper length of time. If the mother is panting or appears dehydrated, decrease heat around the dog whelping box or in the room; the mother’s heat can offer enough warmth for the pups.
Finally, having a litter of puppies could be a ton of work! A dog whelping box that’s the right size, straightforward to scrub, and safe can make caring for newborn pups easier for you and your dog.
Can I Build My Own Dog Whelping Box?
Of course- if you’re good at DIY, why not make your own? Whelping Boxes are generally 4ft x 4ft with an overall height of 2 feet (apart from the entrance) to keep puppies from escaping. Mummy Dog should quickly get in and out of the whelping box, especially for toilet time. The door is mostly half the size of the rest of the walls. Pigtail installation should be around half the width of your dog’s chest. These ensure that your dog remains comfortable and can lie on her side after giving birth. Keeping level with the spine.
You can use some thick Dowling wood or a thin drain/water pipe to make the pigtail. The pigtail protects your newborn puppies from a significant accident like being crushed against the wall. It should be 4 inches minimum from the base of the dog whelping box when installing. Your mummy dog will not crush the puppies as the pipe will protect them when asleep. Strong piping is necessary as you don’t want it to bend or snap and cause any damage to puppies.
Cardboard / Plastic / Wood – Which is Perfect For Your Pet?
Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cardboard | Easy to Dispose of and very cheap | We, Will, need more than one throughout the time a pup is in as all liquid, pee, and poop are absorbed. |
| Plastic | Great for Hygiene and Keeping Clean | It can be more expensive |
| Wood | Larger Breed Dogs require these | Must be waterproofed and fit where you need them as they can be cumbersome |
Do It Yourself Disposable Dog Whelping Box – Building Guide
Whether you are building a Cardboard, Plastic, or a wooden dog whelping box, you can follow the same method; they should all look similar. I have always loved disposable whelping containers, albeit I have needed several. They protect your puppies more. WHY? Well,
- Protect from cross-contamination
- Recyclable
Quick and Easy 4-step guide to building a Dog Whelping Box
Part 1: Measure and cut all your sides. Your base should be approx. 4ft x 4ft. The entrance should be low enough for mum to get out.
Part 2: If you use Wood, nail all the sides together… A bit of wood glue wouldn’t hurt either. For Plastic, get some solid glue/ adhesive.
Part 3: Nail or glue the base to the sides
Part 4: Attaching the rail should be done with glue, whether Wood or Plastic. Simple enough. 4 inches up from the base, and ensure the Dowling / pipe length is long enough to be a tight fit.
Once your puppies are here, one of the perfect things to try is to allow the mother some breathing space. Sometimes, that little chill-out area away from the little ones is all any mother needs. Having a dog playpen will help stop the little ones from getting in and the mother from getting out.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: New Mothers should be with their children as much as possible, but the children’s stress 24/7 can make the mothers ratty and start to neglect the puppies.
Closing Thoughts
Owning a dog-whelping box is the right thing to do if you breed your dog. These boxes are the first step to ensuring the survival of the mum and the pups. Ensuring you have the right equipment for a dog whelping pen is also a significant step towards delivering and maintaining your pet’s well-being.
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FAQs
How to make a cheap whelping box for dogs? ›
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 should a whelping box consist of? ›A whelping box. An absorbent material for the whelping box, such as newspapers (but these may become sodden quickly and often stay wet and cold), puppy pads, incontinence pads or vetbeds. Clean towels or paper towels to help clean up during labour. Towels for drying and cleaning up the puppies.
Where in the house is best for 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.
Are cardboard whelping boxes any good? ›Cardboard whelping boxes have been a favourite product of hygiene conscious breeders for years. Avoiding cross contamination between litters and providing a safe environment for your new additions, it is the perfect solution for novices and breeders alike.
Can I use a crate as a whelping box? ›Many owners ask if they can use a dog crate as a whelping box - the answer is yes, if your dog is already crate trained. This way, they may find security in using this as their whelping box too. Make sure your box or crate is in a quiet space, that's warm and large enough for movement and lots of little puppies!
Can you use a plastic kiddie pool for 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.
Does a whelping box need a floor? ›The bottom of the box may or may not have a floor and may be lined with specially designed "whelping pads," or layers of newspaper (or fabric) to provide insulation from cold floors and to absorb fluids. Fabric covers or partial covers are often used on top to provide a "den-like" environment for the mother.
What is the best size for a whelping box? ›An ideal whelping box should be the length of your female dog plus an extra foot (at least) in one direction. That is if your female is 50 inches in length from nose to rear, then the box should be around 62 inches in one direction (for example, width of the box).
How long do dogs stay in whelping box? ›They should be trying to climb out of their nest or whelping box by three weeks. By four weeks, the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play.
Is it better to have a wooden or plastic whelping box? ›The bottom line? Stay away from wooden whelping boxes! These boxes can create a hazardous environment for a mama and her pups. Instead, create a healthy, comfortable space with a plastic dog box, one that can be cleaned effectively and won't crack overtime.
Do you need to heat a whelping box? ›
The whelping box must also be warm to prevent illness. Depending on the breed, the temperature of the whelping box will need to remain at a consistent temperature around 80 degrees, making it important to have a pad that is adjustable.
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.
How often do you change your whelping box? ›Sanitation and Housebreaking
The whelping box needs to be changed at least once a day at this stage, and 2-3 times a day as the puppies begin eating solids and the mother is not cleaning up after them.
Whelping Area:
Place the box in a dark, quiet area of the house. This can be a basement, a closet, or a spare bedroom with the shades drawn. Allow the mother to freely come and go from her whelping area. Keep other dogs away from her whelping area so that she knows it is her place to deliver.
- Heating pad. Manufacturers of heating pads made for people do not recommend them being used on animals. ...
- Hot water bottle. ...
- Heat lamps will warm him up, but they can be dehydrating and hard to regulate. ...
- In an emergency you can fill a heavy sock with ½ cup uncooked rice.
Line the bottom with vinyl flooring.
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.
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 do you need pipes in a whelping box? ›The Whelping Box …
Ron has fixed a 40mm Waste pipe all around the Inside of the Whelping Box at a Hight of 80mm this allows the new-born puppies don't get squashed against the sides by their mum.
Make sure you have plenty of clean newspapers and sheets or towels. Select where you would like her to have her puppies and put a suitable whelping box in that location. The whelping box should be large enough for her to move around freely, with low sides so that she can see out and easily move in and out.
Why won't my mother dog stay in the whelping box? ›If the area where the whelping box is located is noisy or busy, the dam might become stressed. This may cause her to stop nursing or to ignore the puppies. To help encourage a calm environment, make sure that the whelping box is in a quiet part of your home. There should not be much traffic through this room.
How high should the walls of a whelping box be? ›
Whelping boxes need to have sides that are high enough to keep small puppies up to four weeks old in but low enough to allow the dam to get out. This will usually mean the walls need to be 50 - 60cms high.
What is the most critical time for newborn puppies? ›“The neonatal period from birth to 3 days of age is a critical stage for puppies,” cautions Dr. Smith. “Intervention in the first 72 hours should be used judiciously. Experience can help tell you when to intervene.
When can mom dog sleep away from puppies? ›Puppies should not leave their mom and littermates before eight weeks of age. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together.
How much time should a mother dog spend with her puppies? ›At what age can puppies be separated from their mother? The minimum time a puppy must be with its mother is 6 weeks, a period of time after which the puppy begins to wean. However, this is the bare minimum. The ideal minimum time that the puppy should be able to separate from its mother is 8 weeks.
How do I make my whelping box comfortable? ›To help your dog feel comfortable, place the whelping box in a private area. This room should be quiet, warm, dry, not too bright, and away from the usual traffic and excitement of your house. This will help your dog feel safe and secure after she gives birth.
What is the best bedding for a dog giving birth? ›Puppy pads, newspaper, and dog beds are three very good candidates to consider.
How do you take care of a mother dog after whelping? ›- Keep the mum clean and well-groomed. It is normal for your dog to leak some amount of discharge for up to several weeks after birth, and even more if she has had a C-section. ...
- Monitor the mum's and the pups' health. ...
- Supply fresh drinking water. ...
- Put them on a specialised diet. ...
- Manage their behaviour.
The best bedding materials for a whelping box are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. They should be insect-free, moisture resistant, and not easily ingested by puppies. You should avoid hay, straw, shavings, or stiff particles that can cause eye and skin irritation.
What can I give my dog to help with whelping? ›Your dog won't normally need help during her labour, and although it's important to monitor her, it's best not to examine her or attempt to help her give birth – interfering too much can cause problems after birth. If you're worried your dog is having problems while whelping, it's best to contact your vet.
What is the best way to heat a whelping box? ›Heat lamps can work for this purpose or choose a heating pad with an adjustable thermostat that's safe for pets. Be sure to talk with your vet for the recommended temperature setting that's right for your pups. When the puppies are born, begin by heating the whelping box to about 85°F to 90°F.
What do you keep puppies in after birth? ›
Provide A Warm Environment
Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it.
They should be trying to climb out of their nest or whelping box by three weeks. By four weeks, the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play.
How long can you leave newborn puppies unattended? ›How Long Can Puppies Be Alone? Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.
Should you touch puppies after they are born? ›Start handling the puppies.
By about three weeks of age, you can—and should! —begin gently handling the puppies1 for short periods for reasons other than basic health care. Once the puppies have their eyes open, you can try carefully picking them up, holding them for a bit, and placing them back in the 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 cold is too cold for newborn puppies? ›Newborn puppies can't generate their own body heat until they develop the shiver reflex at around two and half weeks. At birth his body (rectal) temperature should fall between 95° and 99°F. If it drops below 94°F, your puppy could be facing life-threatening hypothermia.
How often should you change the bedding in a 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…)