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.
How big should you make a whelping box?
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.
What do you put in the bottom of a whelping box?
You can add an exercise pen or use pet gates or suitable barricades to contain the curious babies. The floor of the whelping box should be solid and waterproof. If the box is not waterproof, find a bottom liner that is rubber, like a floor mat or carpet runner.
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.
Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box?
I personally like to use a plastic baby pool to whelp our medium breed puppies because their easy to move around, clean and the plastic material moves with my Dams which seems to help because we’ve never had any issues with Mom laying on her puppies and smothering them.
How high should pig rails be in a whelping box?
After just looking at the tape measure, I’d say 10 inches should be plenty of room to keep the puppies safe from accidently being laid on.
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.
What makes a good whelping box?
The whelping box should be large enough for your dog to lie down and stretch out. There should also be enough space that she has room to turn around without stepping on a puppy and lie down to nurse the puppies easily. Lastly, the box should be convenient so you can easily care for your dog and her puppies.
What should be in a dog 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 long should puppies stay in the 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.
Why is my dog trying to bury her puppies?
Dogs have an instinct to protect their young, just as humans do. In the wild, a mother will hide her puppies to keep them safe from predators. Shortly after birth, the mother and the pups are at the most vulnerable. Because they are an easy target for predators, it’s important for the mother to hide her pups well.
How do I build an A whelping box?
Cut a single sheet of 3/4-inch plywood in half.
What dimensions should a whelping box be?
If you have a small dog, consider a whelping box that is about 21 to 34 inches long and about 21 to 34 inches deep. 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 .
Do I Really need A whelping box?
Why You Need (Yes, NEED) A Whelping Box If this is your first time assisting your dog with whelping, there is no doubt you feel like you have a steep learning curve to master! Of everything you can do to prepare for whelping, however, provision of a suitable whelping box is arguably the most important item on your to-do list.
What size whelping box do you 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.