How high should the sides of a whelping box be?
For the largest breeds, such as Great Dane and Great Pyrenees, you will need a whelping box that is about 5 feet X 5 feet with sides that are around 18 inches high. For medium breeds, whelping boxes are typically 4 feet X 4 feet with sides approximately one foot high.
What is a good size for 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.
Can you make your own whelping box?
To make a whelping box out of cardboard, use these easy instructions: Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that. The sides should be at least 12 to 18 inches high. Cut a “door” into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box.
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 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.
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.
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 put blankets in a whelping box?
Some breeders prefer used towels, blankets and sheets. These items are warm and comfortable for the dogs, but be sure the pups are old enough to maneuver through these items before using them — a trapped puppy could be injured or suffocate. This might be your bedding of choice if the whelping box is in a drafty area.
Should I put dog bed in whelping box?
Before selecting bedding, consider the bed itself. Most pups will live in a whelping box until it can see and walk and explore, and will gravitate to it for most of the eight weeks or more that they’re in group as a litter. The floor of the whelping box should be solid and waterproof.
When can you touch a newborn puppy?
Be very careful as these are very fragile creatures. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals strongly recommends very minimal handling of young puppies for the first 3 weeks of their lives. If it cannot be avoided that the puppies have to be handled, only gentle petting is allowed.
Do 4 week old puppies need a heat lamp?
Young puppies cannot maintain their own body temperature for a week or two after birth. It is not necessary to heat the whole room to these temperatures. Heating the area over the whelping box with the aid of a heat lamp is usually all that is necessary.
How to build a whelping box from our design?
If you build a whelping box from our design, send us a photo. All comments about the whelping box should be directed to [email protected]. 2017-03-23 Found your plans and photos on the web and though they were fantastic and just perfect for our pale cream Labrador.
How tall should a whelping box be for a puppy?
Side Height – the height of the side wall is most effective when it is designed to be adjustable, so more height can be added when the pups begin to walk and climb out of the box. I like my box to be about 12″ for the first 3 weeks or so, as this allows for me to sit next to the box while reaching in to play with or pet mom and pups.
What’s the best way to contain a whelping mother?
Whelping mothers need to be contained with their puppies in the one area for a few weeks after birth. The best way to contain the puppies and the mother is by placing them in a whelping box. While you can buy a whelping box at the local pet store, it’s easy and cheap to build a whelping box at home.
What kind of carpet to use in a whelping box?
I’ve used indoor/outdoor carpeting for the first few weeks in the whelping box with success. It does need to be cut to size to fit the box, and needs a good washing to remove all the residual chemicals and to soften the nap. You’ll need at least two pieces cut to the right size so one can be washed while the other is in use.