Providing your dog with a spot to relax is essential not only for their well-being but also for your peace of mind. Having a dedicated place where they can sleep and feel secure is important at any time. However, when your dog is in labour, a regular bed won’t quite cut it. You’ll need to invest in a special birthing box designed to keep both the mother and her puppies safe and comfortable throughout the process.
What’s the Point of a Whelping Box?
These boxes are specially designed for dogs that give birth and raise their puppies. They are spacious enough to keep them safe and prevent them from getting crushed or suffocated around the house.
Do Dogs Really Need One?
Newborn puppies are tiny, and a secure whelping box gives them a safe place where they can rest and stay protected. This setup also makes it easier for the mom to take care of them, feed them, and provide them with the warmth and protection only a mother can give to her child. After all, puppies are human beings just like us, and they need the same love, care, and protection as humans.
This box is the perfect place for the mother to protect and bond with her puppies. As you can imagine, the birthing process is quite stressful for the mother, and this box can give her privacy and a shelter where she can feel safe as well.
Important Things to Have in Mind When Buying One
Size
The first and most important thing to consider when searching for the right whelping kennel is its size. The chosen box should be large enough to fit the mother comfortably when lying down. Just keep in mind that the model you buy shouldn’t be too large because the mother won’t be able to be around all the dogs at the same time.
Material
A good box of this kind should be easy to clean and maintain since accidents with puppies at that age are quite common. Over the last few years, PVC has been the most popular material for a box of this kind because it is extremely easy to clean and sanitise. These types of boxes are waterproof, so you can easily wash and rinse them.
Sides
The sides of this box should be low enough for the mother to get in and out of it, but high enough to prevent the puppies from escaping. So be cautious when choosing the right one.
Bedding
The chosen bedding for these boxes should be absorbent and easy to change. Otherwise, you risk the development of odour and bacteria.
How Long Do Puppies Need to Stay in a Whelping Box?
The truth is that there isn’t an exact period that puppies need to stay inside, but generally, they stay there for about 2–4 weeks. During this time, they’ll start feeling stronger and become independent enough to explore their surroundings. Keep in mind that this period of adaptation can vary for different dogs, and it mainly depends on the breed and on their ability to adapt.
What’s the Best Area to Place the Box?
Well, just like everybody else, mother dogs and their puppies need a calm and quiet space where they can stay and feel safe. Ideally, you should place the box in a low-traffic area that is easily accessible to the mother. The place should feel comfortable and warm, so that both the mother and her puppies can feel safe and sound during their stay. A quiet room or a peaceful corner of the house works well.
An important thing to remember is that the box should be placed in a warmer room, as newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on two things: their mother (when she’s around) and the room’s warmth. Generally speaking, it’s said that the room in which the box is placed should be at a consistent temperature of 29–32°C during the first week after their birth. The temperature should gradually drop by the third week and reach a temperature of around 26°C. If you have other dogs, make sure the box is placed in a separate area away from them. This helps the puppies grow stronger and build a better bond with their mother.
Last but not least, it’s important to choose a high-quality box that offers easy maintenance, durability, and long-lasting use. There’s a strong chance you’ll use the box more than once, so investing in a sturdy, good-quality one can make all the difference. If possible, choose one from a trusted, specialised dog supply store for peace of mind.
