Preparing a Whelping Box for Your Dog’s Puppies
Congratulations on the exciting news—your dog is expecting puppies! Among the essential items needed for their safe birthing and early development is a whelping box. A sturdy, easy-to-clean, and draft-free box is vital. Since the pups will live in it for up to five weeks, the box must be spacious enough to accommodate them yet cozy for eating, playing, and sleeping.
Like rabbits or cats, dogs use a nest box to raise their litter. This box mimics the cave-like shelters dogs used before domestication. Typically wooden, nest boxes have three high sides and one lower side with a front door cut down to allow the dam (mother) to enter and exit while keeping the puppies safely inside. A horizontal board or dowel, called a pig rail, is often placed two to three inches from each side at a height of one to six inches. This creates a safe space for pups to crawl into, preventing the mother from accidentally suffocating them when she lies down.
The size of the whelping box depends on the dam’s size. She should have enough room to lie on her side and stretch out comfortably to nurse. A box that’s too large may allow pups to stray from the group, risking them getting cold or separated from their mother. A box that’s too small could cause the dam to step on or lie on a pup due to limited space. Various sizes are available, and many manufacturers offer recommendations for the appropriate size based on your specific breed.
Constructing and Maintaining the Whelping Box
The box should be made of durable materials like wood or melamine (a type of laminated particle board). Solid sides are crucial, as puppies are sensitive to drafts. Melamine is heavier than plywood, doesn’t absorb odors, and is easy to clean. Plywood, which can absorb smells and cause splinters, should have a smooth finish and be covered with contact paper or linoleum for easier cleaning. The box should also have feet about two inches high to elevate it off the floor, allowing warm air to circulate underneath and keep the litter cozy.
For comfort, line the box with soft, washable bedding, such as shredded newspaper, towels, or sheets, which should be replaced several times daily. Have plenty of liners ready, as they need frequent changing. At around three weeks, many breeders switch to fleece liners, which are highly absorbent and machine-washable. Pine or cedar shavings can be used but are less comfortable and create more waste.
Maintaining the right temperature is critical. New breeders often overheat the whelping box, which can make the dam uncomfortable and discourage her from spending enough time with her pups, especially in the early days when near-constant nursing is essential. If the mother is panting or seems dehydrated, reduce the heat; her body warmth will suffice for the pups.
Raising a litter is demanding for both your dog and you. A properly sized, safe, and easy-to-clean whelping box will make caring for the newborns much easier. The hardest part will be saying goodbye to the pups when they’re grown and ready for their new families!
