A whelping kennel, or whelping box, is the place where a female dog should deliver her puppies and raise them for the first six weeks of their lives. It is usually a roofless structure comprised of just a bottom and four sides. Manufacturers of whelping kennels are often dog breeders who have learned from experience the requirements for providing a safe, comfortable environment for puppies to be born.
Size
It's essential that the kennel is a confined space so that the bitch and her litter are safe and free from outside disturbance or unnecessary interference in what can be a traumatic time for them. The required size ultimately depends on the dog breed, but its four walls should be at least 12 inches high, with a very large breed warranting twice that height. There should be a lower opening at the front to allow the bitch to come and go.
Options
There is a wide range of options when it comes to buying a whelping kennel. Some advanced designs can be easily modified to suit the puppies' progression through their early stages. They might feature an easily cleanable tray that slots under the puppy mat to catch waste. A tray reduces bad smells and helps to restore a sanitary living area, which is essential in allowing the litter a good chance of survival. Some whelping boxes have a door at the front that can be locked when the owner is away, to prevent the mother leaving her puppies. Mobile kennels are also available.
Making Your Own
As commercial whelping kennels can be expensive, you might prefer to accessorize a redundant large container lying around your house or garden, such as a child's paddling pool or a cardboard box (to be used for small breeds.) While the former is waterproof, the latter would need replacing once soaked with fluids. Ideally, a large waterproof sheet can be attached to your container and a strong tray inserted above the box to act as the base and hold down the front flap entrance.
Extra Comfort
Most commercial whelping kennels also include an inner rail that runs round the structure. This is to protect the puppies from being accidentally smothered by their mother. Padding in the form of newspaper and towels should be used as nesting materials. Heating pads and fleece bedding can supply warmth until the puppies are able to regulate their own body heat and should be placed above the newspaper to drain liquid. A heat lamp can also be placed at one side of the kennel if kept at a safe distance from the dogs.
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