Making your own whelping box is quick and easy! Here are step-by-step directions with pictures.
1. Gather your supplies
- Plastic kiddie pool
- Zip ties
- Drill
- 2 foam pool noodles
Choose a plastic kiddie pool that is round rather than scalloped like a sea shell. A pool that is 3′ in diameter will work well for a mini sized dog. The 3′ pool will also suffice for a dog who is on the smaller end of the medium size range as well. Select a pool that is 46″ in diameter for dogs that are larger mediums. You want the pool to be large enough that mama has room to lay comfortably to nurse puppies but not so large that puppies can accidentally become too spread out.
2. Measure & mark zip-tie hole location
The pool noodle serves as a pig rail, which protects the puppies from accidentally being laid on and smothered by mama. We place the bottom of the pig rail about 3″-4″ above the floor of the pool.
Measure the location of the holes for your zip ties, so you’ll know exactly where to drill. You will need to drill two holes for each zip tie, one that will be above the noodle pig rail and one that will be below it.
3. Drill holes
4. Secure the noodle pig rail in place using the zip ties
5. Fit a pad into the bottom
We’ve found that washable incontinence pads work well for the bottom of the whelping box. These provide good traction, allowing the puppies can move around. Their joints are developing so traction is important. The incontinence pads are also washable, which makes it easy to clean the whelping box regularly without needing chemical cleaners. Other breeders rave about using EZ Whelp Pads with a piece of green backed Vetfleece covering part of the whelping box floor.
You did it! Now get ready to snuggle some puppies!
Disclaimer: this information is not intended as veterinarian advice. Please consult a licensed practicing veterinarian experienced in reproduction.