New-born puppies need to be protected, so their owners have to provide them with a pen to keep them safe. A whelping box is designed for such as purpose and accessories can help keep them warm and comfortable.
However, when selecting a whelping pen, you have to consider not just the puppies but also their mother. The sides have to be high enough to keep the little furballs inside but there should at least be an entryway that's not too high for the dam to use. Also, her breasts are bigger than normal when she is lactating so put that into consideration when deciding the height of the door. A puppy whelping box with a roll bar is also a good choice so she won't crush her pups in case she rolls over.
The best whelping box options are the ones that are easy to clean, tough yet lightweight, and simple to assemble and disassemble. There are models that can be extended and some have adjustable doors that you can set to a more appropriate height.
Here are some whelping boxes and accessories that you can consider:
Extra-Small Plaza MagnaBox Whelping Box by Lakeside
If you have a small dog, then you can consider the extra small Plaza MagnaBox Whelping Box by Lakeside. Its FDA-approved HDPE plastic material has no cracks or crevices so you don't have to worry about bacteria buildup or contamination.
Its gray-colored, lightly textured surface is dirt-resistant, damage-resistant, and chew-proof, so even when the puppies grow and start looking for things to chew, the pen will still be good to use. It is also easy to clean so you can ensure that your pups' environment can be kept hygienic and sanitary.
The pieces are designed with slip-fit connections, which means you don't need tools or carpentry skills to set it up. One customer also likes the ease of dismantling the product – thus, when you want to move the pen or if the puppies grow bigger, you can simply disassemble and put it in storage.
This puppy whelping box is 30 inches wide x 30 inches long x 15 inches tall. The height of the door can be adjusted to one-third or two-thirds, depending on how big the puppies are. Because it has no bottom, you can place it on any surface of your choice, which you can then cover with a whelping pad.
Extra-Large Plaza MagnaBox Whelping Box by Lakeside
This whelping pen is similar to the previous item except for the dimensions – this one measures 54 inches long x 54 inches wide x 24 inches tall, making it suitable for huge breeds. But even with the size, its slip-fit connections make a cinch to put together and take apart. No tools are needed.
The material used is FDA-approved HDPE plastic with no crevices or cracks, keeping bacteria and other microbes from building up. Aside from being chew-proof, its lightly textured surface is also resistant to damage and dirt, making it a breeze to clean. Dog-owners who bought this product attest to how easy it is to keep the pen spotless.
It has no bottom so you have to place it on a suitable surface. To prevent the little ones from getting out, you can adjust the door to one-third or two-thirds of the height.
Rectangular Washable Whelping & Puppy Pad by EZwhelp
Having new-born puppies in the house can be both exciting and stressful and, undoubtedly, one of the last things you would want to do is to spend a lot of money on disposable puppy pads. With the Washable Whelping and Puppy Pad by EZwhelp, you do not have to.
This product has a soaker layer that absorbs moisture away from the brown quilted surface and retains the liquid until it's time for washing. To minimize leaks, the white bottom side is padded with a textured waterproof barrier. Satisfied customers said in their reviews that it's easy to launder – they just pop the puppy pad in the washing machine to wash and spin-dry.
This puppy pad measures 48 inches x 60 inches, so it can be placed inside a dog whelping box. The corners are rounded to prevent curling.
Round Washable Whelping & Puppy Pad by EZwhelp
If you are looking for a round, washable whelping pad, then EZwhelp has that, too. With the product's 36-inch diameter, it fits in a kiddie pool that some dog owners prefer to use for birthing puppies.
Just like the previous item, this puppy pad also absorbs wetness from the surface, which is kept in the soaker layer. The bottom has a waterproof barrier to minimize leaks. Although it's thinner than some customers expected, others vouch for its effectiveness.
Because this pad is washable, you not only save on money, you also do your share for the environment because there is less waste to dispose of.
Heated Whelping Nest by Lovett's Electronics
Since new-born puppies cannot regulate their body temperature for the first week or two, you need to be watchful if they are getting too cold or too hot. For this, you can include the heating pad by Lovett's Electronics in your whelping box plan. This product maintains a constant surface temperature regardless of the temperature in the room, providing your pups with comfort and you, with peace of mind.
This whelping nest is bowl-shaped so your little furballs won't crawl away or roll off. It measures 23 inches in diameter, which many dog owners found enough to fit as many as 10 to 12 puppies. Of course, this depends on the breed. What customers agree on is, it is loved by their little furry friends.
It is made of ABS plastic construction and is sealed to protect it from pee. The item has two cords, the first is for the power and the other is for the LED status indicator. The manufacturer says the best temperature for whelping is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but the product can be adjusted to generate heat from 85 to 100 degrees.
It is an exciting time when your female dog gives birth to one or several little puppies. Just make sure to provide them and their mother with the proper dog whelping box and accessories to ensure their comfort and safety.
