Whelping your first litter can be thrilling and emotional, but if you’ve never bred dogs before, or experienced your dog giving birth, it can also be difficult to know what to expect. One of the first things you should get is a whelping box. It’s a box specially designed to keep puppies safe during birth and for several weeks afterwards as they grow and become more independent. However, many dog owners utilise their crates for whelping.

So, if you’ve been wondering whether you should get a box for whelping or use your old crate, the following guidelines break down the difference between the two and which one is better.

Whelping Boxes: Important Considerations

Keep your puppies safe and comfortable with a high-quality whelping cage. Choosing the ideal model isn’t always straightforward, as there are so many options available.

Material Selection

One of the first things to check for in a whelping box is the material. Most alternatives on the market are composed of durable PVC plastic. These are easy to clean, disassemble for storage between litters, and have high edges all around to prevent puppies from climbing out.

A puppy safety ledge surrounds the interior of the box to keep the mother from slamming the puppies against the wall. They are arguably the best suited for whelping because they come in both large and small sizes. However, cost is a consideration, as these are not cheap.

Plywood or particle board is also a terrific material for your whelping cage. Normally, these materials are coated with latex and glossy paint to prevent the wood from absorbing urine or faeces and to make cleaning easier.

Size

The ideal whelping box size is your female dog’s length plus an extra foot (at a minimum) in one direction. This means that if your female measures 50 inches from snout to tail, the box should be approximately 62 inches in one direction (for example, breadth). While the box does not have to be 62 inches long and broad, it should be at least the dog’s length measured in the opposite direction. For instance, a 50-inch dog from nose to tail would need a 62″ x 50″ box.

A box that is too tiny increases the chances that the mother will sit on or injure the puppies. An excessively large box, on the other hand, may hinder the puppies from finding their mother.

Placement

Another important consideration is determining the best placement for your dog’s whelping box. It should be placed where you can easily monitor the development of your dog and her babies. Most breeders whelp their puppies indoors, preferably near a couch or lounge chair, so they may take quick cat naps while being close enough to the action to not miss anything.

Therefore, many breeders keep their litter in the living room, bedroom, laundry room, basement, or garage. The setting should be peaceful, with minimal active family activity, especially if you have a large family or small children.

Crates: Important Considerations

Many owners ask if they can use a dog crate as a whelping box – the answer is yes if your dog is already crate-trained. However, keep in mind that puppies could accidentally stick their head through the bars and get stuck. When utilising a dog crate for whelping, take the following factors into account.

Size, Ventilation and Access

Using a dog crate for whelping can work well if set up properly to ensure the mother and puppies are safe, comfortable, and warm. Make sure the crate is large enough for the mother to move around comfortably and lay down fully stretched out.

The crate should be well-ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate. A front and side door or removable top makes it easier for you to assist during whelping.

Preparation

Use soft, absorbent, and washable materials such as whelping pads or vet bedding. Avoid loose blankets that can trap pups. If possible, put a pig rail (a raised ledge around the crate’s edges) to keep the mother from accidentally crushing the puppy against the crate walls.

Create a warm environment (about 85°F during the first week) by utilising a heating pad (under one side) or a heat lamp. Keep the crate clean by replacing the bedding on a regular basis and cleaning down all surfaces.

Placement

Just like with dog-wheeling boxes, crates should be placed in a quiet, low-traffic area where the mother feels safe. Keep it in an area where you can regularly monitor the mother and puppies and where there are no drafts and bright sunlight.

All in all, a crate can be a great whelping space if set up correctly, but a whelping box is a must as the puppies grow and start moving around more.