Step by Step Guide: How to Make a Whelping Box Out of Cardboard
- First, you will need to measure the dimensions of your dog. Typically, a whelping box should be 2×3 feet or larger and at least 1-2 inches tall.
- Once you have the base of the box down, follow these steps for building walls. ...
- Next, cut out the piece you just drew with a box cutter or scissors. ...
- Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that.
- The sides should be at least 12 to 18 inches high. ...
- Cut a "door" into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box.
How do you make a whelping box?
This article has been viewed 65,249 times. To build a whelping box, start by getting a 4- by 8-foot sheet of plywood and cutting it into panels so you have a bottom panel and 3 side panels. Then, attach the side panels to the bottom panel using screws so the walls make a "u" shape.
How do you secure contact paper to a whelping box?
Secure the contact paper to the plywood with a staple gun. The self-adhesive contact paper should stick to the plywood itself. Even if the contact paper seems secure, it might lift up and the puppies could chew on it. Use the staple gun to secure the contact paper to the floor of the whelping box.
What is the best bedding for a whelping box?
The most common bedding amongst breeders, however, is shredded newspaper, which can be used by itself or in combination with another bedding type. Each of these whelping box bedding materials has both advantages and disadvantages which will make them optimal for a variety of scenarios.
What makes a whelping box safe for puppies?
Although whelping boxes can be created in a variety of methods using all sorts of materials both repurposed or new, what truly makes a whelping box is the quality of the material and its functionality for both mother and pups. One of the most important characteristics of the material and its construction is that it is safe for the puppies.
How do you make a simple whelping box?
1:215:15How To - Ken Wignard's DIY Whelping Puppy Box - Hallmark ChannelYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I started off with just four sheets of two by two foot by four foot plywood get that already pre-MoreSo I started off with just four sheets of two by two foot by four foot plywood get that already pre-done. And then I measured down we're doing paper doll technology again measure down 12 inches.
What can you use instead of a whelping box?
For larger dogs, a plastic child's pool is another option. The only problem with this is the surface tends to be slippery for dogs and puppies. Adding blankets or towels is one solution to improve traction and provide a soft surface. Another option is remnant carpet pieces cut to fit inside the pool.
What size should a whelping box be?
For medium-size dog breeds, considered a whelping box that is about 28 to 34 inches long by 28 to 34 inches deep. Large dog breeds need whelping boxes that measure about 42 to 45 inches long by 34 to 40 inches deep. Extra-large breeds need boxes at least 48 to 58 inches long by 40 to 48 inches deep.
Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box?
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.
How do you make a cheap whelping box?
0:0012:09How to build make a puppy whelping box DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAn electric drill tape measure and a sharpie those that's it for tools. Now let's go over theMoreAn electric drill tape measure and a sharpie those that's it for tools. Now let's go over the materials that is. This here lookout us up this is a four by eight sheet of plywood.
Do you really need a whelping box?
Does Your Dog Need A Whelping Box? A box is not required, but can help with many parts of the delivery process. If you do not provide a box your dog will find an area in your home to give birth. That area might not be as clean or sanitary as a whelping box.
How long should puppies stay in the whelping box?
Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life.
What do I put on the floor of my whelping box?
Choose sturdy materials such as wood or a laminated particleboard like melamine. Melamine doesn't absorb or trap odors too, so it is the best material to be used as a whelping box. Make the floors easy to clean by using linoleum, protecting the bottom of the nest and the floor of your home as well.Aug 26, 2016
When should I put my dog in a whelping box?
Nurturing a pregnant dog's nesting instinct entails introducing her to the whelping box at least five days before her delivery date. This allows time for her to become adjusted and comfortable before the puppies are born.
Why is my dog trying to bury her puppies?
Mother canines can reject their puppies for a variety of reasons and then try and bury them away from the other puppies in their litter. Even something as subtle as the puppy being too hot or cold can cause the mother to reject the pup. It could be an indication something is wrong with the puppy or the mother herself.Feb 23, 2018
How do you keep a whelping box clean?
Take disinfectant in the spray bottle and start sterilizing the entire whelping box with the help of it. Now that the whelping box is disinfected keep clean towels and rugs in the whelping box again for the puppies. Place the pups safely in the whelping box back again with their mother.Mar 11, 2019
What happens if you touch newborn puppies?
Why Newborn Puppies Shouldn't Be Handled Often Newborn puppies aren't able to maintain their own body temperature and can easily become too cold. When you handle a puppy and remove them from their mother's warmth, they could become dangerously cold more quickly than you realize.Jan 20, 2022
What is a whelping box?
A whelping box is meant to keep the puppies safely inside, whilst still allowing the mother dog easy in and out access. In order to do that, many boxes are designed to have a ‘door’ in the side which is twice her width and tall enough to keep the pups in without scraping her belly.
Why is a whelping box not a good idea?
Using porous materials, or constructing a whelping box with multiple layers or moving parts is not always a good idea because those areas can be difficult to disinfect, and can harbor bacteria. The third feature we will keep in mind for our whelping box is the functionality.
What is PVC used for in a whelping box?
For the method in which the tubes are horizontal, the PVC serves mostly as the framework for the whelping box; blankets, paddings, or other materials are used to fill in any gaps and support the bedding. In the alternate method, the PVC works like bars on a baby gate, close together and tall enough to keep the puppies in.
How much does a PVC whelping box cost?
There are several different commercial options available, and although they can cost $400 dollars or more, they are usually well built and can be used time and time again.
How to find a whelping box for my dog?
You can often find a properly-sized whelping box for your dog’s breed through breed sites, puppy forums, other breeders, or your veterinarian. As important as it is that the box is big enough, it must not be too big or the pups could get too far away from their mother and become chilled.
Why do puppies need a whelping box?
Because the pups will not only be born in the box but also live there for the first few weeks of their life, having a proper whelping box is essential. Without a whelping box, puppies are at a much higher risk of being crushed or otherwise injured or being separated from their mother and catching a chill.
How far from the floor is a whelping box?
Most whelping boxes are designed to have a ‘pigrail’ which is a rail or pipe around the inside of the box about four inches from the floor which prevents the puppies from being crushed against the wall.
How to secure a whelping box?
Use your screwdriver and screws to secure the walls to the floor of the whelping box. Turn the screws to the right to secure them in place. Keep turning the screwdriver until it's very difficult to keep turning it. When all the screws are in place, pull and push on the walls with a medium amount of force.
Where should I put a whelping box?
If you have kids, you'll need to put your whelping box in a place where your dogs won't be frequently disturbed. An easily accessible location in the house is the best place for the box. The basement, garage, attic, and laundry room are all suitable places for your whelping box.
How to contain a puppy?
The best way to contain the puppies and the mother is by placing them in a whelping box. While you can buy a whelping box at the local pet store, it's easy and cheap to build a whelping box at home. The design is simple but effective for whelping mothers. It allows them to enter and exit the box whenever they like.
How to secure contact paper to plywood?
Secure the contact paper to the plywood with a staple gun. The self-adhesive contact paper should stick to the plywood itself. Even if the contact paper seems secure, it might lift up and the puppies could chew on it. Use the staple gun to secure the contact paper to the floor of the whelping box.
How to give birth to a puppy outside the box?
This way all the puppies will be born in the whelping box. If she gives birth outside the box, guide her into it with a lead. Lift the puppies and place them gently into the whelping box. Don't lift your bitch as she will be fragile after giving birth.
How to cut contact paper?
Use a ruler to measure the contact paper and mark the measurements with a pencil. Cut the sections of contact paper using scissors. Lay the contact paper on the plywood square and use your fingers to stick it to the wood. Remove any air bubbles in the contact paper by rubbing it with your palms.
How to keep dogs warm?
If the weather is warm, use a fan or air-conditioning to cool your dogs. On the other hand, small dogs will feel the cold more. Try and keep small dogs in warmer areas of the house. You can add a small heater to the whelping box that the dogs can use if they feel cold.
1. McEmm Mark III Whelping Box
The McEmm Mark III is the third generation of this whelping box that features plywood panels between steel tee nuts and steel corner braces. Other features include an open bottom, no hardware projecting from the panels, rounded edges, cutout panel, easy disassembly, and handles to easily move it.
2. Basic Whelping Box, From PetPlace
PetPlace provides instructions on a basic whelping box that is good for a beginner. It has a plywood floor, puppy rails, and a folding door. The box is 48×48 inches when finished and will take you half a day to build once you have all the supplies ready.
3. Whelping Box Plans, From All Things Dogs
This site offers two types of whelping boxes that are simple to make. All Things Dogs provides step-by-step instructions for building a box made from either cardboard, plastic, or wood. They like the disposable box to help eliminate any chance of cross litter contamination and easy disposal.
4. Dog Health Guide Whelping Box Plans
Dog Health Guide has free PDF plans that are simple and easy to understand. It is a plastic whelping box that is 4×4 feet in size. They use PVC pipe for the puppy rails, and you can find most of the supplies at a hardware store and a plastics company. You can construct it with a removable side if you want to make it easier to store and to clean.
5. Flat Coat Whelping Box
The Flat Coat website instructs you on how to make a whelping box from a pressboard with a white Formica-like finish that is 4×4 feet in size. You can adjust the measurements if you prefer to have a larger or smaller box.
Conclusion
Learning how to build a DIY whelping box is a great option to save money and gives you the opportunity to customize one to your liking. Hopefully, one of these plans will suit your needs, so you can build the best whelping box for your dog and her puppies.
How to build a whelping box?
Step 1. Measure and cut all the lengths that you need. On one of the sides, cut out an entrance/exit – the size of this will depend on the breed of the Mother (how big is she and how low does it need to be for her to easily get in and out). Step 2.
Where should a whelping box be placed?
The whelping box must be placed in a private and low traffic room in your house (i.e. calm and quiet with no kids, animals, or excitement). It should be placed somewhere in a neutral environment (i.e. no drafts, bright sunlight exposure and no direct heat source).
What is a pigrail in a whelping box?
This rail prevents the Mother from crushing her puppies against the wall of the box.
What is a whelping room for a pregnant dog?
A whelping room is where your pregnant dog will give birth to her puppies. It should be calm and quiet – ideally away from busy routes through the house. A dining room is usually perfect. Mom needs to feel safe; that no-one is going to disturb or pose a threat to her puppies.
What is the rail on a wooden box?
This rail prevents the Mother from crushing her puppies against the wall of the box. In wooden boxes it is usually a wooden rail, around 4 inches from the floor. In plastic boxes it is quite often plastic piping which has been laid on the floor (think plastic gutter piping).
How long do puppies stay in the box?
Puppies remain in the box usually until around 4 weeks of age; this is when they become more animated and therefore need more space to roam. This can sometimes vary depending on the breed of dog and how big the puppies are.
When is a whelping box needed for a dog?
What is a Whelping Box? So your dog is around 7 weeks into pregnancy; she is in her diestrus phase of her heat cycle. We need to start thinking about the whelping room and whelping boxes. Let’s have a look at what a whelping room is and what should be in it.
