Whelping Box or Coffin- How to Protect Puppies

An improper whelping area will lead to death of puppies.

A proper whelping area promotes safety, comfort, and development.

How can you be sure that your box is the latter? Here is everything you need to know!

Newborn Whelping Area:

1. Be sure to set up your whelping area 1-2 weeks before puppies are due and be prepared with all the vital whelping supplies that you’ll need close by!
2. How Much Room- A whelping box should be large enough for mom to lay out completely with plenty of space for her comfort as well as the babies. For medium/large dogs, I recommend around 4 feet by 4 feet. Giant breeds may need larger, small/toy breeds may need less space. Be sure the walls of your whelping box are tall enough that puppies cannot escape once they start moving around. Mom should be able to get in and out freely to attend to her pups.
3. Easy to wipe down- Plastic whelping boxes are easy to sanitize. If a whelping box is made of wood, an oil based paint can make the box easier to clean. Be sure to paint the box weeks before the puppies arrive so that there is no leftover fumes from the paint.
4. Safety Rails- Safety rails, also called pig rails, line the whelping box around all sides. It is possible for mom to lie down and crush a puppy against the wall of the whelping box. Many puppies die this way. Safety Rails prevent this accident, although it is still advisable to keep a close eye during the newborn phase in case mom accidentally sits, lays, or steps on a baby.
5. Whelping Mats- Mats are vital for puppies to have appropriate traction to nurse and move around. They are also warmer than tile or hardwood or plastic, helping puppies maintain body temperature. It is best to use one large mat when puppies are tiny to prevent them from wiggling underneath.
6. Heat Sources- Use at least 2 sources of heat on opposite sides of the whelping box. This allows puppies to find warmth in any area if they are cold.
7. Cleanliness- Keep the whelping area free of unnecessary items that could harm puppies. Clean up after any poop/pee messes left by the puppies. Change the whelping mat often. I recommend keeping cleaning items nearby in a handy basket for quick access.
8. Mom’s Preferences- Some adjustments may be made to the whelping area to help mom dog feel more comfortable. For example, some moms refuse to leave their puppies to eat. In this case, it may be best to put mom’s food in the puppy area during meal times. Some moms prefer a dark, cave-like den for her babies. Putting a blanket over the top of the whelping box can achieve this (be sure to remove the heat lamp to avoid a fire). Some mothers prefer a private/secluded part of the house for her babies, so it is best to arrange the whelping box in a back room instead of in a living room. Some mothers may prefer to be in the main areas of the house. It is always advisable to separate other adult dogs from the mother and puppies to avoid fighting.
9. Supervision- Newborn puppies need supervision from their human caregivers almost constantly. It can help to set up a video camera to help you keep watch while also accomplishing your daily tasks. It is highly recommended to set up a bed near the whelping box for you to sleep near the puppies for the first 2-3 weeks.
10. Set up a photo area nearby for quick puppy pictures without disturbing mom and puppies too much.

Transitioning the Whelping Area As Puppies Grow:

When pups turn 3 weeks old, they are ready for some whelping box upgrades!

1. Mats- Continue using whelping mats for quick cleaning, but puppies can use smaller mats as they are unlikely to get stuck underneath them.
2. No More Safety Rails- Mom is unlikely to sit, lay, or step on a puppy. The safety rails can be removed.
3. No More Heat Sources- Puppies can monitor their own body temperature and can be in the home at a comfortable temperature without external heat sources. They may not be ready to be outside in extreme temperatures yet, or only for a short period of time.
4. How Much Room- Puppies may need more room to run and play. The size of the area depends on the number of puppies, the breed, and the energy level of your babies. Mom will begin the weaning process around 3 weeks old, but will also nurse puppies for several more weeks. She will gradually decrease how much they nurse as they age.
5. Dividing the Whelping Box Into 4 Parts:
   • Food/Water Area- At 3 weeks, puppies begin sampling puppy mash (soaked puppy food mixed with formula). Designate a consistent area in the whelping box to feed the puppies. Water should be offered at all times except nighttime.
   • Play Area- Puppies should have space to play, complete with brain stimulating items and activities. Puppies will be teething, so it is advisable to provide teething toys. Avoid any toys that are small or could be swallowed. Avoid toys that the puppies can chew into small pieces.
   • Sleeping Area- Puppies take lots of naps during the day and sleep most of the night (although they may wake up for potty needs in the night). Placing a kennel into the whelping area gives gentle exposure. Remove the door on the kennel so that puppies are never trapped inside (they will not be able to hold their potty for long!). Place a cozy blanket into the kennel. It is a great idea to send this blanket (or pieces of this blanket) home with each puppy for a familiar smelling comfort item as they transition to their new families.
   • Potty Area- Use sheet trays and cooling racks to create a potty area for your puppies. Clean it every few days. A few pine wood pellets can be used under the cooling racks to absorb the smell of the potty (just keep the pellets covered by the cooling rack so that puppies can’t eat the pellets). You can also use a grass tray from Amazon or similar to begin potty training your puppies.
6. Exposure- Remember that your pups are in a very important time of life and need lots of exposure and socialization! If your pups were tucked into a back room of the house to keep mom comfortable, this is the time to bring the whelping area into a main part of the house. It is great for puppies to interact with people all day long. It is great for them to hear the dishwasher running, the cupboards closing, the TV on, and more of the sights and sounds in the house. Consider allowing each pup to have time exploring the home from time to time!

Outside Puppy Areas:

Puppies need exposure to indoors and outdoors! The first weeks of life are important for the brain to create neurological connections that build the framework for the pup’s whole life- so don’t skimp on the experiences! Provide the older pups (5 weeks and beyond) with time indoors and outdoors every day.

1. Plenty of Space- This outdoor puppy play area is 20 feet by 8 feet. Puppies have space to run, explore, and learn!
2. Stimulating Activities- Provide toys and items that will work your puppies’ brains. Things like a slide, a teeter totter, stairs, a balance beam, a wobbling disk, a ball pit, a tunnel, swings, and chew toys offer growth for the body and mind.
3. Puppy Play Pen Panels– Use adjustable paneling to arrange your puppy play pen in any shape or size you need! Know that your puppies are safe and secure as they play. Be sure to purchase tall enough panels for your breed (large or giant breeds may escape short paneled puppy play pens).
4. Grass Mat- A grass pad is easy to clean by spraying it off with the hose. Easy to remove any poop and puppies cannot dig holes in your yard! Note that a group of puppies playing every day on real grass can be enough to eventually kill the grass in that area. Rotating the area of the puppy pen around your yard can keep your grass alive and well.
5. Cleanliness- As always, keep the puppy play area clean of any trash or small items that the puppies could swallow. Be sure to clean poop out of the area often.
6. Water- Be sure puppies always have access to clean water when playing outside to avoid dehydration or overheating.
7. What if the Weather is Bad?- Puppies should be given outside time for short amounts of time (15 minutes or until they appear cold/hot) in any weather. However, it is important to make careful adjustments to be sure puppies stay safe. Even in moderate temperatures, it is advisable to be sure puppies have access to shade. Watch the grass pad to be sure it does not get too hot to hurt their feet. In the cold, puppies may use dog shoes or dog jackets for outdoors time or limit outdoors time to short stretches.