How to clean a whelping box (and other whelping hygiene questions answered)

While breeding a litter of pups can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it’s also a lot of hard work! Naturally, it involves a lot of time and care, for both the bitch and the puppies. Whelping box hygiene forms an important part of that care! Let’s take a look at how to clean a whelping box.

Whelping boxes explained

A whelping box is a box designed to keep puppies safe. It has sides that allow the bitch to step out, while being high enough that the puppies can’t escape. This allows the bitch to come and go, while keeping the puppies contained, protected and warm. You can buy a custom-made box or make your own. If you choose to make your own, make sure you’ve done your research and that it’s safe!

The whelping box should be big enough that the bitch can stretch out with a little room to spare, but not so large that the puppies can move too far away. The puppies need to be close enough to stay warm and to feed regularly.

The whelping box should ideally have a waterproof base. It helps to line the box with an absorbent bedding, that can be easily cleaned and that doesn’t slip. Don’t use lots of blankets or towels. Puppies can easily crawl under these and either suffocate or be crushed when Mum lays down. You should also avoid hay or wood shavings, which can damage a puppy’s delicate eyes. A well fitted piece of vetbed is a good choice.

Should I clean a whelping box after birth? 

There will certainly be a lot of fluid and mess after whelping! However, it’s best to leave mum and pups alone immediately after birth. Bitches are usually very good at cleaning themselves and washing their puppies, and this is an important bonding time. Unless there are any issues, leave mum to do her bit and allow the pups to suckle before intervening.

Shortly after birth, it’s important to remove any wet or soiled bedding and replace it with fresh. This is to maintain hygiene and to prevent the puppies from becoming too cold. It can help to place plenty of newspaper or puppy pads over the vetbed (or your bedding of choice) before whelping. This way, you can remove the soiled top layer easily, without interrupting mum and her newborn puppies too much.

How do you clean a dog after whelping?

Most new mums don’t want to be fussed with straight after the birth, as their priority will be taking care of the puppies. Interfering too much can cause issues, as this is an important time for the bitch to bond with her pups. Scent also plays an important role in this bonding process, so washing mum could interfere with that. Most bitches do a pretty good job at cleaning themselves up.

Soon after birth, you can give mum a hand by cleaning her up with a damp cloth. Wait until the puppies have fed and mum is settled. Avoid using any shampoo or anything with a scent (unless your vet has advised you otherwise). Warm water is best. Make sure the areas that you clean are dry afterwards, or the puppies may become cold when they lay against mum. If mum becomes agitated at any point, take a break and then try again.

How often should I change the bedding in a whelping box?

The whelping box should be kept clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection and keeps the area warm for the puppies. There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should change the bedding; it should be changed as often as necessary. This is likely to be several times a day, especially in the first few weeks. You should hot wash the bedding with a sensitive, pet-safe laundry detergent, which doesn’t have a strong odour.

What should I clean a whelping box with?

Naturally, you need to be careful about which cleaning products you use to clean the whelping box. Keeping the whelping box clean is important to protect the puppies as they develop. It’s safest to move mum and pups to another safe location while you clean the box, returning them when its clean and dry.

The best disinfectant for a whelping box will be pet-safe and, importantly, newborn puppy-safe. It shouldn’t have a strong scent or odour. It’s also important to read the instructions carefully, as some cleaning solutions need to be diluted by a very specific amount in order to be both safe and effective. Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, which can be harmful to newborn pups (even the fumes).

How to stop a whelping box from smelling? 

Preparation and good hygiene are key to an odour-free whelping box! Here are our top tips to stop a whelping box from smelling:

-       Use a whelping box with a waterproof base, so that it doesn’t absorb any urine

-       Regularly change any puppy pads or newspaper, ideally as soon as they are soiled

-       Change the bedding regularly and as often as needed, which is likely to be several times a day

-       Use puppy pads under the bedding to protect the whelping box

-       Clean the whelping box regularly with a pet-safe disinfectant, paying attention to corners and areas where       urine may accumulate.

-       Make sure you thoroughly dry the whelping box before placing fresh bedding

-       Ask your vet for advice if you are worried about the smell.

It’s hard work, but the puppies will make it all worthwhile!

Breeding a litter of puppies is a big undertaking, for you and your bitch! It’s important that you seek advice about whelping and the care of mum and newborn puppies from your vet well in advance, so you can be prepared. Especially if it’s your first time!

This article was written by Sarah-Jane Molier BSc BVM&S MRCVS