We have a litter due at the end of this month and I am in need of a heat source for the pups. What do you recommend?

Thanks!

A warming mat for pigs works great .. plastic and waterproof .. no light pollution or fire hazard.  Pups crawl on and pups crawl off .. about $50 and they can be used in dog houses in the winter for a heat source ( getting power to them is the only challenge ).  I think they burn about 90 watts per hour.  Hard plastic so no chewing hazard and they only heat to 100 degrees F so no chance to overheat the puppies.  I have also heated rocks in the oven (big ones) and wrapped them in blankets then put them in the nest in one corner when temps were zero F and pups were in outside housing.  Best to put heat mats in a corner so pups can crawl to it or away.  A good mother dog does not need any help for the first 3 days which are critical .. she is all the heat they need.  If born in the house I use a tent ( 6X8 ) as it gives momma a cave like place to hide, it keeps the puppies in one place for at least 2 weeks or until they can walk and climb.  A tent also keeps down drafts, has a waterproof bottom, and is soft so momma is not as likely to mash a baby.  If you leave them in the tent too long they will demolish the tent ( $30 ).  A kids swimming pool is also good buy I like the tents better in winter months.  Some momma dogs do not like stuff in their puppies space so the heat pad needs to be under bedding or with a blanket on top.

Farm Innovators Large Plastic Heated Pet Mat 24" X 29"

Farm Innovators Large Plastic Heated Pet Mat 24" X 29"

• 120 watts of power
• Dimensions: 24" X 29"
• Heats to approximately 98-100º
• Keeps your pets warm during the cold season
• For dog houses, garages or any place your pet needs warmth
• Totally water tight with a sealed bottom making them totally safe
• Designed to automatically heat to your pet's body temperature range
• Unique design eliminates hot spot problems common with other plastic mats
• Built-in red indicator light turns on and off showing when unit is warming
• Constructed of durable and weather resistant high impact ABS plastic
• Anti-chew cord protector to detour your pet from chewing
• Designed for indoor and outdoor use

Thanks for the link! This is just what I am looking for! Only hope I can get it before the end of the month!

Price depends on where you are but I paid about $50-$60 for mine .. they are tough and last forever and can be used for multiple jobs.  One stuck in the pump house will keep your pressure tank and pump plumbing from freezing .. an alternative to a heat lamp that dogs can find multiple ways to get into mischief with.  Once the pups get big enough to crawl well they will pile up together if they need warmth and they will crawl on or near the heat pad.  It does not get very hot so don't panic if you plug it in and it is still cold  . just warm to the touch after it warms up. Call around to farm supply and coops for a better price than in the link.  Going into the summer months unless you live in a cold climate I doubt the ps will need a heating pad and a little cool is better than a little hot .. 55-65 degrees is not too cool day round and 70 degrees is near perfect as long as momma dog is around to run the nursery.  Momma dog can make them (pups) warmer but she can't make them cooler.

Thanks for the information. 70 is about the ambient temperature these days. AC is not common in this area.   I am guessing a fan should be on standby if it does decided to get to a higher than normal summer temperatures for a change! Good point about momma dog warming VS cooling. This is her second litter in 5 years and she did a great job with her first litter. I know she will do great! Thanks for the help.

Drafts are a killer for all newborns so not to happy about fans. When it is that hot I use a fan but point it at the ceiling to push the hot air out but never on the pups.

I have tried the mats have a couple but have never had a pup crawl on to it. The mat can heat up to a temp of 100 but if I remember correctly it does not get that warm unless something is laying on it, so the pups don't feel the heat and crawl to it.

And the directions caution that you not put it under anything

I keep the temp for my pups and mother around 95 for the first 2 weeks then very slowly bring down over the next two weeks to 85 when they are around 4 weeks.

I still keep a lamp on them, the mat would be good now, as they are now allowed to go out side during the day and this way if they want heat they can go to it.

The tent is good if you need cooling for the pups such as a fan or ac in the room.  The tent knocks off all drafts but of course with momma and pups it is warmer inside the tent than outside the tent.  For orphan pups that I have bottle fed I have used 1 gallon bottles filled with hot water.  Four of them with a bath towel canopy makes a place where a pup can crawl in and stay warm and they will lay up beside the warm bottle if it feels good.  Momma is the best heater and if your female has already had a litter and done well I would not be concerned about heat.  Momma will keep them heated for the first few days until they have some body control and heat .. after that the pups if 4 or more will pile up together to stay warm and they like the feel of being together.  I had a litter of 12 and they made seperate piles to keep warm.