What type of bedding is best for whelping and for newborn puppies?

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by srfwheat on 15 March 2016 - 03:03

In your opinion, what is the best type of bedding to use for whelping and for the newborn puppies? I have a wood whelping box, but I am not sure what bedding material to use in it.

by Jenni78 on 15 March 2016 - 04:03

I use rubber-backed rugs. They MUST have traction and cannot be getting stuck in a sea of blankets. Very dangerous.

by Western Rider on 15 March 2016 - 04:03

I use black stall mats they have a medium weight one that I like for the dogs. Not so heavy that you can't move it and clean and will stand up to the mother when she digs for nesting.

The mats that I use have rough surface on both sides one is nubs the other is lines makes for great traction for the pups and easy to clean.

by Q Man on 15 March 2016 - 14:03

In my wood Whelping Box I put the Black Horse Mats which insulate the puppies from Cold or Heat...In the Whelping Box I put a Hard Shell Plastic Kids Pool which mama has her puppies...Then inside the pool I usually just put some newspaper for mama to keep the mess easier to clean up...As soon as mama is done having her puppies I will remove all the mess and the newspaper...Leaving mama and her puppies on the Horse Mats...I will also have a Heat Lamp on top of the Whelping Box and able to adjust the height so I can control the temperature...You MUST keep the puppies warm...

~Bob~

by Keith Grossman on 15 March 2016 - 15:03

I've only whelped a single litter years ago but I used whelping pads which are pretty much what Jenni78 describes. During the actual whelping process, I stacked absorbent incontinence pads on top of each other and removed them one by one as they became soiled.

by Jenni78 on 15 March 2016 - 17:03

Mine whelp inside my home, so I use "indoor" materials that go in the washing machine. Traction is essential. Durawhelp makes pads that are great, but if you get in a bind or just need more, you can buy cheap rugs for entryways that have low pile and rubber backing. They not only keep their shape and don't allow pups to get stuck under them, but they keep moisture from the floor underneath. My new whelping room has heated ceramic tile...I am in love. Still use the rubber-backed pads/rugs for traction but no longer worry about temperature.

by Keith Grossman on 15 March 2016 - 17:03

Durawhelp! Thank you...couldn't remember the name but they're exactly what I used!

by Healing German Shepherds on 15 March 2016 - 18:03

I used old blankets than when pups were coming I used puppy pads under her when pups came easy to just throw away.I also using them with our litter for potty training they work great.I got them on eBay watch for they ones that are to thin.

by bubbabooboo on 15 March 2016 - 21:03

Mother dog whelps in a tent ( waterproof floor ) and I use washable blankets that get changed as needed ( twice a day on average ) so that you need two sets .. one to use and one set to be in the washer. The tent is soft and I have not had a puppy mashed to death since using them.

by windwalker18 on 15 March 2016 - 21:03

Back when I had a home made whelping pen with a "pig-rail", and used heavy duty mats such as you find in many buildings in spring/winter to absorb water. I cut them in 1/2 (4' X 4') for the bottom of the pen, and wash them every day or two. The nap of the rug gives pups a dry surface, and lots of traction, and the weight prevents mom from "fluffing" them like she might with a blanket or comforter, possibly suffocating a pup in the process.

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