How to Prepare a Whelping Kit

While most people choose to spay and neuter their pets to prevent unwanted litters, the occasional accidental pregnancy can and does occur. If this happens to your dog or a neighborhood stray there is something you can do to help. It is not recommended to leave the situation up to chance as the mother will likely need Veterinary care at some point prior, during or after the birth. What you can do is prepare a whelping kit or a safe warm environment for her to use when giving birth. Here is a list of the essential items in a whelping kit:

1. Numbers: Your Veterinarian’s telephone number. Also, get the number of a 24 hour emergency facility because births can take place at any time and you will need to know who to call quickly in case of an emergency during the delivery.

2. Whelping box: A sturdy box with tall sides that is large enough for the damn to stretch out in. You can make one out of wood with a small door cutout, purchase one made of plastic from a pet supply store or use a sturdy card board box if you are really in a pinch.

3. Bedding: Your whelping box will need bedding and will need to be warm. You can achieve this through layers or newspaper, paper towels, rags and towels or you can use a temperature controlled heating pad covered in a blanket.

4. Extra Towels: A supply of small towels can be handy when the puppies are born. Often, puppies will need vigorous rubbing with a warm towel to stimulate their bodies and get them breathing.

5. Cord Cutting Materials: You should use hemostats to clamp the cord and sterilized scissors to cut the cord. After the cord is cut (one inch from the puppy’s body) use un-waxed dental floss to tie it off. If you can, dip it in Betadine first to sanitize the tie.

6. Thermometer: You should keep a thermometer, Vaseline and a notebook on hand to take and record the mother’s temperature for the next several days. This will be most helpful in monitoring her physical condition and making sure she isn’t battling an infection after the birth. Check with your Veterinarian beforehand to determine an appropriate temperature range.

7. Gloves: Surgical gloves along with K-Y Jelly are helpful should you need to assist with any puppies who seem stuck. If neither you nor the sire can deliver the puppy you will need to seek Veterinary care immediately.

8. Ribbon: You should have several different colors or patterns of ribbon on hand to identify which puppy is which. Simply tie a loose bit of ribbon around the neck of each puppy and write down their information and ribbon color on a piece of paper. This will help you keep them straight when they go to their first Vet visit. You want to get weights on each puppy and be able to keep them straight to make sure your Vet is examining or weighing the same puppy as he did at a previous visit.

9. Fluids: The sire will need plenty of fluids to keep up her strength during the labor process. She will also need fluids for 24 to 48 hours afterward to provide nutrients to her as she nurses her pups. Good liquid choices are chicken or beef broth, NutriCal or other calcium supplements. Vanilla Ice Cream is also an excellent choice because it provides hydration, glucose or sugar for energy and a calcium boost which can help the parathyroid gland release a hormone from the bones that aids in pushing during delivery.

10. Emergency Contact: As the time draws nearer you should have a friend or family remember who is ready to help at a moment’s notice. Whether it is to drive you to the Vet while you give first aid to your dog in the back seat or to watch your children should you need to take the dog(s) to the emergency room; it is always good to have a back up plan in place. An extra pair of hands could also be very helpful during the birth of a large litter.

Visit pet-super-store.com to find wood dog kennels.