How to Set Up a Whelping Area: Supplies & Tips for Breeders
Share
Whelping Area Setup Guide
Create a safe whelping space with the right gear. Learn how to set up a clean, calm environment for your dog and her newborn puppies.
How to Set Up a Whelping Area: Supplies & Tips for Breeders.
Preparing for whelping involves more than just buying a kit — it’s about creating a calm, controlled space where your dog feels safe giving birth. A well-prepared whelping area helps reduce stress, prevent complications, and support healthy puppies from the start.
Here’s how to set it up right, and what supplies you’ll need to have on hand.
1. Choose the Right Location
Pick a quiet, low-traffic spot in your home that is:
Free from drafts
Away from children and other pets
Easy to clean (tile or vinyl floors are ideal)
Avoid busy living areas — your dog needs peace, and the pups will need a stable environment free from constant disruptions.
2. Use a Whelping Box
A good whelping box:
Has low sides so mum can come and go
Keeps pups safely contained
Offers enough space for mum to stretch out
Line it with Vetbed (also known as Dry Bedding) which is readily available online and is absorbent and washable. Vetbed is softer and more hygienic than old towels or blankets.
3. Create a Comfort Zone
Add soft bedding for mum before whelping begins, and give her a chance to nest. Avoid scented products or harsh cleaners. Many breeders use:
Non-slip vet bedding
Disinfectants like F10 Veterinary Disinfectants to prep the area beforehand
Keep the lighting low and noise minimal during labour and for the first few days afterward.
4. Keep Supplies Within Arm’s Reach
Once labour begins, you won’t want to leave mum unattended. Set up a table or basket nearby with:
Umbilical care tools such as Ultra Fine Dental Floss and Mosquito Forceps or Umbilical Cord Clamps.
Feeding syringes or bottles such as Miracle Nipples or Bottle and Syringe Feeding Kit
Puppy formula (Neonate Puppy Nutrition)
Puppy ID Collars and a notebook for record-keeping
Label and organise everything clearly — you’ll be glad you did when pups start arriving.
5. Temperature Control Is Key
Newborn pups can’t regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks. Keep the area warm but not overheated:
Use a Heat Lamp with Heating Pads or Discs placed under half the box
Monitor room temperature (ideal is 26–29°C in the first week)
Check pups regularly to ensure they’re not too cold or too warm
Find breeder-safe products in our Heating & Critical Care section.
6. Clean and Disinfect Regularly
In the days after birth, clean bedding and pads daily. Disinfect the area to prevent bacterial build-up. We reccomend using a veterinary grade disinfectant such as F10 Veterinary Disinfectant. Always remove mum and pups before spraying anything, follow product instructions and allow the area to dry completely.
Final Tips: Prepare in Advance
Don’t wait for signs of labour to begin setting up — have everything ready at least one week before the due date. Preparation ensures a smoother whelping and a more relaxed environment for both mum and breeder.
Have an emergency after hours veterinary clinics phone number on hand in case of an emergency.