What to Include in a Whelping Kit: Essentials for a Safe Delivery
Share
Essential Whelping Kit Checklist
Make whelping stress-free with the right supplies. Discover what every dog breeder needs in a reliable whelping kit.
What to Include in a Whelping Kit: Essentials for a Safe Delivery
Preparing for the arrival of puppies is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you're a first-time breeder or a seasoned pro, having a well-stocked whelping kit on hand can make all the difference when labour begins. A reliable whelping kit helps keep mum safe, pups healthy, and you calm.
Here’s what you need to include in a quality whelping kit — and why each item matters.
1. Clean, Comfortable Whelping Space
Before anything else, make sure you’ve set up a warm, draft-free area where the mother can labour and deliver safely. A whelping box with low sides and washable bedding is ideal. Absorbent whelping pads or puppy pads help keep things hygienic.
2. Thermometer & Record Book
A rectal thermometer is useful for tracking the mother’s temperature before birth — a drop below 37.2°C usually means labour is imminent. A simple notebook or puppy record chart helps you keep track of birth times, weights, and any interventions.
3. Gloves, Towels & Clean-Up Supplies
You’ll want disposable gloves for hygiene, and plenty of soft, clean microfibre towels to dry and stimulate pups once they’re born. Also have waste bags, disinfectant (like F10 Veterinary Disinfectants), and paper towels within reach.
4. Umbilical Care Tools
Sterile scissors, dental floss or clamps for tying cords, and iodine for cleaning the navel area are all must-haves. Proper cord care helps prevent infection in newborn puppies.
5. Feeding & Emergency Supplies
Not all puppies latch on right away, and some may need support. A good whelping kit should include:
A feeding syringe or bottle (Syringe, Bottle & Tube Feeding)
Puppy formula (Neonate Puppy Nutrition)
Puppy ID collars (to track feeding progress in larger litters)
These can be life-savers if the dam is tired, sick, or rejects a pup.
6. Heating Pad or Heat Source
Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature, so a gentle heat source is critical. Heating pads, snugglesafe discs, or safe heat lamps in a corner of the box allow pups to move toward or away from warmth as needed.
7. Calcium Supplement for Mum
Calcium liquid helps support the mother’s muscles during labour and can reduce the risk of eclampsia post-whelping. Always consult a vet before administering supplements.
Why Having a Complete Whelping Kit Matters
When the time comes, you don’t want to be scrambling for supplies. A complete kit means less stress, smoother delivery, and better outcomes for both mum and pups. It’s an investment in preparedness — and peace of mind.
Internal Links
Syringe, Bottle & Tube Feeding