Whelping Supplies Checklist

What Supplies Might I Need for a Litter of Puppies?

Below is a list of whelping supplies we stock that you may need throughout pregnancy, whelping and post whelp. It has been broken down by category.

Puppy Support

  • Impact Colostrum supports immune function in newborn pups
  • Milk Replacer - Wombaroo / Di-Vetelact
  • Feeders/Bottles – Miracle Nipples, NutriCaire Bottles and teats, Pet Nurser Bottles, Wombaroo Paswell Bottles and Teats
  • Feeding Tubes Enfit, Oral Tip, Luer Slip and Catheter Tip Feeding Tubes in sizes 3.5 to 18FG/CH. Tube feeding puppies is sometimes necessary if they are too weak to nurse from their mother or a bottle, or if they are rejected by the mother. 
  • One Puff Resuscitation Kit
  • ID Collars for Puppies (Paracord for newborns, Clip or Break-Away Collars 3 to 4 weeks onwards, Velcro)
  • Iodine – Swabs or Liquid to clean & disinfect umbilical cords
  • Nutri-Drops – Nutrient Boost for Weak or Fading Pups
  • Bulb Aspirator A bulb aspirator is a simple, inexpensive, and effective tool to clear a puppy’s airways and ensure they start breathing properly after birth. Always be gentle and careful when using it, as the puppy's airway is fragile. This tool can save lives.
  • Syringes
  • Scour Support – Peptosyl
  • Probiotics (Pron8ure / Pro-Kolin)

Bitch Support

Monitoring and Warmth

  • Heating – Heat Lamp, Heat Pads, Heat Discs. Newborn pups cannot regulate their body temperature so heating is essential.
  • Hygrometer (Room Temperature Gauge with Whelp Box Probe)
  • ID Collars for Puppies (Paracord for newborns, Clip or Break-Away Collars 3 to 4 weeks onwards, Velcro). These collars help to identify individual pups, especially if its a large litter. 

Instruments

  • Forceps or Umbilical Clamps
  • Thermometer A thermometer is an essential tool during the whelping process to monitor both the bitch and her puppies, ensuring their health and well-being. The right temperature measurements can help you identify when the bitch is nearing labor and when to be especially vigilant about the puppies' health.
  • Scissors
  • Kidney Dish

Hygiene and Cleaning

Post Whelp