How to Make a Whelping Box for Pugs

Select a strong cardboard box that has walls high enough to prevent puppies from rolling out. Ensure that it's solid enough not to sag, bend or collapse when your pug mother leans against its sides. Floor spacing should enable her to stretch out comfortably, leaving enough room for her puppies to crawl and move around during their first two or three weeks of life. If the box is too large, however, the puppies can scatter. It shouldn't be difficult for them to get to their mother to nurse and to stay together with her to keep warm.

Cut out the box's doorway using a pair of scissors or sharp knife. Use your expectant pug as a guide concerning the doorway's size and formation. She should be able to enter the box with ease, without brushing against the doorway's sides. Leave a lip at the bottom of the doorway to keep puppies from rolling out. Ensure the lip is low enough however, that your pug mommy will not scrape her stomach or nipples against it when she enters and leaves her "maternity ward." She must be able to step in and out with minimal effort. Make sure she has a clear view of the box's interior when she peeks inside.

Line the box with at least two layers of unfolded newspaper. Lay the newspaper flat and make sure it reaches to all four of the box's sides. The newspaper prevents puppies' urination and defecation from soaking into the box. It also provides insulation from cold flooring. Cover the newspaper with small, unfolded towels. Don't use very thick or fuzzy towels or towels that have rips, holes or loose string. Puppies easily become entangled and suffocate. Once the puppies are born, the newspaper and towels must be changed frequently. This not only keeps your pug mother and her babies clean, it also prevents bacterial and other infections.