How to Design a Whelping Box for a Small Dog

When you have a dog that is expecting, there are a couple of very important things to keep in mind. Dogs need to receive regular vet checks and good nutrition, and have a whelping box prepared for the birth.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard box
  • Scissors
  • Blankets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your box. A whelping box should be large enough to comfortably house mother and babies, with plenty of room for your dog to turn around and shift, and room for the babies to get out of her way.

    • 2

      Set the box upright and cut one side out. Leave a large lip at the bottom of the side you're cutting out. The goal is to build a box that your dog can easily enter and leave. The lip at the bottom should keep the pups contained in the box, instead of getting out to wander around.

    • 3

      Supply the whelping box with blankets for your dog to nest in, and place it in a safe, isolated spot. Your dog should be in private when she is in labor, and not in a busy part of the house.