Whelping Supplies Checklist
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Preparing for whelping day
Being well-prepared is one of the most important things you can do as a breeder. Having all your supplies organized and within reach before labor begins means you can focus entirely on the mother and puppies when the time comes.
When to start preparing
Begin gathering supplies and setting up your whelping area at least 1 to 2 weeks before the expected due date. This gives the mother time to become familiar with the space and lets you confirm nothing is missing.
The whelping environment
Choose a quiet, low-traffic room that stays warm. The whelping box should be large enough for the mother to stretch out comfortably but with sides high enough to contain the puppies. Maintain the area at 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first four days, easing to about 80°F by day 7–10 and about 72°F by the end of week four.
Why a gram scale matters
Daily weighing is the single best way to monitor newborn puppy health. A puppy that loses more than 10% of its birth weight, or fails to gain weight for two consecutive days, needs immediate attention. A digital gram scale accurate to 1g is essential.
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Stock these before whelping day
The checklist items breeders most often scramble for after labor has already started.
Govee H5075 Bluetooth thermometer & hygrometer
Weeks 1–2Place it at puppy level to check the area's temperature and humidity. Phone alerts require a Bluetooth connection and enabled notifications; this model does not provide Wi-Fi monitoring. Check bedding and heat-source surfaces directly with a suitable thermometer — an ambient sensor cannot guarantee protection from overheating.
Greater Goods Digital Pet Scale
Most importantDaily gram weights are how you catch a fading puppy days before anything looks wrong. This is the wiggle-proof scale we recommend across the site — stable platform, hold and tare.
PetAg Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Powder (12 oz)
Buy a can before whelping day, not after. If a puppy can't nurse, you need formula at 2 a.m. — not after a store run. Unopened powder keeps until its expiry date.
EZwhelp washable whelping pads (48×60)
Absorbent pads that wick moisture away from puppies and swap out fast during delivery. Safer than loose towels, which newborns can burrow under.
Emergency preparedness
Even experienced breeders encounter complications. Having your veterinarian's emergency number posted where you can see it, along with basic emergency supplies, can make a critical difference in outcomes. Know the signs of eclampsia, dystocia, and fading puppy syndrome before whelping day arrives.
Whelping supplies FAQs
1What supplies do I need for whelping?
Essential whelping supplies include a whelping box, absorbent pads or liners, a digital thermometer, a digital gram scale, clean towels, a heat source, sterile gloves, a bulb syringe, hemostats, dental floss for cord tying, puppy ID collars, milk replacer, and emergency supplies like Oral Cal Plus and your vet's emergency number.
2When should I set up my whelping area?
Set up your whelping area at least 1 to 2 weeks before the expected due date. This gives the mother time to get comfortable in the space and allows you to make sure everything is organized and within reach before labor begins.
3What is the most important whelping supply?
A reliable digital gram scale for daily weighing is one of the most important supplies — it helps you catch weight loss early, which is the first sign of trouble in newborns. Equally important is a clean, warm environment to keep both the mother and puppies safe.
4Do I need a heat lamp for puppies?
Yes. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature for the first two weeks of life. A heat lamp or heating pad is essential to maintain the whelping area at around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first four days, easing to about 80°F by day 7–10 and about 72°F by the end of week four (VCA). Whatever you use, monitor it directly — check the surface with an infrared temperature gun or a thermometer under the bedding, keep a digital thermometer at puppy level, and warm only one corner so puppies can move away from it. Many pet heating pads run hotter than labeled and thermostats fail.
5What emergency supplies should I have for whelping?
Keep your vet's emergency number posted and accessible, along with Oral Cal Plus (for eclampsia), a bulb syringe or aspirator (to clear airways), tube feeding supplies (in case a puppy cannot nurse), and warming supplies like a microwavable heat disk or warm water bottles.
6How big should a whelping box be?
The whelping box should be large enough for the mother to fully stretch out on her side with room to spare, but not so large that puppies can crawl far from warmth. A general guideline is 1.5 times the dam's length on each side. For a medium breed (40–60 lbs), a 3×3 foot box works well. Giant breeds need 4×4 feet or larger. Rails along the inside edges (pig rails) are essential to prevent the mother from accidentally crushing puppies against the walls.
7Should I prepare for a possible C-section?
Yes, especially for brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers) where C-section rates exceed 80%. Know your emergency vet's location and hours, keep a credit card available for the $1,500–$4,000 cost, and have a clean carrier ready for transport. Even breeds with low C-section rates can need emergency surgery — being prepared costs nothing and can save lives.
8What bedding should I use in the whelping box?
During delivery, use disposable absorbent pads (puppy pads or medical underpads) that can be swapped out quickly. After whelping, many breeders switch to washable whelping liners or veterinary fleece (vet bed) that wicks moisture away from puppies. Avoid loose towels or blankets that newborns can burrow under and suffocate. Never use cedar or pine shavings — the oils can irritate puppy respiratory systems.