Whelping Supplies Checklist
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 week, gradually reducing to about 80°F by week two.
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.
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) during the first week, gradually reducing to about 80°F by week two.
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.