An Ultimate Guide To Whelping Pens and Their Uses

Whether you are an experienced dog breeder or it’s a one-off litter, no doubt you are feeling a range of emotions if your dog is about to have puppies. You are bound to have a few nerves but this is going to be a very exciting time once you get all of the practicalities in place. One of the most important things which need to be considered is keeping your puppies warm, safe and secure inside of a whelping pen or a dog whelping box as they are also referred to. A quality whelping pen is not only going to safeguard your puppies during birth but also in the early stages of life.

However if you are totally unfamiliar, or if you just want to know a little more about them, here is our ultimate guide to whelping pens and their uses.

What are whelping pens?

Using a whelping pen is the preferred method for allowing a pregnant dog to deliver her litter safely while feeling comfortable. A whelping pen is not just practical for the sake of your dog and puppies, but also for you. They are created with sides high enough to prevent the puppies from crawling out and putting themselves in harm's way.

A whelping box works as an enclosed space created for privacy, comfort and safety during the period of time referred to as ‘nesting’. Quite often your dog will actually give birth in the whelping box. This is one of the many reasons why it is so crucial to encourage your dog into a whelping box throughout the pregnancy and this is another reason why a bit of forward-planning really does go a long way. When she eventually gives birth in the pen, this is going to be another factor that amplifies her feelings of safety and security - this is something that you cannot put a price tag on.

What are the different types of whelping pens available?

Whelping pens are sometimes mixed up with dog beds - but there are some clear fundamental differences between the two which we have touched on, namely safety, security and warmth. Some dog owners opt to make their own whelping pens, often using a high-sided cardboard box.

Generally, this is not advised due to the amount of movement that takes place inside of the pen, not to mention the fact that cardboard and fluids are not a good mix! What's more, given how important a whelping pen is, you’ll want to take the due time and consideration to pick the right one and invest wisely. With this in mind, you will need to have a whelping pen that is suitable for your particular dog, perhaps due to either its size or its breed.

When the time comes for you to invest in your whelping pen, one of the most important things to consider is the size. Whelping pens come in a range of sizes suitable for a variety of dog breeds ranging from small, medium, large, X-large and XX-large.

The whelping box needs to cater to the mother’s size as well as being comfortable and spacious for the litter. The best way to base your decisions on the size of the whelping pen is to think about the size of your dog. There are a few simple ways to help you determine the right size for the whelping pen. One thing to consider is that the whelping box needs to be big enough so that the dog can lay down comfortably, as well as providing some extra space to allow them to stand up and move around comfortably.

Granted, your dog is going to be laying down most of the time. However, they still require enough room to move freely if they wish to. A good way to ensure this is to think about it like this, if your dog requires a 50-inch crate, it’s best to offer a whelping box with 57-60 inches on every side.

What are whelping pens made of?

Different dog owners may have a preference for specific materials for their whelping pen, many of which come with various pros and cons. Plastic is occasionally used because it’s easily cleaned, however, it's certainly not the most durable material and could potentially be snapped - less than ideal with new-born puppies around.

Wood is also occasionally used because of its durability however there is the risk that splintering can happen if a slightly flimsy or cheap wood is used. As well as this, if the quality of the wood isn’t up to scratch, it can be hard to clean. Here at Animal Transit Boxes, our bespoke box solutions are constructed from a stainless steel frame and non-porous polypropylene base, this allows our whelping boxes to provide the perfect whelping solution.

Why are whelping pens important for your dog?

There are so many reasons why a whelping pen is so important, here a few of the main reasons summarized:

You are able to control the temperature

If your puppies are in a wide-open space and free to roam as they please, maintaining a comfortable temperature can be hard, this is because a puppy will be unable to regulate their temperature when they have just been born. When placed in a whelping box, you will be able to use a heat lamp, use blankets or anything that will be beneficial to your dog and puppies at this crucial time. You will also be able to adjust and regulate this accordingly.

Safety factors

When a puppy has just been born, it is not going to be able to open its eyes properly nor will it be particularly mobile. However, as soon as they can begin to do so, they are known for becoming a little bit mischievous and playful. The beauty of the whelping box is that it allows them the opportunity to move freely within the box - however, the sides will be too high for them to get out of, a perfect preventive measure for mischief.

Allows personal space for the dog

Due to an increase in hormones, pregnant dogs may be feeling slightly more anxious and irate. Allowing them to have a calm and controlled space of their own is really important. As well as this, you will have the peace of mind that they are going to be completely safe and calm during what can be a tumultuous period.

Animal Transit Boxes - Whether You Are Looking For a Whelping Box For Large Dogs or Small Dogs - Let Us Build Your Whelping Box

Are you seeking a quality whelping pen? Animal Transit Boxes are here to help. After great demand, we are pleased to now offer high-quality whelping pen systems for your puppies. Ensure that your litter is safe and comfortable with our bespoke box solutions. Our range is specially designed for ultimate safety, including a whelping box for large breeds of dogs.

Safe, easy to use and secure, our dog whelping pens are available for delivery throughout the UK. Puppies can certainly be a handful, this is why our pens will help you care for them properly. We’ve included practical features to every whelping box such as an easy to clean base tray and stainless steel rails. Constructed from a stainless steel frame and non-porous polypropylene base our whelping boxes provide the perfect whelping solution litter after litter. If you would like to find out more about our whelping pens as well as our range of other products, please visit our website or feel free to contact us today, we’d be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.