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A whelping box is a secure, enclosed space where your pregnant dog can give birth and care for her newborn puppies. It keeps the litter contained, protects them from accidental injury, and gives mum a calm, private area during those exhausting early weeks.
Getting the setup right matters. Newborn puppies can't regulate their own body temperature for the first two weeks of life, so external heat is essential—not optional.[1] Without it, they'll chill rapidly, and a cold puppy can't digest milk properly, which puts their survival at risk.
This guide covers everything UK dog owners need to know: choosing the right whelping box, setting up heat pads safely, and maintaining a hygienic environment for your new litter. Whether you're breeding for the first time or looking to improve your setup, these practical steps will help you get it right.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance only. Breeding dogs is a significant responsibility requiring veterinary support throughout pregnancy and whelping. Always consult your vet before breeding, have their daytime and emergency numbers ready, and seek immediate veterinary help if any complications arise during labour.
The right whelping box keeps puppies safe and makes your job easier. Size, material and safety features all matter.
Your whelping box should be large enough for mum to lie fully stretched out, turn around and nurse comfortably—but not so big that puppies can wander far from her warmth.
Here's a simple measuring method: measure your dog from nose to rear while she's lying stretched out, then add 8 inches to allow for pig rails. If your dog measures 27 inches, aim for a box at least 35 inches long.[2]
The sides need to be tall enough to keep newborns contained (they'll start crawling surprisingly quickly) but low enough on at least one side for mum to step over easily without jumping.
Plastic whelping boxes are the hygienic choice for serious breeders, and there's a good reason.
Wood is porous. It absorbs urine, blood and other fluids during whelping and the weeks that follow. Even with regular cleaning, bacteria and viruses can take up residence in cracks, crevices and the grain of the wood itself—making proper disinfection nearly impossible.[3]
Plastic (HDPE or corrugated plastic) offers a non-porous, smooth surface. You can wipe it down with disinfectant and know it's actually clean. It's also lighter to move and won't harbour the same contamination risks between litters.
Pig rails (also called puppy rails or anti-crush rails) are horizontal bars fitted around the inside perimeter of your whelping box, a few inches from the floor and walls.
Their purpose is simple but critical: when mum lies down against the wall, puppies can slip under the rail into the gap between rail and wall, preventing them from being trapped or crushed against the sides.[4] This won't stop mum from lying on a puppy in the middle of the box, but it eliminates the common danger of pups getting pinned against walls.
Most quality whelping boxes include pig rails as standard. If you're buying one without them, consider whether you can add them yourself—they're worth the extra effort.
For a durable plastic option with built-in pig rails, consider the EZwhelp EZclassic Whelping Box - made of tough, easy-to-clean plastic with high walls and internal safety rails. Available in multiple sizes for small to large breeds.
Location matters. Choose a quiet, low-traffic area of your home where mum won't be disturbed by household activity. Avoid draughty spots near doors or windows.
For UK licensed breeding premises, the whelping area must be maintained at 26–28°C.[5] Even if you're not a licensed breeder, this gives you a solid target for ambient room temperature. Remember that puppies will still need additional heat beyond this—more on that below.
Newborn puppies can't shiver to generate warmth or regulate their body temperature until they're around two weeks old. External heat isn't a luxury—it's survival equipment.
Heat pads are generally safer and more practical than heat lamps for most whelping setups.
Here's why:
Some breeders use both—a pad for consistent base warmth and a lamp for drying newborns immediately after birth. But for ongoing heating, pads are the preferred choice.
During the first four days of life, puppies need an environmental temperature of 29–32°C (85–90°F).[1]
After that first week, you can gradually reduce the temperature:
One important note: a heating pad may not feel particularly warm when you touch it with your hand. These pads are designed to work with body weight and combined heat. To test properly, place a cushion or heavy blanket on the pad for 30–60 minutes, then check the temperature underneath.
Never use human electric blankets for puppies. They heat too high and lack the safety features needed around animals. Pet-specific heating pads are designed with lower, safer temperature ranges.
When buying a heating pad for your whelping box, look for:
The Pecute Dog Heat Pad (40x50cm) features constant temperature safety, anti-bite waterproof construction, and flame retardant cotton—ideal for whelping boxes. Soft cosy heated design perfect for keeping puppies warm.
The golden rule: never cover more than half the floor space with heat.
Puppies (and mum) must be able to move away from the heat source if they're too warm. If the entire box is heated, they've got nowhere to go to cool down.
Place the pad:
Always use a barrier between the pad and puppies—a whelping pad, vetbed or fleece layer will diffuse the warmth and prevent any direct contact irritation.
UK manufacturer of metal pet heat pads since 1973, plus whelping boxes, kits and accessories
A clean whelping environment protects puppies from infection during their most vulnerable weeks. This means daily attention to bedding, regular disinfection, and constant monitoring.
Use flat, absorbent bedding that puppies can't burrow under.
Vetbed (synthetic fleece with a rubber backing) is popular because it wicks moisture away from the surface and lays flat. Towels work too, but must be changed frequently. Whichever you choose, avoid piling up blankets or loose fabric—puppies can crawl underneath and risk suffocation or being crushed when mum lies down.
During the first few weeks, expect to change bedding several times daily. Keep a stack of clean bedding ready and a separate basket for soiled items awaiting the wash.
Tip: Layer puppy pads or newspaper over your main bedding during the birth itself. You can quickly remove and dispose of soiled layers without disturbing the base bedding underneath.
Wash bedding with a pet-safe, fragrance-free laundry detergent. Strong perfumes can confuse puppies who navigate by scent to find mum.
For whelping bedding, Vet Fleece Original Greenback Bedding is a breeder favourite—it wicks moisture away from the surface, lies flat so puppies can't burrow underneath, and machine washes beautifully. Quick-drying and durable.
Regular cleaning keeps bacteria at bay. Use a pet-safe, puppy-safe disinfectant—many are available from veterinary suppliers or pet shops.
Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals. Even diluted bleach can leave residues that irritate delicate puppy skin and mucous membranes. The fumes alone can be harmful to newborns.
After cleaning, make sure the box is thoroughly dry before returning mum and puppies. Dampness plus warmth creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth—the opposite of what you want.
Supervision saves lives. Never leave a heat pad running unattended with puppies if you can avoid it, and carry out these checks every day:
Have your vet's daytime number and out-of-hours emergency line saved in your phone before whelping begins. Some situations require immediate professional help.
Contact your vet urgently if:
It's always better to phone and check than to wait and hope. Vets expect calls during whelping and would rather advise that everything's normal than be called too late.
If you breed dogs in England, certain rules apply under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Key points to know:
Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check with your local council if you're unsure whether licensing applies to you.
The puppies' area should be 29–32°C (85–90°F) during the first week of life. This can be reduced gradually to around 24°C (75°F) by week four. Remember, puppies can't regulate their body temperature initially—if a newborn's body temperature drops below 34°C, it loses the ability to digest milk properly, which can be fatal.[10]
Measure your dog from nose to rear while lying stretched out, then add at least 8 inches for pig rails. The box should give mum enough room to lie fully extended and turn around comfortably, but not be so large that puppies can crawl far away from her warmth. For large breeds or big litters, go up a size to allow extra space.
Heat pads are generally safer for ongoing heating. They provide uniform warmth without the dehydration risk that heat lamps can pose. Lamps also create hotspots and are potential fire or falling hazards if not secured properly. Some breeders use lamps briefly for drying newborns after birth, but pads are preferred for consistent, long-term warmth.
Pig rails are horizontal bars fitted around the inside of the whelping box, a few inches from the floor. They create a gap between the rails and the walls where puppies can shelter if mum lies against the side—preventing her from crushing them. They won't stop every accident, but they significantly reduce the risk of pups being trapped against walls.
Plastic is strongly recommended over wood. Wooden boxes absorb fluids and harbour bacteria in porous surfaces and cracks, making thorough disinfection almost impossible. Plastic (HDPE or corrugated plastic) has a smooth, non-porous surface that you can properly clean between litters.
Before your dog is due to whelp, run through this quick checklist:
Complete whelping box setup guide with safety features and temperature zones
Setting up a proper whelping box isn't complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Get the temperature right, keep things clean, and have your vet on speed dial.
The investment in a quality plastic whelping box with pig rails will serve you for multiple litters. A reliable, pet-safe heating pad is essential equipment—not optional. And maintaining strict hygiene protects those vulnerable newborns during the weeks when they’re most at risk. For older dogs or nursing mothers who benefit from warmth, see our guide to heated dog beds for arthritic dogs.
If this is your first litter, speak to your vet well before the due date. They can advise on what to expect, when to call, and any breed-specific considerations for your dog.
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