Preparation for whelping

About a week before the puppies are due, start encouraging the bitch to sleep where she is to whelp. This may be a box, a basket or even a clean area of the room. The essentials of a satisfactory whelping area are:

1. Size It must be large enough for the bitch to lie fully extended.
2. Lighting The area should be dimly lit and so arranged that the bitch can be observed without being disturbed.
3. Heating The area should be warm, dry and draught free. Some form of heating should be provided in cold weather, but make sure it is not an 'oven' in summer.
4. Safety rails A whelping box should be fitted inside with rails about 5 centimetres above the floor all round. The rails provide a safety area where a puppy can lie without being crushed if the bitch rolls. This is particularly important in large breeds of dogs.
5. Bedding Ideally provide some form of absorbent, disposable paper as a bedding material, as this, is easy to clear away afterwards. Torn newspaper is ideal.

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