Welcoming a litter of puppies is a joyous occasion, and ensuring a calm and serene environment for the mama dog and her newborns is essential. Here are some suggestions to help you transform your whelping area into a peaceful sanctuary:
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1. Keep the Room Dark and Quiet
- Dim Lighting: Use soft, dim lighting to create a calming atmosphere. Avoid bright lights that can stress the mama dog and disturb the puppies. We have a lot of plants in the room and sometimes only turn those lights on or we have lamps that have mood lighting. Even at night we keep a form of lighting on for momma to see.
- Noise Control: Maintain a quiet environment by using soundproofing materials or white noise machines to mask external noises that could cause anxiety. We use our Alexa and have a subscription to Sleep Jar which gives us unlimited play time with multiple nature sounds and also city background noises, train noises, doorbells and crowds.
2. Comfortable Bedding
- Soft, Clean Bedding: Provide plenty of soft, clean bedding for the mama and her puppies. Use washable blankets or puppy pads that can be easily changed to maintain hygiene. Here is a regular daily routine.
- Whelping Box: Ensure the whelping box is spacious enough for the mama to move around comfortably and for the puppies to nurse and sleep. We love our Artemis whelping box for its easy to clean walls to how many options we have to set up configurations.
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3. Temperature Control
- Warm Environment: Keep the room at a comfortable, warm temperature. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, so maintaining warmth is crucial.
- Heating Pads: Use heating pads (I prefer heating pads) or heat lamps specifically designed for whelping areas to provide additional warmth.
4. Mental Stimulation for Mama Dog
- Chew Toys: Provide safe chew toys like raw bones to keep the mama dog occupied and reduce stress.
- Treat Puzzles: Interactive treat puzzles can engage her mind and offer a rewarding distraction.
- Calming Treats: Consider offering calming treats or supplements designed for dogs to help reduce anxiety.
5. Essential Supplies
- Water and Food: Ensure fresh water and high-quality, nutrient-rich food are always available for the mama dog. Nursing mothers require extra nutrition to support milk production.
- Food Toppers: To encourage the mama dog to eat while she is producing milk, add food toppers like canned cat food or freeze-dried raw food mixed with her kibble. We utilize PawTree products for our dogs due to its high quality and completely balanced meals.
- Cleaning Supplies: Use pet and puppy-safe cleaners that are broad-spectrum for your peace of mind. Regularly clean the whelping area to prevent infections and ensure the health of the puppies. Check out our Favorite cleaners.
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6. Routine and Familiarity
- Consistent Routine: Maintain a consistent feeding and care routine to help the mama dog feel secure and reduce stress. I keep dry food available at all times but give food with toppers three times a day.
- Familiar Scents: Use familiar scents, such as a piece of your clothing or a blanket from home, to provide comfort and reassurance.
7. Minimize Visitors
- Limited Access: Limit the number of visitors to the whelping area to reduce stress and ensure the mama dog feels safe and secure. I do this for the first two weeks.
- Quiet Time: Allow plenty of quiet time for the mama dog to bond with her puppies without interruptions.
8. Separate Spaces for Multiple Litters
- Individual Areas: If you have multiple litters in one area, it’s important to keep things separated between litters and mama dogs. Use 3-foot fencing, both inside and out, to create individual spaces for each litter.
- Reduce Stress: Separate spaces help reduce stress and prevent any potential conflicts between mama dogs.
- Separate Potty Areas: We make sure that each dame has their own potty area to ensure each mommas privacy and to minimize any cross contamination between litters. We separate each area with gates.
9. Aromatherapy
- Calming Scents: Use certain aromatherapies, such as lavender or chamomile, to help keep the mama dog relaxed and calm. Ensure the scents are safe for dogs and used in moderation.
10. Breaks for Mama Dog
- Personal Space: Give the mama dog her own space away from the puppies for well-deserved breaks. This allows her to rest and recharge without constant attention from her puppies.
- Quiet Retreat: Create a quiet retreat area with a comfortable bed where she can relax and have some alone time.
11. Veterinary Support
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the health of the mama dog and her puppies. We don’t take our puppies in until they are seven weeks old but always take in any puppy that is having issues immediately.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep emergency veterinary contacts readily available in case of any complications. Vets numbers to keep on hand or program into your phone. 24 hr emergency vet, reproductive vet and I like to keep my primary vets number along with two other vets that I use for back up.
Creating a peaceful sanctuary for your mama dog and her puppies will help ensure a smooth and stress-free whelping process. By providing a calm, comfortable, and nurturing environment, you’ll support the health and well-being of both the mama dog and her precious puppies.
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