Getting ready for the whelping of a litter is a bit of work. I have moved my bedroom around and cleared a large space for the whelping box and xpen. I am setting up my large whelping box, surrounded by an xpen and then draped in sheets for privacy. Inside of my whelping box I am putting a baby pool for the whelping process itself. It helps make it much easier to keep things nice and clean and tidy. New mothers feel more at ease and less stressed if they feel they are safe and secure and have a space all of their own, much like a cave or den. The sheets also keep a draft from chilling the puppies once they are born. Relaxed momma's should have an easier time during whelping and will let down more milk for the puppies.
I am setting up my supplies table. Thermometer, Alcohol, small blunt-end scissors, digital scales to weigh newborns (and daily), ear bulb for clearing nasal passage and throat. I have my pink (female) and blue (male) nail polish for marking a toe of each pup for identification. I have plenty of small clean towels for rubbing puppies, and wash rags for wiping up and cleaning up momma. I have my whelping books and puppy intensive care book for quick reminders and a guide.I have my notebook for keeping track of her progress and will take her temperature three times a day so I will know when her temperature drops. Whelping should be within 24 hours of the temperature drop.
I have a heating pad and laundry basket ready for a warming area for the puppies as she delivers more. Water bucket for momma. I have sterilized my bottle in case one will need help getting started nursing.
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