Breeding isn’t easy, and if not prepared well, it can prove quite tedious, difficult, and overwhelming for both dogs and humans. As your female Labrador’s pregnancy approaches, she will start looking for a cozy, comfortable, and dark place to give birth. And to make her comfortable, the best one can do, is provide a Whelping Box that can make the Lab feel comfortable and secure. But have you ever wondered what size Whelping Box would fit perfectly for your female Labrador?
Well, because Labradors are large dogs, giving them a big enough Whelping Box that can fit the entire body length comfortably is important. According to expert breeders, a 4 feet X 4 feet X 2 feet (LXBXH) Whelping box will go well enough for a birthing Labrador. Though this is an average measurement, the area must increase depending on the individual dog’s size. The idea is to provide a Whelping box big enough that the Labrador can lay down, stand, sit, turn around, stretch during birth, and nurse the litter with ease. Also, it should have enough empty space for housing puppies (2 to 6 or 7).
What Is A Whelping Box? Is Whelping Box Necessary?
If you are new to breeding, the phrase ‘Whelping Box’ may confuse you.
A Whelping Box, known as Nursing Den/ Box, is a space where female dogs birth and raise their litter until they turn 3 to 4 weeks. A Whelping Box keeps the mother dog comfortable, whereas the litter is warm, cozy, and safe from any kind of danger. Once the puppies turn 3 weeks, or until they have opened their eyes, they shouldn’t get removed from the Whelping box. The process of migrating from the Whelping box should happen naturally when both the mother dog and litter are ready to explore the outdoor world.
Whelping Box is undoubtedly necessary for keeping the birthing dog comfortable and her litter safe. Even though dogs’ can manage birthing in different outdoor and wild conditions, when at home, owners must ensure providing them services that can increase their help.
How Big Should A Dog Whelping Box Be?
A Whelping Box should ideally be big enough to allow the female dog to lie down comfortably, plus an extra foot space left. Whelping Boxes with rails or barriers should measure extra few inches long.
While measuring a Whelping box for your dog, always consider your dog’s size. Depending on whether the dog is a small, medium, or large breed, the size of Whelping box will differ. The size will also depend upon the dog’s weight, her temperament, and the number of puppies she is birthing (according to the ultrasound report).
For Example,
- A 21 X 34 inches long and similarly deep Whelping Box is good enough for Small Breeds.
- A 28 X 34 inches long and similarly deep Whelping Box is good enough for Medium Breeds.
- And, a 48 X 48 inches long 34 X 40 inches deep Whelping Box is good enough for Large Breeds. For dogs who are extra large, 48 X 58 inches long and 40 X 48 inches deep, Whelping Box will provide good enough space.
What Size Whelping Box Does A Labrador Need?
Labradors are large breeds, and therefore they need a Whelping Box with a bigger frame/ space.
The best way to measure an appropriate size is ‘an extra foot than your female Labrador’s length from head to rear. For Example, if the female Labrador measures 40 inches from head to toe, then the Whelping Box should be 52 inches in length. Simultaneously, the width of the box doesn’t require to be very broad but good enough to allow the Lab to lie down along with her litter. If the box is extra wide, the puppies may not be able to find their mother, especially since their eyes aren’t opened for the first 2 to 3 weeks.
Suppose the Length of Whelping Box is 54 inches; then the Width of Whelping Box should be no more than 40 inches. Also, giving a certain height to the Whelping Box is important as well. For Labradors, 24 inches would be good enough. It will keep the Lab mother and her litter safe from falling out.
Are Pig Rails Necessary In A Whelping Box?
Dog parents are often confused while layering Pig Rails in their Whelping Box. What confuses people the most is whether the Pig Rails will keep puppies safe or if it will impact them negatively.
Pig Rails are low railings inserted inside a Whelping/ Nursing Boix. Also termed as roll bars and rails, these railings are fixed inside Whelping box’s perimeter and are meant for securing/ protecting puppies from being crushed or smothered by the mother. Even when the mother rolls aside while sleeping or birthing, Pig Rails will ensure litter safety and keep them from coming underneath the huge mother.
Pig Rails aren’t extremely important in all Whelping Box, but with larger breeds like Labrador, you cannot overlook its use.
How Long To Keep Pig Rails In A Whelping Box?
Until the puppies are weaned, Pig Rails should be kept inside the Whelping Box only. However, once the puppies are big enough to crawl from under their mother or out of the Whelping Box, you can remove the Pig Rails. The best time is probably after four weeks.
How Do You Make A Labrador Whelping Box?
Whelping Boxes can be made out of cardboard, plastic, wood, or any such robust material quite easily.
Here are a few things you may need:
- Wood Railings (Or Plastic/ Cardboard as per your wish)
- Hammer
- Lab Nails
- Wood glue
- Something to cut the wooden panels (or take precut panels)
- A Plywood for making the Base
- Vinyl sheeting or something to unexposed the wood
- Water absorbent bedding
- Cozy bedding
- Pig Rails
The Procedure
- Either take precut wooden panels or cut them at home. The sizing should be:
- 4 feet X 3.5 feet (LXW) for the Base.
- 4 feet X 2 feet (LXB) for sides. Take 4 such wooden panels.
TIP: You can find precut wooden panels at home improvement stores or with your local carpenter.
- Now take one of the side panels, mark an entry/ exit and cut out the piece. The entry/ exit should be lower for the dog’s comfort but big enough for a Labrador to get in and out conveniently.
- Now fix all four size panels over the wooden Base. Use either wood glue or nails (or both) to ensure a secure fix.
- Further, take a Vinyl sheet, self-adhesive contact paper, or something similar that can cover the entire wood section. Doing so is important since wood can develop bacteria. Or the risk of wooden hangings hurting the dog and litter too will remain prominent all the time. NOTE: Do not substitute layering with any kind of paint.
- Next, line the Whelping box with an observant water sheet so no moisture enters the woods around.
- Further line it with warm, cozy, and comfortable bedding. NOTE: Ensure changing the bedding frequently to maintain hygiene for the dogs.
- Lastly, fix the Pig Rails as well.
How Do You Build A Big Dog Whelping Box?
The procedure for Building a Whelping Box (for small and big dogs) is one for all. The only trick is to keep the length and width of the box according to the dog’s size. If the dog is a small breed, keep the box small. Picking the large one may not provide a cozy and comfortable environment for the litter. Simultaneously, for large dogs, the Whelping Box should be huge. Even after when the dog fixes inside, there must be enough room left for her to stretch, turn and lie down.
8 Whelping Box Making Tips
- Prepare the Whelping Box at least three weeks before your dog’s due date (Delivery date). Firstly, you never know if the dog will give birth early or not. And secondly, it is very important to make the birthing dog comfortable in the Whelping Box. Dogs are very keen on safety when it comes to giving birth, and thus they always look for a secure place in the house. The major concern of safety for them is from their fellow humans and pets in the house.
- Choose a dark, secure, and warm space in the house where you can keep the whelping box. The place where your birthing dog is most comfortable is important. You can consider a dark corner of your bedroom, an empty room, a place below the staircase, or so. However, ensure that the Whelping box isn’t in an uncomfortable position.
- Consider covering the Whelping box with a thin cloth to avoid exposure. However, do not cover it fully.
- Keep the Whelping box clean, dry, and sanitized every day before and after the dog has birthed.
- Avoid using cardboard, newspapers, and other such materials that will soak liquid and go bad soon.
- Always keep the Whelping box away from direct sunlight or even artificial light.
- Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, so thus if it is the colder season, use heating pads essentially.
- Lastly, if you are sceptical about building a Whelping box, consider buying a readymade one.
Best Whelping Box For Labrador Retrievers 2022
- Whelping Box for Dogs | Veterinarian Approved
- Artemis Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies – Large Birthing Supplies
- EZWHELP EZCLASSIC Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies
- SincoPet Reusable Pee Pad + Free Puppy Grooming Gloves/Quilted
- Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat, Washable and Reusable Puppy Pad
- ✅ MAKE THE SMART CHOICE - Join thousands of satisfied breeders who continue to choose the PUPez whelping box. With our whelping pen, you're investing in quality, reliability, and peace of mind. Excellence with PUPez is always guaranteed.
- ✅ UNRIVALED DURABILITY - Fed up with flimsy, inferior whelping beds that simply can't compete with our unbeatable durability? Our whelping box for dogs is engineered using superior materials and design, ensuring it stands the test of time and remains the sturdiest option on the market.
- ✅ DON'T LET CLEANING BE A CHORE - While cleaning other whelping boxes for dogs and puppies leaves you exhausted, our whelping box makes it a breeze. Say farewell to rough materials and hidden nooks & crannies – our sleek design ensures spotless cleanliness in seconds, with minimal effort on your part.
- ✅ MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME, MINIMIZE YOUR EFFORT - Avoid the frustration of time consuming, complicated installation. Our puppy whelping box boasts a user-friendly design that allows you to effortlessly piece it together in minutes, so you can focus on what truly matters – your pups. You'll see exactly why other brands can’t keep up.
- ✅ ADJUSTABLE FOR EVERY PUPPY STAGE - The PUPez dog whelping pen adjustable entrance is the perfect combination of security and adaptability. Whether you're welcoming a litter of adorable puppies or needing extra height as they grow, our entrance effortlessly adjusts to meet your needs.
- ENHANCED FEATURES: The Artemis Whelping Box kit includes large, high panels to ensure the safety of your pregnant dog and her pups. This product requires no tools and is easy to assemble using the plug panels and rods, giving you the freedom to extend the box if needed.
- QUALITY HIGH-GRADE PLASTIC: Our whelping box is made with original, high-grade plastic that ensures durability and endurance. It is created with three different molding techniques, delivering a longer-lasting product that can be used time and again.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Each element of the Artemis Whelping Box is designed to be easily removed and cleaned. Simply rinse with water, or wipe clean using a cloth, and your item will be ready to use again in no time.
- WHELPING BOX FOR DOGS: This whelping box measures 80 x 40 inches – 22-inch height to offer protection for mother and puppies – removable pig rail – easy to clean panels and connectors.
- INDOOR WHELPING BOX FOR MEDIUM-SIZE DOGS: The EZclassic whelping box for medium-breed dogs offers a comfortable sanctuary for mother and puppies. It’s made of tough plastic and has a high-walled build and internal rails to increase litter safety. It features a heavy-duty canvas floor liner and comes with a washable whelping pad. The box offers a no-tool assembly for easy setup. Interior dimensions: 38" x 38".
- SECURE BUILD & PUPPY SAFETY RAILS: Our whelping box is made of durable-yet-lightweight plastic injection molding. The walls are connected with strong plastic posts and are tall enough to keep puppies from escaping. The removable internal rails help protect the puppies from being smothered by their mother, and the entrance allows the mother to come and go without feeling trapped.
- PORTABLE & EASY TO MAINTAIN: Our comfy whelping box for puppies is easy to keep clean and move around! The reusable pet pee pad and canvas liner are water-absorbent and machine washable, and you can wipe the gate clean using detergents or bleach. The box is easily portable, so you can move it from room to room.
- YOUR PUPS WILL FEEL AT HOME: This padded-bottom indoor dog fence and enclosure is more than just a birthing place. It’s also a safe puppy playpen and sleeping area, a recovery enclosure for an injured dog, foldable fencing to organize puppy accessories, and a reusable home for future litters.
- A LABOR OF LOVE: EZwhelp is a small family-run business that has spent years innovating quality products for your furriest family members. We create whelping boxes for all dog breeds and sizes as well as washable pads, heating solutions, and other dog supplies.
- Great Material of 4 Layers - 100% polyester knitting surface for ultimate comfortable; Super absorbent high density middle layer; Breathable waterproof PUL inner layer; 100% polyester knitting fabric with anti-slip silica gel bottom.
- Anti-Slip Bottom - There are a great deal of anti-slip silica gels on the bottom side of the fabric. The leak-proof, slip resistant backing will help keep your floors dry while staying in place.
- Washable & Reusable -Our washable pads are durable and long lasting, multiple washes. This 36"X41" Large washable pee pads for dogs are reusable and super absorbent. The sizing is perfect for any breed or size dog.
- Multiply Functions - These pet pads are more than just potty training supplies.These pee pads are great for housebreaking,dogs playpen,cat litter box,provides protection to crates and kennels, pet carriers.They are ideal for protecting carpet,woodfloor,sofa,furniture,car seat and car trunk during travel.Place one under food and water bowls for messy eaters, or use as a puppy whelping or training pad when welcoming your newest family members
- Excellent Soaking Capacity - These house training and travel pads can hold up to more than 20-30 times, ensures your floor and seat dry all night dry. NOTICE: When removing from bed,gather all four corners and lift while supporting bottom of the pad./*****/ Stay Strong,We got your fur baby's back /****/
- SOFT ABSORBENT FABRIC: contains liquids and non-slip waterproof backing prevents soak through.
- CLEAN AND DRY WHELPING: provides a sanitary whelping area – odors and stains wash out.
- WASHABLE, DURABLE AND REUSABLE: Drymate whelping material is durable and long lasting. It can be cut to fit, is machine washable and made in the USA.
- SURE-FOOTED SURFACE FOR PUPPIES: gives your puppies an insulated and sure-footed surface.
- CAN BE CUT TO FIT: edges won’t unravel or fray making it easy to Fit any whelping box.
Where Do I Put My Puppies After Whelping Box?
Once the Puppies are big enough to explore the outdoor world, they will start moving out of the Whelping Box. The mother dog, too, will be less possessive about her litter now, and such behavior is completely normal.
After Whelping Box, dog owners can keep the puppies in a cozy corner of their bedroom or drawing room. It is the right time to introduce them to the world called ‘Home.’ However, since they are still so small, avoid taking them to the kitchen, bathroom, garage, or other such areas.
Wrapping up…
That’s all, folks. We hope that after going through this guide, you now have a better idea of ‘How Should be your Labrador’s Whelping Box’? Choosing the correct size, adequate safety, and appropriate comfort is all that you need to ensure while buying or building a Whelping Box. And when skeptical, go with a readymade Whelping Box. Some fine options are mentioned above.