whelping box

Question
Our 10# dachs, 2 y.o. will deliver end Jan. My husband made a  whelping box  using aeromatic cedar which I feel  is too harsh for tiny newborns. Please advise. He has said he will line it with thick plastic and staple or make brand new box.

Answer
Hi Jane

Trust me, you will be thanking your husband when the pups are born.  

A whelping box is the BEST thing for a new mother and pups.  I would however NOT line it with staples and plastic.  Staples can work out and cut, while plastic can suffocate new pups.

Instead, use floor tiles that you can purchase at any Home Depot store.  The kind that peel and stick.  They can be wiped and disinfected, and if they lift, they are easy to replace.  Newspaper and old towels make a perfect bedding.  

It should also be noted that a wooden whelping box should only be used two to three times, then burnt and a new one built.

Good luck