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Originally Posted by bloominsuz  Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups?
She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track? |
You should get your pregnant female used to staying in a confined area as her whelping time approaches, and when you cannot watch her activities regularly. Otherwise, she may make her nest whre you cannot find it or have her puppies all over the place so that they can become chilled and die. Do get her used to the area that you have set up for her to have her puppies and nurse them, A whelping box that is low enough for her to get in and out of easily but not so low that the pups can roll out and chill. Choose an area that is draft free and away from heavy people traffic.
It's okay to use a heating pad (with chewproof colrd if possible, but do not cover the entire area with heat! It is better to tape the heating pad to the edge of the outside of the whelping box covering only, at the most one-third of the area. Too much heat will make the mother uncomfortable and keep the pups from cuddling to her.
With a large litter, three or more pups, it usually isn't necessary to have a heating pad. As they usually gravitate towards each other and mother for warmth.