the rubbermaid tubs are great and easy to keep clean...I have a few that I have cut out one side, at three-four weeks I switch to this so they can get out and use their pee pads (mom sometimes will stop cleaning up after them around this time)
I use pish pads cut to fit the bottom and throw in a fleece blanket about the size of a T-towel, the heat pad SET ON LOW wrapped in a towel UNDER the bed...Mom will continue to nest in the pups bed, you dont want anything too large or bulky mom will bury the pups.
(2) Hemostats to clamp (crushing) the umbilical cord (if needed) and another to keep hold of any placenta that may not come down easy.
Thermometer - easier to use a digital
Scale - should be digital more accurate - weigh 3 x per day first week
Scissors - should be surgical
KY gel - if a pup appears to be a bit stuck or tight in the canal
Benebac gel - for the pups and mom
4 different colors of fingernail polish or loose fit hair ties to mark each pup so you can monitor individual weight gain.
***make sure no drafts are near or around the bed and the room is at least 75 degrees
***Food for mom (her favorite things to eat and drink, goats milk daily)
***nurti-drops - ONLY ONE TINY DROP on your finger and wipe on the newborns tongue (for a weak pup) once or twice a day along with a bit of benebac
***take moms temp for three days twice a day post whelping anything over 103 get her to the vet
***take mom to vet no longer that 24 hours post whelping if you feel for any reason there has been a retained placenta
hope this helps, good luck!
__________________ Kimberly |