An experienced whelping partner shares her faves.
Being a whelping partner is an amazing experience but can also be messy.
Shaz recently helped her dog birth a new litter and recommends IKEA fabric storage cases for a cost-effective and manageable whelping box for .
Her clever solution repurposes the SKUBB and STUK closet organizer boxes for a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-clean environment for whelping. When choosing the size of the box, she explains, “Consider the size of your momma dog and the number of expected pups.” Ensure the mom has room to fully stretch out and move around without stepping on the puppies.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- SKUBB or STUK storage box(es)
- (optional but recommended)
- Linen teatowels (or similar absorbent material)
- (or similar)
- Bin liner
- Vetbed (or similar soft lining) for the neonatal stage
- Oxybleach cleaning solution
How to Use an IKEA Storage Box as a Whelping Box
Getting Ready
Assemble the SKUBB or STUK box according to the instructions and place it in your designated whelping area. A quiet room with a door will make the ideal whelping area as it offers mom privacy. Line the box with your chosen absorbent material (linen or puppy pads) well before your momma dog gives birth. Placing the box in the area allows her to get familiar and comfortable with it, making the birthing process smoother.
Whelping Time
Use the linen or puppy pads to keep the box clean during whelping. Dispose of soiled pads in the bin liner as needed. Once your momma dog has finished whelping, swap the linen for the bin liner to create a fresh, clean environment for the new pups.
Keeping it Clean
After a few days, when whelping has subsided, it’s time for a bigger clean-up. The beauty of the SKUBB or STUK box is its easy washability. Simply swap the soiled box for a clean one and give the dirty box a good wash. “I recommend using an Oxybleach solution in the bathtub – it gets the box really clean,” she explains.
A Whelping Box That Keep Pups In
The design of the SKUBB or STUK box, with its lipped top, makes it difficult for the newborn pups to escape. The box gives them a safe and secure space to snuggle up with mom while still allowing her easy access to come and go as needed, especially once the pups are a few days old.
Shaz comments, “I like that the neonatal puppies have great difficulty escaping the boxes because of the lips at the top. Mom can come and go easily, especially after the first couple of days.”
Creating your whelping box from a storage container like SKUBB or STUK is not only cost-effective but also highly practical. These boxes are sturdy, easy to clean, and customizable to the specific needs of your dog and her puppies.
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