The floor of the whelping box is essential to protecting the pups from getting wet or injured. The material should be solid and waterproof so that water can’t seep through it or cause the pups to get cold.
If you are building it yourself, plywood, and particle board are popular materials to use as flooring for a whelping box. They’re strong, hygienic, and easy to clean. They don’t absorb liquids and odors as cardboard does. Carpet is another choice, but be sure it’s non-toxic. You can also use vinyl flooring in a whelping box. Don’t use a straw, wood shavings, or newspaper for flooring, as they are not safe for newborn puppies. Instead, you can use puppy pads or vet blankets to keep the puppies warm, safe, and comfortable.
If you want to know more about what is the best flooring for whelping box, continue reading.
What Is A Whelping Box?
A whelping box is a safe, comfortable place where your dog gives birth to her puppies. They are an essential part of a breeding plan, so it is important that you have one in place for your dog and her puppies to be able to thrive.
The best whelping boxes are large enough for your dog to lay down and nurse her puppies comfortably yet provide them with extra wiggle room so they can move around freely. This allows her to be comfortable and stress-free throughout the entire birthing process.
You can buy a commercially made whelping box, or you can make your own using wood or plastic panels. You can also make a whelping box from cardboard boxes. However, this will be temporary and will not be as sanitary or strong as a commercially made box. Lastly, you can buy a ready-made whelping box that is the ideal size for your breed.
What Is Whelping Box Flooring?
The floor of a whelping box serves a number of purposes, but most importantly, it helps protect the puppies from being crushed. In addition, it can prevent them from being exposed to urine and feces.
It can also provide a traction surface for puppies to crawl around on, which helps them get closer to their mother. The floor can be a solid piece of flooring or a whelping box mat or rug.
Make sure you choose a flooring material that is firm yet comfortable for puppies. You should avoid using non-toxic material that can be harmful to the puppies as well as the mother dog.
What to Use for Whelping Box Flooring?
The whelping box is where mum can have her puppies, so it needs to be a warm and comfortable place for both her and the pups. Here are some common things used as whelping box flooring.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most common materials used for whelping box flooring. Its durable construction and easy maintenance make it a popular choice for homeowners. It is also one of the most cost-effective flooring options. It is resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, making it easy to clean and maintain.
- Carpet
When it comes to whelping box flooring, carpet is one of the most common materials used. It is a warm and comfortable floor covering that can help trap allergens. Carpets come in a variety of styles and colors and are made from a variety of materials.
- Crate Mats
Crate mats are a great choice for whelping box flooring because they are soft, absorbent, and easily cleaned. They also protect your floors from scratches and stains.
- Blankets
When you’re looking for a whelping box flooring option, blankets can be a good choice. They are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to clean. You can choose blankets made from different materials, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
- Vet Bedding
During whelping, a pet needs to stay warm and comfortable. This can be done by using a vet bed. Vet bedding is a good option for the whelping box because it is soft and easy to clean. It is also moisture-resistant and prevents mold and mildew.
- Newspaper
Newspaper is an excellent choice for whelping box flooring, but it must be removed after the puppies are born. This is because the newsprint will discolor and shred, making it difficult to clean up after the litter.
The 5 Best Flooring for a Whelping Box
If you’re a serious breeder, you’ll need an incredibly strong and durable dog-whelping box. Apart from that, you need to use the right type of flooring to keep the puppies comfortable and avoid any mess.
Here are the 5 best flooring options for a dog-whelping box.
Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat
The Drymate Whelping Box Liner Mat is a great way to protect your whelping box from stains and spills. It can be cut to fit any size whelping box and is machine washable.
It is made with a soft, absorbent fabric that will help your puppies stay comfortable and clean. It also has a non-slip backing that will keep your floors safe from spills.
This mat is also puncture-resistant and phthalate-free. It is made in the USA and will last for a long time.
This whelping mat is ideal for both mom and puppies. It has a soft surface that is perfect for mom to lie on and gives her traction as she moves around.
Peepeego Upgrade Non-Slip Dog Pads Extra Large
These dog pads are large-sized and made of a soft material similar to camp blankets. They are ideal for a variety of purposes, including puppy potty training, whelping box liner protection, incontinence, travel, and more.
They are also eco-friendly because they can be washed and reused. This is much better than buying single-use pads and throwing them away after a few uses.
EZwhelp Reusable Dog Pee Pads
EZwhelp dog pee pads are an excellent choice for dog whelping boxes. They are absorbent and washable and come in a variety of sizes for different dogs.
The pads are made of a soft, quilted multi-layer that features an internal “soaker” layer that wicks fluid away from the surface.
They also feature a waterproof barrier at the bottom to keep liquid from seeping through.
SincoPet Washable Dog Pee Pads
Whether you’re potty training a puppy or making a whelping box, these washable pads are a must-have. They’re easy to clean, dry fast and offer built-in odor control.
They’re also a great way to protect your floors and furniture from urine stains and messes.
They’re available in 19 sizes, so you can choose the right one for your dog or situation.
GREEN LIFESTYLE Washable Pee Pads for Dogs
GREEN LIFESTYLE Washable Pee Pads are a great option for those looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to whelping box flooring.
They are made with eco-friendly fabric, which can break down faster than traditional plastic materials. The pads are also machine-washable and easy to dry.
Conclusion
The whelping box is a safe and clean area where your dog can give birth to her puppies. The box should be large enough to keep her comfortable.
In order to protect your floor and keep the whelping box clean, you need to use the right type of flooring.
Many breeders use shredded newspaper as the bedding for their whelping boxes, but other options include towels and blankets, wood shavings, and even sand.
However, these materials are not safe. So, it is best to invest in pee pads or vet bedding to use as whelping box flooring.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
