Whelping your first litter can be exciting and rewarding, but if you’ve never bred dogs before, or experienced your dog giving birth, it can also be difficult to know what to expect. There’s lots to prepare for, such as getting the whelping box ready, knowing what you’ll need once the puppies arrive and how to keep the puppies at the right temperature once they’re born. Find out everything you need to know below in our guide to whelping.
Whelping is the name that’s given to the process of a dog giving birth. Most dogs can whelp on their own, but sometimes, like humans, some dogs may have complications that can be dangerous to the mother or her puppies.
Are you panicking because your pregnant dog might deliver her puppies in her crate? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the essential info on this common concern.
Many dog owners wonder if their furry friend can safely deliver puppies in a cage or crate. The short answer? Yes, dogs can absolutely give birth in cages – and some momma dogs even prefer it! In fact, many dogs instinctively seek out small, enclosed spaces that feel safe and secure when it’s time to deliver their puppies.
Why Some Dogs Choose Crates for Whelping
As a dog owner with experience in breeding, I’ve seen this scenario play out many times. Dogs are den animals by nature, and that cozy crate might feel like the perfect protected space for your dog to deliver her puppies.
Here’s why your dog might actually PREFER her crate for giving birth
- It feels safe and familiar
- It provides privacy from household activity
- The enclosed space satisfies her natural denning instinct
- It’s already “her territory” and smells like her
One of my clients Sarah was shocked when her Labrador chose to deliver all 8 puppies in her travel crate rather than the fancy whelping box Sarah had prepared. But it made perfect sense – that’s where her dog felt most secure!
Converting a Dog Crate into a Proper Whelping Box
While dogs can technically give birth in regular crates, it’s best to modify the crate to make it more suitable for whelping. Here’s how we can transform a standard crate into a proper whelping space
- Choose the right size – The crate should be large enough for mom to stretch out completely and have room for puppies
- Add proper bedding – Line with absorbent, washable materials like Reusable Pads
- Ensure good ventilation – Make sure there’s plenty of airflow
- Add a whelping rail – This prevents mom from accidentally crushing puppies against walls
- Consider temperature control – Puppies can’t regulate body temp well
At my breeding facility, we often use large wire crates with the doors removed as the base for our whelping areas. They provide the security dogs want with the modifications needed for safety.
Preparing Your Crate for Whelping: The Essentials
If your dog is showing signs she’s about to give birth, and seems determined to use her crate, here’s what you’ll need to properly prepare it:
Must-Have Supplies
- Absorbent bedding – Waterproof, washable pads work great
- Clean towels – For drying puppies if needed
- Heating pad or lamp – Keep it at safe distance to avoid burns
- Thermometer – To monitor mom’s temperature
- Veterinarian’s contact info – Both regular and emergency numbers
- Scissors and dental floss – Sterilized, in case you need to cut umbilical cords
- Paper and pen – To track birth times and puppy details
One thing we’ve learned the hard way – you can never have enough clean bedding! Those first few days get messy, and frequent bedding changes keep everything sanitary.
The Pros and Cons of Whelping in a Crate vs. Whelping Box
| Crate Whelping | Purpose-Built Whelping Box |
|---|---|
| ✅ Familiar to your dog | ✅ Designed specifically for birthing |
| ✅ Already available in many homes | ✅ Often includes safety rails |
| ✅ Enclosed, den-like environment | ✅ Typically more spacious |
| ❌ May lack proper whelping features | ✅ Better access for monitoring |
| ❌ Can be harder to clean thoroughly | ✅ Often easier to clean |
| ❌ Limited access for assistance | ✅ Designed for human intervention |
Warning Signs During Crate Whelping
While whelping is natural, sometimes things go wrong. Be alert for these warning signs that require immediate veterinary attention:
- Mom straining for more than 30-45 minutes without producing a puppy
- More than 2 hours between puppies (once labor has actively started)
- Excessive bleeding (more than light spotting)
- Green or black discharge before all puppies are delivered
- Extreme distress or weakness in the mother
- Puppies that appear stuck in the birth canal
We had a scary situation last year when our Corgi was delivering in her crate and had a puppy stuck for nearly an hour. The emergency vet visit was worth every penny – it saved both mom and puppy!
FAQs About Dogs Giving Birth in Crates
Q: My dog is hiding in her crate – is she about to give birth?
A: Possibly! Seeking seclusion is a common pre-labor behavior. Look for other signs like nesting, restlessness, decreased appetite, and a temperature drop below 100°F.
Q: Should I remove the crate door during whelping?
A: Yes, we recommend removing the door or securing it open to give mom freedom to enter and exit as needed and to give you better access for assistance.
Q: How can I monitor my dog if she’s giving birth in a crate?
A: Position the crate where you can easily observe without disturbing her. Some breeders use baby monitors or pet cameras for remote observation.
Q: Will my dog clean up after herself in the crate?
A: She’ll likely clean her puppies and eat the placentas, but you’ll still need to change bedding frequently. Ideally, mom shouldn’t eat more than 3 placentas to avoid stomach upset.
Key Signs Your Dog is Ready to Give Birth
Whether in a crate or elsewhere, know these important signs that delivery is imminent:
- Temperature drop – When it falls below 99°F, puppies are typically coming within 24 hours
- Restlessness and pacing
- Refusing food
- Nesting behaviors – Digging, arranging bedding
- Panting and shivering
- Passing a small amount of red/brown mucus
Final Thoughts: Creating the Ideal Birth Environment
If your dog is determined to use her crate for giving birth, don’t panic! Instead, work with her natural instincts while making necessary modifications for safety.
Remember that most dogs deliver their puppies without complications. Your main job is to provide a clean, quiet, and comfortable space – whether that’s a purpose-built whelping box or her favorite crate.
The most important thing is that momma feels secure. A stressed dog can have more difficulty with labor, so sometimes letting her choose her preferred spot (even if it’s the crate) is the best approach.
We’ve seen successful births in all kinds of environments – from fancy whelping setups to laundry room corners to crates. As long as basic safety needs are met, your dog can absolutely give birth successfully in her cage.
Have you experienced a dog giving birth in a crate? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
Remember: While most whelping goes smoothly, always have your vet’s number handy and don’t hesitate to call if anything seems concerning. Better safe than sorry when it comes to new puppies and their momma!
How do you know if a puppy is stuck?
Although most puppies are born without any problems, some puppies may become stuck in the birthing canal. Signs that a puppy might be stuck, that will require help from your vet, include:
- She’s straining for more than 30 minutes and there is no sign of a puppy
- You can see part of a puppy or an amniotic sac in the birth canal, but it doesn’t move any further for 20-30 minutes
- If she seems to be in a lot of discomfort, especially if she is chewing or repeatedly licking at her vulva
- If you see the puppy’s tail dangling out of your dog’s vagina and there is no sign of the progression
- If your dog seems to be finding it difficult to pass her puppy and there is the is a lump behind her vulva
How long does dog whelping last?
This very much depends on the number of puppies expected. Whelping usually takes most dogs around 3 – 12 hours to birth their entire litter, but this may be different for some dogs and may vary between breeds. Dogs with slimmer heads tend to birth more quickly than dogs with bigger or wider heads. Some dogs may give birth to one or two puppies quite quickly and then rest for a while before labour starts again. Labour shouldn’t take more than 24 hours. If you’re concerned that your dog’s labour is too long, or isn’t progressing between puppies, then always speak to your vet urgently.