Only 3 weeks to go and we are getting ready for the arrival of our new babies.
I have assembled what I like to call a Whelping Kit.
It consists of a whelping box/area, clean sanitized towels and blankets, emergency vet on-call numbers and other items one might require when the pups arrive.
Maggie becomes very clingy when she gets close to her time so we have a made up a cage with lots of warm sheepskin covers which have been placed ontop of towels, newspapers and puppy training mats. The cage protects her from other dogs and children but allows her to still see us and feel close to us. She happily nests in there, digging at the towels and sheepskins making a comfortable spot.
A day before her due date I will re -wash and sanitize all the sheepskins and towels, then close the cage door to prevent contamination. At first stage labour only Maggie will be put back in the cage. The rest of us will be silent observers. Maggie is good that way as she allows us to be observers.
I have a large supply of towels and sheepskins so that I can alternate clean bedding. Whelping and puppies are messy so it's handy to have two or more sets.