The Whelping Essentials I Never Go Without: An Essentials Guide for Breeders

Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world is one of the most beautiful and emotional experiences I’ve ever had as a breeder. It’s a little messy, sometimes nerve-wracking, but oh so worth it when you hear those first little squeaks and see mama settling in with her babies.

If you’re a first-time breeder—or just getting more serious with your breeding program—I know how overwhelming it can feel to prepare. When I had my very first litter over two decades ago, I remember second-guessing everything: Do I have the right box? What if a puppy won’t nurse? What if mom needs help?

Over time (and many happy, healthy litters later), I’ve built a kit that I now prepare for every single birth. Below, I’m sharing my tried-and-true whelping supplies—things I trust and love—and I’m including links so you can build your own kit with confidence. Whether you’re whelping one litter or planning to grow your breeding program, these are the items that truly make a difference.

🏡 Whelping Setup: Creating a Calm and Safe Nest

EZwhelp Whelping Box

This is the first thing I set up. The EZwhelp Whelping Box is easy to clean, lightweight but sturdy, and gives mom her own cozy “den.” I love that it has built-in pig rails to protect puppies and keeps them safe as they begin to scoot around. I usually line it with washable whelping pads underneath to keep things soft and absorbent.

Puppy Heating Pad

Newborns can’t regulate their temperature well, so I always use a puppy-safe heating pad on one side of the box. That way, puppies can crawl to warmth or away if they get too hot. I skip heat lamps altogether—they can be dangerous and too harsh.

Puppy Warmer Incubator (Optional but Amazing)

If I have a preemie or a puppy that’s a little weak, the Puppy Warmer Incubator is a true gift. It keeps the temperature and humidity just right while giving them time to recover. I’ve used this to save a few pups that needed a little extra help.

🧼 Keeping Things Clean: Sanitation Must-Haves

Rescue Disinfectant

This Rescue Disinfectant is what I use before, during, and after whelping. It’s safe for animals but strong enough to kill anything we don’t want near our newborns. I keep it in labeled spray bottles for quick cleanup.

Whelping Pads & Puppy Pads

I layer reusable whelping pads under mom and pups and keep disposable puppy pads nearby for messes. Trust me, you’ll want several extras on hand during the first few days and also as puppies get older.

Towels

Have a stack of clean, soft towels ready—you’ll use them to dry off puppies, clean mama, line boxes, and more. I keep about 10–12 fresh towels ready and wash them with unscented detergent.

🐶 Helping Hands: Delivery Tools I Rely On

Bulb Syringe

The first thing I reach for after a puppy is born is a bulb syringe to gently clear their nose and mouth. This simple tool helps get those first breaths going.

Umbilical Forceps & Clamps

Sometimes mom doesn’t chew the cord, or she chews it too close. That’s when I use umbilical forceps and disposable clamps. Clamp about an inch from the belly, cut on the other side, then dip the stump in antiseptic.

Chlorhexidine Solution

I use Chlorhexidine to clean umbilical cords, sanitize instruments, and gently wipe surfaces. It’s gentle and safe for pups when diluted correctly.

Latex Gloves

For whelping and clean-up, I go through plenty of latex gloves. Make sure you have several pairs in your kit so you can change them often.

🍼 Feeding & Supplementing: For Hungry Pups and Tired Mamas

Nursing Kit

If a puppy isn’t latching or is struggling, I’ll use a canine nursing kit with tiny bottles and nipples. It can be the difference between life and loss in those first few hours.

PuppyBac

If I ever need to supplement or bottle feed, PuppyBac milk replacer is my go-to. It’s gentle, easy to mix, and packed with probiotics to keep their little tummies healthy.

Oxy Momma

After whelping, moms need support, too. Oxy Momma helps stimulate milk production, supports her recovery, and gives me peace of mind. I start it the day of delivery and continue for two weeks.

🧭 Tracking & Monitoring: Keeping Everyone on Track

Thermometer

About 24 hours before labor, mama’s temperature usually drops. A digital rectal thermometer helps me know when to clear my schedule and get ready!

Puppy Scale

Weigh each pup daily using a digital puppy scale. This is how I make sure everyone is gaining. If someone isn’t, I step in with a bottle or extra attention. Tracking weight saves lives.

Colored ID Collars

If your litter has multiple similar-looking pups, colored ID collars make it easy to keep track of who’s who. I use a chart to match weight, feeding notes, and health checks to each color.

🐾 Final Thoughts from One Breeder to Another

If I could reach through the screen and give you a reassuring hug, I would. Whelping your first litter is a lot—but with the right tools and preparation, it’s also deeply rewarding. There’s no better feeling than watching healthy pups grow under your care, knowing you gave them the best start possible.

The products I’ve listed here are the same ones I use myself—every single time. If you’re building your first kit, I suggest getting these basics now, well ahead of your expected due date. When labor starts, you’ll be calm, prepared, and focused on what matters most: helping mama bring her babies safely into the world.

If you ever have questions, just remember—you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of breeders and dog lovers here to support you.

Wishing you a smooth whelping and a box full of happy, healthy puppies. 💛

Love and puppies,

A Fellow Breeder & Dog Mom

✅ FAQ for Blog Post: The Whelping Essentials I Never Go Without

What supplies do I need to whelp a litter of puppies?

To safely whelp a litter, you’ll need a whelping box (like EZwhelp), heating pads, clean towels, bulb syringe, umbilical clamps, forceps, disinfectant (like Rescue), puppy scale, thermometer, nursing supplies, and whelping pads. Preparing early gives you peace of mind when labor begins.

What’s the best whelping box for new breeders?

The EZwhelp Whelping Box is one of the most recommended options. It’s easy to assemble, durable, and comes with pig rails to protect newborn puppies. It’s also easy to clean between litters, making it ideal for first-time and small-scale breeders.

Why is a heating pad better than a heat lamp for puppies?

Heating pads are safer and more controlled than heat lamps. A heating pad under half of the whelping box gives puppies the ability to choose warmth or coolness, reducing the risk of overheating or cold stress.

Do I need to use gloves during whelping?

Yes. Wearing latex or nitrile gloves helps maintain hygiene during delivery and when handling newborn puppies. It also reduces the risk of infection when cutting cords or assisting the mother.

How do I identify each puppy in a large litter?

Colored ID collars are perfect for tracking puppies. They come in soft, adjustable varieties and allow you to match each pup to your records for weight, feeding, and health checks.

What do I do if a puppy isn’t breathing after birth?

Gently use a bulb syringe to clear fluid from the nose and mouth, rub the puppy with a clean towel to stimulate breathing, and keep the puppy warm. If available, a puppy incubator can be a lifesaving tool for weak or cold pups.

When should I start weighing the puppies?

Start immediately after birth and continue daily. A digital puppy scale helps monitor weight gain and identify if any puppy needs supplemental feeding.

What milk replacer should I use if the mother can’t nurse?

PuppyBac is a trusted milk replacer that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs and contains probiotics. It’s ideal for bottle or syringe feeding when mom’s milk is unavailable or a puppy needs extra nutrition.

How can I support the mother dog after whelping?

Supplements like Oxy Momma support lactation and recovery. It’s packed with herbs and nutrients that help boost milk production and help mom bounce back after delivery.

How do I disinfect the whelping area safely?

Use pet-safe disinfectants like Rescue, applied with spray bottles. Clean regularly before and after whelping to keep the area sanitary without harming mom or pups.