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Dog Birthing Beds

Even if your dog has her own dog bed it is still a good idea to prepare a birthing bed when she is almost ready to whelp. Other than the obvious reason that the birthing process is a bit messy, and you don't want to have your dog's normal dog bed soiled during the event, a dog birthing bed makes sense for other reasons as well.

Just like with humans, giving birth is a stressful event for dogs as well. The labor process can be long and painful and, often times, your dog will deliver a pup or two and then nothing will happen for an extended period of time until the next one appears. Once all of the pups have been delivered your dog will begin the clean up and nursing chores. Whew! After that very long day she's going to want to have some time to herself away from those hungry little mouths. Her familiar bed will be just the place to crawl off to for some overdue sleep.

If you plan to use a birthing (or whelping) bed, and you should, then place it in a safe, warm, and dry area that the mother is familiar with. it does not have to be immediately next to your dog's usual bed, but it should be close enough that she can keep an eye on her pups and still have her own space.

You can make your own whelping bed, or you can buy them at most of the larger pet store and chain stores. If you do not plan to breed your dog frequently then you're just as well off making one yourself. Here's some things to keep in mind.

The bed will be used for whelping and initial nursing during the birthing process. It's going to get pretty wet and sticky so make sure that you have plenty of paper towels around. Also have a plastic garbage bag handy to get rid of the towels. If you can find a r laundry basket, or one of those big plastic storage bins like you see in the department stores, that's at least 12" longer than your dog, then that's a good place to start.

You should cut a notch along one side of the box, starting at the top, down about half-way, so your dog can jump in and out without having to strain herself excessively. Buy a large pillow, and a waterproof plastic pillow case, a plastic drop cloth, and some inexpensive towels (a lot of them) from the discount or dollar store.

Cut sheets from the plastic drop cloth that will fit the bottom of the bed. Make several pieces because you may need to change them if things get real messy. Place one sheet into the bed so it covers the bottom.

Then, cover the pillow with the plastic case and place it on top of the plastic sheet that you just laid into the bed. Cover the top of the pillow with several towels. The bed is ready to go.

You should make all of these arrangements a few days prior to the big day. Introduce your dog to the birthing bed so she knows that it's there. When you see her starting labor, gently coax her or help her into the birthing bed. She should get the idea.

The wonderful thing about all of this is that once the birthing process is complete you'll have a quick and painless cleanup thanks to the do-it-yourself birthing bed.

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