Whelper Helper
This page is a collection of the supplies, tools, and techniques I currently use after years of whelping and raising Dachshund litters. If you are undertaking the responsibility of bringing new life into the world, preparation matters. We owe it to these animals to provide the best care possible.
Breeders around the world, raising different breeds and in different circumstances, will all develop their own setups and preferences. Over the years, I have continued to learn, refine my process, and pick up new tricks along the way. No matter how long you've been breeding, new situations and challenges will inevitably arise. Experience is a lifelong teacher, and there is always something new to learn.
The products and methods shared here are simply the ones I am currently using in my own program. As I continue to learn and grow, this page will grow right along with me.
Pre-breeding Educational Resources
Essentials for labor & delivery
Hemostats - for cord clamping
Iodine swabs - for cord cleaning
Hebiclens - hand sanitizing
Calcium Paste - given to mom during labor to prevent eclampsia and encourage regular contractions & labor progression
Nest/Bed - easily sanitized after birth
Dedicated towels that will be stained as a result of birthing
Cloths - for drying pups
Notebook - for record keeping
Scale - for weighing in ounces - pups should be weighed at birth and daily for at least two weeks
Nest babies (birth-2wks)
During this time, if all is going well, puppy care is mostly just changing bedding, daily handling & weight checks. Our main focus is on mom’s recovery, or assisting if the pups require supplementing.
Fenugreek - to encourage or increase mom’s milk supply
Pedialyte - added to mom’s water supply to aide in electrolyte recovery & hydration
Washable bedding - moms continue to leak and stain bedding in the days after birth
American Canine Weight Gainer - appetite stimulant and supplement for mom
Calcium rich foods for mom - whole makeral, cottage cheese, whole eggs
Tube feeding - Tube & Syringe
Potty & Weaning (3-5wks)
During this time pups gain mobility. We introduce the potty tray right next to their bed at first and utilize their natural instincts to leave the nest to potty. Soft food is introduced at week 4 and used as a brief transition into eating regular kibble by week 6.
Potty Tray - introduced at week 3 with very low sides for short legs
Soft Food - used briefly during week 4
Hard Food - a high protein all life stages food
Probitics - helpful during deworming
Dried Pumpkin - helpful during deworming
Crate - introduced at week 4, open style so they can come and go freely using it as their bed/den
Socialization & Training (5-8wks)
During this time pups should be introduced to new toys, surfaces, sounds, crating, handling, and experiences within your home.
Potty tray - introduced at week 6, taller sides to contain spread of pellets from active pups
Deworming & Vaccinations
Tortuzil - cocidia
Pyrantel Paomate - worms
Safeguard (Fenbendazole) - worms & giardia
Pancur C (Fenbendazole) - worms & giardia
Canine Spectra 5 (DHPP vaccine)