Whelping Supplies Ready and Waiting!

As Caramel’s due date approaches, one of the most reassuring things we can do is make sure our whelping room is fully prepared. While nature does most of the work, thoughtful planning allows us to support both mum and puppies calmly, safely, and confidently at every stage.

The photograph shows many of the supplies we have ready, laid out roughly in the order we’re most likely to use them—from pregnancy support, through birth, and into the puppies’ early weeks of growth and socialisation.

Supporting Caramel Before Birth

Folic Acid Supplements: Folic acid supports healthy fetal development and has been part of Caramel’s prenatal care to help give the puppies the best possible start. It helps reduce the risk of a puppy having a cleft palate.

Protein Cobalaplex (Cobalamin): This supplement provides additional protein and vitamin B12, supporting energy levels, red blood cell production, and overall condition. It becomes especially important as Caramel’s nutritional demands increase late in pregnancy and during nursing.

Thermometer: In the days leading up to whelping, we take Caramel’s temperature daily. A noticeable drop often signals that labour is approaching. We continue monitoring after birth to ensure she remains healthy and free from infection.

Preparing the Whelping Environment

Whelping Box with Pig Rails: The whelping box is the heart of the room. Pig rails are essential safety features that help prevent puppies from being accidentally crushed by mum as they move around in the early days.

Vet Fleece: Vet fleece provides a warm, non-slip surface for newborn puppies while allowing moisture to drain away from them, keeping them dry and comfortable.

Waterproof, Machine-Washable Pads: Placed directly beneath the vet fleece, these pads protect the box and allow for quick, hygienic changes as needed.

Waterproof Electric Heating Pad: Positioned beneath the bedding, this provides gentle warmth for the puppies during their first weeks, when they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. The heat is carefully managed so puppies can move away if they become too warm.

Puppy Pads: Used throughout the whelping area to protect floors and surrounding surfaces, especially during labour and the early days when changes are frequent.

Preparing Ourselves

Disposable Plastic Aprons (for Susan and me): Whelping can be messy, and aprons help us stay clean while assisting Caramel and handling puppies.

Disposable Latex Gloves: Used whenever direct assistance is needed, helping maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.

During Birth and the First Critical Minutes

Bulb Syringe: Used if necessary to gently clear a puppy’s nose and airways immediately after birth.

PhytoPet Life Drops: Kept close at hand in case a puppy is slow to respond. These can help stimulate a sluggish newborn and support early vitality.

Monitoring and Early Puppy Care

Kitchen Scale with Bowl: For the first one to two weeks, puppies are weighed daily on a small kitchen scale. Consistent weight gain is one of the most reliable signs that puppies are nursing well.

Whelping Book with Weight Chart: Our whelping book includes a lined weight chart for up to six puppies. Recording daily weights helps us spot potential concerns early and ensures each puppy is thriving.

Small Velcro Collars and Larger Clip-On Collars: Used to identify puppies once it’s safe to do so. Velcro collars are ideal early on, with clip-on collars introduced as the puppies grow.

Feeding Support If Needed

Lactol Puppy Formula: While we hope all puppies nurse naturally, having formula ready provides peace of mind if supplementation becomes necessary.

Lactol Bottles: Used alongside the formula to feed puppies that struggle to latch or need extra support.

As Puppies Grow and Explore

Large Scale with Tray: Once puppies are older and more mobile, we switch to a larger scale with a tray for accurate weighing.

Water Bowl: Introduced only once puppies have their eyes open and are strong enough to move safely, ensuring there’s no risk of drowning.

Astroturf: Placed in one corner of the whelping box as the puppies grow, this helps begin early potty training by teaching them that this area is where they should go.

Fence Around the Whelping Box: Once the puppies’ eyes are open and they’re big enough to climb out on their own, a fence will be added around the whelping box. At that stage, we’ll eventually remove the front panel of the box to allow safer, supervised exploration.

Preparing for the Next Stage

Caramel’s Large and Small Crates: Toward the end of week five, when the puppies are moved into our open-plan living and dining room, Caramel’s crates will be connected to expand the fenced area. This marks a big step in the socialisation plan and allows us to begin gentle crate training in a busy, real-life environment. Once in the living/dining room, the puppies are exposed to busy family life and house guests, as well as a string of puppy visits from prospective owners. The last three weeks are a very busy time. About twice per day, we lock the puppies in the crates, disconnect a joint in the fence and move it back, Then we change the vet fleece, waterproof pads, atsroturf and puppy pads disinfecting the floor beneath before we put everything back together.

Having all of the needed supplies and equipment ready ahead of time allows us to focus fully on Caramel and her puppies, responding calmly to whatever they need. We hope this behind-the-scenes look helps you understand the care, planning, and love that goes into every Cockapoo Joy litter. Thinking About a Cockapoo?

If you’re considering welcoming a Cockapoo into your family and would like to learn more about our Spring 2026 litter, the best place to start is by requesting our Puppy Questionnaire.

This helps us understand whether our puppies — and our placement approach — are likely to be a good fit for you. You can use our contact form to reach out and we’ll be happy to guide you from there.