Whelping Kit Checklist (Dalmatian)

Overview

Whelping goes smoothly when the right tools are staged, labeled, and within arm’s reach. This checklist is purpose-built for Dalmatian litters—practical, evidence-aware, and organized by phases (setup, delivery, neonatal care). Expect short lists, then deeper notes. Some items you’ll use constantly. Others you’ll hope you never touch but will be grateful to have at 2 a.m.

Why it matters: Preparation lowers risk and lets you focus on the dam. Calm hands. Warm puppies. Clean towels. That’s the game.

Internal link: If you’re still timing the cycle, start here: Progesterone Testing & Breeding Window

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Quick checklist at a glance

Pro tip: Pack by module in clear bins. Color-code labels so a helper can grab the right box without asking.

• Whelping area and heat

  • Whelping box with pig rails (Dalmatian-size: often ~4'×4'–5'×5', easy-clean)
  • Washable pads/bedding (spares ready)
  • Heat source: adjustable heating pad or heat lamp with guard
  • Room thermometer + infrared surface thermometer
  • Draft control (panels or curtains) and dimmable lighting

• Monitoring and records

  • Digital rectal thermometer for the dam
  • Gram-accurate scale (±1 g) and puppy log sheets
  • ID collars (color-coded, breakaway) or non-toxic nail polish dots
  • Timer/clock, pens, clipboards; trash bags and a “dirty linens” hamper

• Clean and sanitize

  • Stacks of clean towels and washcloths (light-colored helps spot meconium/bleeding)
  • Puppy-safe disinfectant (diluted chlorhexidine or accelerated hydrogen peroxide)
  • Hand sanitizer; nitrile gloves; puppy-safe laundry detergent

• Delivery tools

  • Bulb syringe and/or DeLee suction catheter for airway clearing
  • Hemostats (2) and umbilical scissors
  • Unwaxed dental floss or cord clamps
  • Iodine or chlorhexidine for cord dip
  • Water-soluble lubricant (e.g., sterile K-Y)
  • Sterile gloves; sterile lube packets (for vet-guided assists only)

• Neonatal support

  • Puppy resuscitation kit: towels, suction, oxygen access if available (concentrator + neonatal mask; optional but excellent)
  • Glucose source (e.g., 40% dextrose gel or karo syrup for rubbing on gums)
  • Formula and feeding gear (bottles + pre-slit nipples; tube kit only with hands-on training)
  • Small heat-safe box for temporary pup holding (with warm pad and towel)
  • Puppy-safe scale weight chart template (birth, 12h, 24h, then daily)

• Dam care

  • Calcium gel/chews per veterinary guidance (never supplement pre-whelp)
  • High-calorie food toppers for post-whelp appetite (goat’s milk, canned puppy food)
  • Leash, slip lead, and a nearby potty area with lighting
  • Large trash bags for placentas/soiled materials; puppy-safe wipes

• Emergency and transport

  • Phone numbers: primary vet + 24/7 ER; printed and taped on wall
  • Car crate with absorbent pads; extra towels; warming setup for travel
  • Copies of health records, breeding dates, and estimated due dates

Internal link: See the master plan that this kit supports: Dalmatian Breeding Guide

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The whelping area: design for safety and flow

• Box size and rails
  • Dalmatians are medium–large; a 4'×4' (up to 5'×5') box suits most dams and litters.
  • Pig rails prevent overlay. Mount rails ~4–6 inches off the floor and ~4 inches from walls.
• Flooring and hygiene
  • Layer washable whelping pads on top of a waterproof barrier. Swap soiled layers fast.
  • Keep spare, pre-folded pads stacked within reach. Triage first, deep clean later.
• Heat and ventilation
  • Puppies cannot regulate temperature. Aim ambient 75–80°F; nest surface 85–90°F Week 1, taper 2–3°F weekly.
  • Avoid hotspots; use a dimmer or thermostat. Overheating dehydrates neonates quickly.
• Quiet and control
  • Low noise, low foot traffic, predictable lighting. Anxiety in the dam increases dystocia risk.

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Temperature drop tracking (the “heads up”)

• Take rectal temperature twice daily during the last week. A drop to ~99°F (or a 1–2°F fall from her baseline) often predicts labor within 12–24 hours.
• Don’t rely on the drop alone; pair it with behavior and discharge observations.

Internal link: Tight timing upstream helps downstream outcomes: Progesterone Testing & Breeding Window

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How to stage your tools (so you can find them in the dark)

• Left of the box: towels (by size), hemostats/scissors in a labeled tray, floss/clamps.
• Right of the box: suction devices, cord dip, lubricant, gloves.
• At the head: dam thermometer, calcium gel (vet-guided), water, high-cal snacks.
• On a cart: scale, ID collars, record sheets, pens/Sharpies, disinfectant, extra pads.

Tip: Pre-open package seals. Nothing is more annoying than wrestling a blister pack mid-contraction.

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Clean and safe: sanitation without harshness

• Disinfect between stages, not between pups—keep the dam’s natural scent and hormones.
• Choose puppy-safe agents. Rinse surfaces if your disinfectant requires it.
• Laundry rhythm: a dedicated hamper, a hot-water cycle, and fragrance-free detergent.

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Using delivery tools: what, when, and how

• Bulb syringe/DeLee
  • Use gently if a pup hasn’t established breathing, or if you see fluid in the mouth/nostrils.
  • Suction mouth before nose. Stop when airway sounds clear and breathing regular.
• Umbilical care
  • If the dam doesn’t sever the cord, clamp ~1–1.5 inches from the abdomen, cut on the distal side, and dip the stump in iodine/chlorhexidine.
• Stimulating a slow starter
  • Towel-rub vigorously but not roughly; head down, gentle swings only if trained.
  • Brief oxygen can be lifesaving—plan with your vet if you have access.

Note: Tube feeding saves lives but is risky if untrained. Get hands-on instruction from your vet before attempting.

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Calcium, oxytocin, and other medications

• Do not give oxytocin without veterinary direction—incorrect timing can cause uterine rupture or trap puppies.
• Calcium: Avoid routine supplementation pre-whelp (eclampsia risk). Post-whelp or during active labor, calcium may support contractions—only per your vet’s protocol.
• Keep all meds in a labeled pouch with dosing sheets and syringes; document use.

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Neonatal warmth, hydration, and weight

• Warmth first. Then airway. Then sugar. Order matters.
• Target weight gain: ~5–10% per 24 hours after the first day. Track at birth, 12h, 24h, then daily.
• Any pup that fails to gain for 24 hours is an early-warning light. Intervene: check latch, rotate to stronger teats, supplement if advised.

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Printable weight and timing chart

Tip: Use the same scale, same time daily, same container. Consistency beats perfection.

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Red flags: call your vet now

• Strong contractions 20–30 minutes with no puppy, or >2 hours between puppies
• Green/black discharge before the first puppy, or foul-smelling discharge anytime
• Heavy bleeding or persistent bright-red flow
• Maternal fever >103°F, collapse, tremors, disorientation, or extreme fatigue
• A visibly stuck puppy, or a sac protruding without progress
• Puppies that are limp, cyanotic (blue), not breathing after initial stimulation

Internal link: For context on complications and timing windows, see the parent guide’s section on red flags — Dalmatian Breeding Guide

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Dalmatian-specific notes

• Space planning: Litters of 6–9 are common; larger isn’t rare. Stock extra towels, pads, and ID collars.
• Pig rails are non-negotiable. This active, athletic breed can shift quickly—rails save fragile pups.
• Hydration breaks matter. Dalmatians can have HUU considerations; ensure frequent, calm potty trips post-whelp with fresh water on return.
• Noise and novelty: Keep the early environment steady; you’ll layer in socialization later.

Internal link: Build your 0–12 week plan here: Puppy Socialization & Training Plan

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Step-by-step flow on whelping day

1. Early labor
   • Dim lights, quiet room. Offer short potty breaks on leash.
   • Temperature, discharge, and behavior—log them.
2. Active labor
   • Gloves on. Tools staged. Towel for each pup ready to go.
   • Once a pup arrives: clear airway if needed, towel vigorously, cord care, latch within 30 minutes if possible.
3. Between pups
   • Swap top pads, count placentas (note: not every placenta emerges with its pup).
   • Track time intervals and pup order.
4. After the last pup
   • Offer small meal and water to the dam; clean the box.
   • Confirm with your vet if an oxytocin and/or ecbolic “clean-out” dose is appropriate—protocol varies.
5. First 24 hours
   • Weigh pups, monitor latch rotation, keep the nest warm and dry. Rest in shifts.

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Budget tiers: essentials vs. nice-to-have

• Essentials (must-have)
  • Box + rails, heat source, pads, towels, thermometer(s), scale, suction, scissors/hemostats, cord care, lubricant, gloves, records, emergency numbers
• Upgrades (great to have)
  • Oxygen source + neonatal mask, rolling utility cart, spare heating pad, puppy incubator/portable warming unit
• Luxuries (comfort/efficiency)
  • Camera monitor, label maker, color printer for charts

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FAQs

When should I set up the whelping box?

About 1–2 weeks before the due date. Let the dam nest and relax in the space so it smells like “home” by whelping day.

How warm should the nest be?

Aim for surface temps of 85–90°F the first week (ambient 75–80°F), tapering 2–3°F weekly. Watch the pups: piling and crying suggests cold; sprawled and restless suggests hot.

Do I need oxygen?

Not mandatory, but valuable for compromised pups. If you invest, rehearse how to use it with your vet.

Can I use oxytocin at home?

Only under veterinary guidance. Wrong timing can be dangerous. Keep your repro vet on speed dial.

What if a pup isn’t gaining?

Act within 12–24 hours. Re-check latch, rotate teats, supplement as advised, evaluate for congenital issues, and call your vet if the trend doesn’t reverse.

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External resources

• AKC Breeder resources — https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/
• Society for Theriogenology (find repro vets) — https://therio.org
• OFA/CHIC health testing — https://ofa.org and https://ofa.org/chic-program/

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Related guides on this site

• Dalmatian Breeding Guide — /
• Progesterone Testing & Breeding Window — /progesterone-timing
• Canine Health Testing Guide — /canine-health-testing
• Puppy Socialization & Training Plan — /puppy-socialization
• Puppy Purchase Contract & Aftercare — /puppy-contract