Breeder Tools

Heat Mat

Farm Innovators Livestock Heat Mat. This can be placed underneath of the whelping pen to keep newborns warm. It's used between birth - 2/3 weeks when the puppies start self regulating their temperatures. What is great about this particular one is that it is a hard plastic surface for easy disinfecting and has a protected cord.

It is pressure activated, only gets to 100deg, and no timer.

Washable Pee Pads

47" x 47" Washable Pee pads. These are good quality and have a anti-slip liner. They work perfectly inside a 48x48 exercise pen or whelping pool.

You will want multiples to change out and wash. At least 3 sets.

Hemostat Clamps

Surgical Hemostats. These are self-locking. If you have an umbilical cord that is slow to stop bleeding, or you need to cut the umbilical cord due to the mother's inability to cut it (this happens with the incorrect teeth alignment), these tools are necessary.

Whelping Pen

(Economy)

Some breeders use regular rigid side baby pools but this straight side Intex mini 48x48 pool keeps the babies in the confined area for longer. It's also easy to sanitize and pack away.

Whelping Pen

(Professional)

EZWhelp is a well known brand that has created a beautiful whelping system that has built in pig rails. System can be sanitized and packed away.

Calcium Paste

Breeders' Edge Calcium Paste.

This is given after the appearance of the first puppy. It provides the calcium needed for the mother to continue birthing the rest of the litter. Also, some mothers show aggression to their newborns if their calcium is low. So it prevents that as well. It is important to note that it should never be given prior to first puppy.

Colostrum

If you have a fading puppy, you have to bottle feed, or if a puppy seems weak, this is a great supplement to have on hand.

Tape

Stretchy tape that sticks only to itself. It's good to have on hand in your emergency medical kit. It's also good for wrapping your mama's tail just prior to helping to help you see and to keep her tail clean.