What do you think works best??

[sweetbassets]

I was hoping that I could get some opinions on what works best to keep the whelping area warm. (heat-lamp,space-heater,heating-pads...?)

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I use a lamp, SB.

If I keep the room warm enough for puppies, the bitch cannot stand it. I keep the lamp shining on one corner of the box for the first several days. I find the Rottie puppies don't need a lot of extra heat, they are a hot natured breed!

 

[bubbatd]

I never used heater or lamps ... The room was a comfortable temp and if too warm it would have bothered Mom. I watched the pups as to their positions for warmth and none ever seemed cold. I think all breeds would be different. Of course I made sure the whelping pen was draft free and I did have a heat pad in a box for the pups as they were being whelped. Are you taking her temp ??

 

[sweetbassets]

Yes, I've been taking her temp for a few days now and recording it and it's been normal so far. She looks like she's about to pop though. I took this picture 8 days ago so she's a little bigger now. Well her teats are fuller now so she's almost dragging the ground. My husband is calling her mama cow bucause it looks like she has utters. I give him a good smack on the arm for her since she can't do it.

 

[JennSLK]

wow, thats one fat moma dog

 

[Mach1girl]

I didnt use anything, the area was small enough they could all keep together or w/ momma to keep warm. When we moved them outta that area, we closed the vents in the room they moved to. This way there are no drafts or breezes seeing we have our ac on!(Florida and 80 degrees!) I throw towels here and there and they find them to gather on.
Even though I didnt use them, I would have chosen a heating pad on very low, under the bedding. But ONLY in a small area, so they can move off of it when they get too hot.And they will, they are pretty smart for natural instinct, as I had a few that NEVER gathered w/ the others, always strung themselves out flat on their back to keep cooler as they are/were fat and warm anyway!!!Lol.

Let us know when the temp hits 98, then you'd better get ready!

 

[mojozen]

Wow... she's big... does her back suffer from carrying pups? I've always wondered that when it comes to the short legged long backed dogs. In that pic she looks like she's resting her head ...

 

[Mach1girl]

I think Dixie is going to be permantly sway back!!!

 

[shepluvr]

If you go with the heat lamp, make sure it is not too close.... I have seen animals burned like this

 

[bubbatd]

I knew a Basset named " Sagamore " .... sure fits her !! Any guess on how many pups ?

 

[Mach1girl]

I knew a Basset named " Sagamore " .... sure fits her !! Any guess on how many pups ?

Lol, remember me????They told me 5 or POSSIBLY 6, we had 8!


But really, any guess???
Lol!

 

[sweetbassets]

Luckily she hasn't had any problems with her back. I have heard of long low breeds having problems but thank goodness she hasn't had any problems. Where I live the weather is nice(70-80) one day and cooler(50's) the next until spring is offically here.Since today is nice (70's) I let the dogs outside to play and relax since I can keep an eye on her while I'm on the computer. Just to show the differenc in what she looks like from 8 days ago I took these pictures today. Poor thing looks miserable in the first one but I know she just tired.

 

[sweetbassets]

We had an X-ray and we counted 6. Another vet at the office said she thought she saw one more, but we're not sure. No less then 6, but we could have a few more surprises.

 

[Mach1girl]

Funny when I posted my x ray, most said they saw one or two, a few said they saw nothing, but I got tons of guesses.

ONE person saw 8.

Wouldn't ya know it....8!

Wasn't that you Zoom? I cannot remember......but we'da never guessed.

Good luck.