PomsNZ Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Got all mine together, made me think of what everyone else puts in theirs.. do you have any 'must haves' in there? What would be the most important to get, for a newbie who might be reading. One question I do want to ask, how many hemostats do you have, or would you reccomend having? Do you keep it all together in a box (or strewn all around the house in 3 different places, but you do know where everything is) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I'm guessing you mean Whelping Kit?? 3 Hemostats - 1 to use, 1 to lose and 1 to keep in the box when you can't find the first 2 ! A must have is a Delee Suction Catheter / Mucus Trap - I used one for the first time with this litter, much better then a nasal aspirator that I had used in previous litters. Approx 2mls of fluid per pup was suctioned out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkyTansy Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 When I prepared for my litter I had the entire room set up in preparation. I had a grooming table set up with some containers with stuff I may need for before, during whelping, and one for after. I had the scales set up and checked the battery (and had a spare) - had two flashlights and a long lead incase it was a night time whelping. I had all the blankets, towels and sheets in a large plastic container and several set up next to the box, and I had a very large amount of newspaper laid out and easily accessible. The box itself was pre-prepared with sheets of newspaper and several sheets for quick easy changes during whelping. i had the vet bed ready to go once whelping was over. heat lamp was set up in advance. I had the exercise book and recording sheets set up on the table and several pens. i also had savoury snacks, biscuits and chocolate, a kettle, coffee and tea in a separate container. a couple of stools/chairs and a kneeling pad (as it turns out the box was big enough to sit in and I didn't need the pad) I had the hot water bottles and blankets ready in a basket ready in case I needed to transport in a hurry and when i had to move the babies from the box. The back of the car was set up for Ari with vet bed. My favourite whelping books were on hand to help me with anything I wasn't sure about... vet numbers programmed in my phone. I was very well prepared, and if there had been any kind of emergency it would have made things a hell of a lot easier. One thing i would probably recommend, make sure you have some kind of flavouring to add to water. My bitch refused normal water for two weeks and it was a constant challenge to get her to drink. I ended up using cooled stock or diluted "pet milk" most of the time. Hemostats I have 3 pairs, but i didn't need to use them. I liked the idea of being able to clamp both ends to keep tabs on the placenta but Ari was so quick to chew off cords and devour the placenta I'm glad I didn't clamp them because she may have eaten them!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetpoint GSP Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I was a bit like you SparkyTansy - everything out and ready. Although it was good to have a small room just for Mia and the pups (heating wise - winter litter -6 the morning they were born!) in future when I build my next house I'm going to factor into a room that I will have whelping going on in there and make sure i've got plenty of room to move around and perhaps design myself a bigger whelping box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 A whelping room is great, our dogs have a room to sleep in at night, and when there is puppies I kick them out and convert it into a whelping room. I would like to change the windows into a sliding door for easier outdoor access. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetpoint GSP Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I like the sound of that sway!! I'm noting down the sliding door on my list of recommendations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PomsNZ Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 A must have is a Delee Suction Catheter / Mucus Trap - I used one for the first time with this litter, much better then a nasal aspirator that I had used in previous litters. Approx 2mls of fluid per pup was suctioned out. I just have a nasal aspirator/bulb syringe what is the Delee suction catheter? Ill have to go google it lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 It's like a childs snot sucker However they have a more tapered end and are a hospital grade. I tried to get pics of me using it on a puppy bit akward to do on your own. I got the idea to use one from Myra Savant-Harris as she has a bit in one of her books about them. Read Here The thicker tube with the white end you suck on, the thinner tube is inserted into the puppies mouth etc. This creates a continual suction (well as long as you can suck ) Because the tube is thin and flexible you can get right to the back of the mouth, under the tongue etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparkyTansy Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 wow great idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 A whelping room is great, our dogs have a room to sleep in at night, and when there is puppies I kick them out and convert it into a whelping room. I would like to change the windows into a sliding door for easier outdoor access. I like the sound of that sway!! I'm noting down the sliding door on my list of recommendations! If you were building I would also suggest an area outside that room for confined toilet breaks etc. - Also handy for bitches in season. The door of our room has two baby gates, one the normal way and another one on top, upside down so you can walk through it. This way no one can jump the baby gate and get in, yet the other dogs can look at watch. I also have a curtain across the door on the inside to block out the view of the dogs, the new mum doesn't have to worry about others watching them, then. Would also help to keep a room warm/cool etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PomsNZ Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 Great ideas swayd, thanks so much I presume we can buy the 'snot sucker upper' from you? The lady at my vets was telling me about those the other day, I didnt click till now, but its what they teach to use at massey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 I do sell them now, however I sell more of the nasal aspirators - I would rather people buy the better product IYKWIM Having used it I swear by them, so much better then a nasal aspirator. Oh and no chance of you inhaling the 'snot' unless you suck up 10mls+ plus Empty, rinse and use again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwaY Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Baby wipes are a must have as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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