Bedding for newborns

[ncmailman]

What is the best bedding for newborn pups? I was thinking about cedar shavings or maybe straw. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[pegleg]

I like a rug mostly. if the female won't tear it up so the pups get tangled in the threads. I prefer it it also protects from those rubbed hairless spots. I use shavings to if it is cold, from the beginning. once they get a little bigger I use the shavings to help keep them cleaner until they are up and spending more time out side then I cut back on the shavings again. I don't like wheat straw for bedding as it is sharp and poses a threat plus the invariable grass and weed seeds mixed in with it.
I have used bermuda grass hay with decent results since it is softer.

[liontracker]

I use a piece of carpet as well. To keep it in place, so she will not dig at it and wad it up, I use some drywall screws and fender washers to hold it down in the 4 corners. I also put a piece of plastic under it so the fluids will not soak into the floor of the box and cause bacteria to grow. I take it out inc. the plastic, every 3-4 days and wash it with a hose and disinfectant soap and let it dry. You might need 2-3 pieces to rotate depending on the humidity and how fast it dries out. If it frays, I take a knife and cut them off short. Warning: if you use brand new carpet, then unroll it and let it set in the sun for a couple of days to gas off...the pups will appreciate it greatly.

[Rick Anderson]

Carpet works best, the bitch will eat the puppy poop to keep the nest clean, I have had them get sick, vomit, constipated, from eating shavings, straw, etc, that is stuck to the poop.
Rick

[jed]

Careful with shavings. . . . if you use them, make sure they are clean or "vacuumed" dust free shavings. Several years back, I had a bad experience with shavings in that the new born pups had their nostrils and mouths clogged with dust from shavings - won't ever use shavings again. Second the carpet suggestion, works well, is clean, and cut long so it runs up the sides of a whelping box works great for me.