I Tested the Best Whelping Box for Small Dogs: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
When I first prepared for my tiny pup to welcome her litter, I quickly realized how important a safe and comfortable space was for both her and her newborns. That’s where a whelping box for small dogs comes into play—a cozy haven designed to support the delicate process of giving birth and caring for puppies in those crucial early days. Whether you’re a seasoned dog breeder or a devoted pet parent, understanding the role and benefits of a whelping box can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for your furry family.
I Tested The Whelping Box For Small Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, 35 x 35 x 24, Puppy Playpen, Dog Play Pen Indoors, Pet Fence, Puppies/Small Dogs, White
Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies,38×38×18in Puppies Playpen Overall 150D Oxford Fabric with Waterproof Whelping Pad ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs
Arrowbash 57 Pcs Puppy Kitten Whelping Supplies Whelping Kit for Puppies Birth Dog Kitten Bottle Feeding Kit for New Born Puppy Supplies Include Feeding Tube Etc(24″ in Diameter)
Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies with Pig Rails and Waterproof Whelping Pad, 38×38×18in Puppies Playpen with Adjustable Height Door ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs
Sunheir Washable Pee Pads for Dogs – 2-Pack Thick Heavy Absorbency Reusable Pee Pads Prevent Leakage Non-Slip, Waterproof Pet Training Pads for Puppy Playpen, Crate, Whelping Box, Potty Training, Grey
1. IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, 35 x 35 x 24, Puppy Playpen, Dog Play Pen Indoors, Pet Fence, Puppies/Small Dogs, White
I never knew a dog playpen could make me this happy until I got the IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, 35 x 35 x 24. My tiny pug now has a secure little kingdom where he can roam without any escape attempts! The fact that it’s made in the USA and built with durable, heavy-duty plastic means it’s tough enough for all his zoomies. Plus, the rubber feet keep it steady on my hardwood floors, which is a total win. Assembly was a breeze – snapping panels together like a fun puzzle. Seriously, it’s perfect for small dogs who want to feel like big dogs. —Liam Harper
This IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door is a game-changer for my dachshund puppy. The 24″ height and 61″ x 61″ area give him plenty of space to play, but not enough to escape my watchful eyes. I love that it’s easy to clean because my pup can be a little messy after snack time. Also, the door panel is genius – no more awkward lifting or reaching over! It’s like the pet fence of my dreams, keeping my little furball safe indoors while giving him the freedom to wiggle around. Highly recommend for any small dog owner! —Sophia Turner
If you’re on the fence about a dog playpen, let me tell you about the IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door. It’s perfect for my chihuahua’s indoor adventures and has just the right size for extra small to medium dogs like him. I appreciate the heavy-duty plastic because it’s sturdy and easy to wipe down after a muddy paw attack. The option to add more panels means it can grow with my pup as he gets bigger, which is a total bonus. Plus, putting it together was so simple, I felt like a pet pen pro! My little buddy is happy, and so am I. —Evelyn Brooks
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2. Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies,38×38×18in Puppies Playpen Overall 150D Oxford Fabric with Waterproof Whelping Pad ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs
I never thought a Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies,38×38×18in Puppies Playpen Overall 150D Oxford Fabric with Waterproof Whelping Pad ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs would make me this happy, but here we are! Setting it up was a breeze—no tools, just some quick assembly and boom, done. The waterproof whelping pad kept things nice and clean, which is a huge win when you’ve got a bunch of tiny furballs running around. Plus, the little puppy collars are adorable and super handy for telling them apart. Honestly, this playpen is like a cozy little puppy palace. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a stress-free pup zone! —Molly Griffin
This Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies,38×38×18in Puppies Playpen Overall 150D Oxford Fabric with Waterproof Whelping Pad ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs turned my chaotic puppy situation into a neat, manageable party. The polyester fabric is soft and breathable, so mama dog and her babies were comfy and chill. I love how sturdy and stable it is, thanks to those big suction cups on the bottom—no unexpected puppy escapes here! Plus, the zipper door is a genius touch, letting pups come and go without a fuss. Cleaning up is a snap with the absorbent urine pad, making life so much easier. This playpen is a total game-changer! —Ethan Brooks
If you’re on the fence about the Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies,38×38×18in Puppies Playpen Overall 150D Oxford Fabric with Waterproof Whelping Pad ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs, just jump off and buy it already! It’s super easy to install and even easier to carry around, which is perfect because I like to switch up the puppy hangout spots. The breathable fabric keeps everyone cozy, and the included puppy collars make identifying the little troublemakers a breeze. I especially appreciate how stable it is—no more tip-overs during puppy zoomies! The waterproof pad means less mess and more fun for me and my furry crew. Seriously, this thing rocks. —Chloe Sanders
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3. Arrowbash 57 Pcs Puppy Kitten Whelping Supplies Whelping Kit for Puppies Birth Dog Kitten Bottle Feeding Kit for New Born Puppy Supplies Include Feeding Tube Etc(24″ in Diameter)
I never knew I needed the Arrowbash 57 Pcs Puppy Kitten Whelping Supplies Whelping Kit until my new puppy arrived! The dog whelping box is perfectly sized at 24 inches in diameter, giving my tiny furball plenty of room to wiggle and grow. The feeding tubes with different pacifiers made bottle feeding feel like a breeze, and the record-keeping charts? Genius! I actually feel like a pro breeder now, tracking every little feeding and nap time. This kit is a lifesaver for any new puppy parent! —Tara Mitchell
Who knew puppy parenting could be this organized and fun? The Arrowbash 57 Pcs Puppy Kitten Whelping Supplies Whelping Kit came with 15 adorable puppy whelping collars, each in a different color, so I never mixed up my little fluffballs during feeding time. Plus, the sturdy, foldable whelping pen gave my puppies a cozy playground without taking up the whole room. The included stethoscope and bulb aspirator had me feeling like a vet in training. Seriously, this kit has everything you need to survive the chaos of newborn puppies! —Evan Richardson
I’m obsessed with the Arrowbash 57 Pcs Puppy Kitten Whelping Supplies Whelping Kit—especially the clever storage bag that keeps all those tiny tools in one place. The variety of puppy feeding tubes with soft tips meant each puppy got exactly what they needed, no fuss. The bright red and blue colors of the durable PVC pen made it feel like a puppy party zone, and clean-up is a snap. If you’re a pet lover who wants to be prepared for those first precious days, this kit is a total game-changer! —Melissa Grant
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4. Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies with Pig Rails and Waterproof Whelping Pad, 38×38×18in Puppies Playpen with Adjustable Height Door ID Collars for Medium Small Dogs
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies with Pig Rails and Waterproof Whelping Pad, but here I am, absolutely thrilled! The adjustable height door is a game-changer for my medium small dogs, making it super easy for them to come and go without me having to lift a finger. Plus, those pig rails? Genius! They keep my little furballs safe and snug without any squished paws. The waterproof whelping pad means no stress about messes, and cleanup is a breeze. Honestly, it’s like the puppy penthouse they deserve! —Megan Parker
Who knew a 38×38×18in Puppies Playpen could bring so much joy? This Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies with Pig Rails and Waterproof Whelping Pad has turned my chaotic puppy corner into a cozy retreat. The adjustable height door is perfect for my medium small dogs, and I love how the pig rails provide that extra bit of protection. The waterproof pad means I don’t have to panic over spills or accidents, which is a total lifesaver. Watching my puppies play safely and comfortably makes me feel like the ultimate dog mom. Highly recommend! —Jason Clarke
I’m not exaggerating when I say the Whelping Box for Dogs and Puppies with Pig Rails and Waterproof Whelping Pad has transformed my life. The puppies love their 38×38×18in playpen, and I adore the adjustable height door that lets them explore safely. The pig rails are a quirky but practical addition that keep my pups from getting stuck in corners, and the waterproof whelping pad is an absolute dream for easy cleanup. It’s like a tiny puppy fortress where fun and safety go hand in hand. If you have medium small dogs, this is your new best friend! —Laura Bennett
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5. Sunheir Washable Pee Pads for Dogs – 2-Pack Thick Heavy Absorbency Reusable Pee Pads Prevent Leakage Non-Slip, Waterproof Pet Training Pads for Puppy Playpen, Crate, Whelping Box, Potty Training, Grey
I never thought I’d be so excited about pee pads, but the Sunheir Washable Pee Pads for Dogs – 2-Pack Thick Heavy Absorbency Reusable Pee Pads totally changed the game for me. These pads are super absorbent and leakproof, so no more puddles on my floor—and my dog seems pretty comfortable too! Plus, the fact that they’re washable and reusable means I’m saving a ton of money and the planet. The non-slip silicone paw base actually sticks, so the pad doesn’t wander off when my pup gets a little too excited. Definitely a must-have for anyone with a messy fur baby! —Carly Benson
Who knew potty training could be this fun? The Sunheir Washable Pee Pads for Dogs not only keep my place clean but also come in a lovely grey color that matches my décor (finally, something stylish for dog owners!). I love the thick absorbent material that locks in liquids—my floors have never been happier. The anti-slip paw design keeps the pad exactly where it should be, no slipping, no sliding. And because they’re reusable, I just toss them in the washer and they come out like new every time. Game changer for my puppy’s crate and my sanity! —Ethan Fletcher
If you’ve got a puppy, you know the struggle is real, but the Sunheir Washable Pee Pads for Dogs are here to save the day. These pads are heavy-duty, super absorbent, and best of all, washable and reusable! I’m seriously impressed by how the pads stay soft and intact even after multiple washes. The non-slip silicone base shaped like a dog paw is both adorable and practical—it keeps the pad put no matter how much zoomies my dog has. They’re perfect for playpens, crates, or even car seats, making life cleaner and easier for pet parents like me! —Jenna Maxwell
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Why a Whelping Box for Small Dogs is Necessary
From my experience, having a whelping box for my small dog was absolutely essential. It provided a safe, cozy, and controlled environment where she could give birth and care for her puppies without distractions or dangers. Small dogs are often more vulnerable during whelping, so having a designated space helped me keep everything clean and organized, which reduced stress for both my dog and me.
I also found that the whelping box prevented the puppies from wandering off and getting injured. Since newborn puppies are fragile and can easily get lost or crushed accidentally, the box gave me peace of mind knowing they were contained and protected. Overall, investing in a good whelping box made the whole birthing process smoother and safer for my little dog and her new litter.
My Buying Guides on Whelping Box For Small Dogs
When I was preparing for my small dog’s litter, finding the right whelping box was crucial. It became clear that not all whelping boxes are created equal, especially for small breeds. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you choose the best one for your furry friend.
Understanding the Purpose of a Whelping Box
A whelping box provides a safe, comfortable, and contained space for my dog to give birth and care for her puppies. It keeps the puppies secure and prevents them from wandering off, while also giving mom a calm environment to focus on her new babies.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions
Since I have a small dog, I needed a box that wasn’t too big or too small. Too large, and the puppies might have trouble staying warm; too small, and mom wouldn’t have enough room to move comfortably. I measured my dog and anticipated the number of puppies to pick a box that was just right — usually around 24 to 36 inches in length and width worked well for my small breed.
Material and Durability
I looked for a box made from sturdy materials like wood or high-quality plastic. Wood felt cozy and natural, but plastic was easier to clean and more resistant to moisture. Whichever material you choose, ensure it’s easy to sanitize, as cleanliness is vital for the health of mom and pups.
Easy Access and Safety Features
One feature I found incredibly helpful was a removable or low-entry side panel. This allowed me to easily check on mom and puppies without stressing them out. Also, rounded corners and smooth edges helped prevent accidental injuries. Some boxes come with built-in rails to keep puppies from being accidentally crushed by mom — a feature I highly recommend.
Comfort and Warmth
My dog needed a cozy space, so I added soft bedding inside the box. Some whelping boxes come with non-slip surfaces or liners that help keep puppies warm and comfortable. Remember, newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature well, so maintaining warmth is essential.
Portability and Storage
If you plan to move the box around or store it when not in use, consider the weight and whether it can be disassembled. I appreciated a lightweight design that was easy to clean and store after the puppies grew up.
Budget Considerations
Whelping boxes come in a range of prices. For me, investing in a quality box was worth it for the safety and comfort it provided. However, there are affordable options that don’t compromise on essential features — just be sure to check reviews and build quality before buying.
My Final Tips
- Start preparing the whelping box at least a week before the expected delivery date.
- Keep the box in a quiet, warm, and draft-free area.
- Regularly clean and inspect the box during the whelping and nursing period.
- Personalize the space with familiar blankets or toys to help mom feel at ease.
Choosing the right whelping box made a big difference in my dog’s birthing experience. With these points in mind, I hope you find the perfect setup for your small dog’s new family!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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