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Can I skip whelping box rails? Are they truly needed for puppies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 59 lbs

I can’t put the rails inside the whelphing box is there is a problem? Should i make rails inside the box is it a must?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 16th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is ideal to put rails in whelping boxes to prevent the puppies from being squished between the mother and the wall of the box. Any box or construction that allows a lip could work. I think having the rails will give you peace of mind otherwise there is no way to prevent this. I hope this helps!

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