Whelping and Queening: Hygiene Tips for Healthier Litters

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For dog and cat breeders, the whelping or queening process is a moment of both vulnerability and opportunity. And what if its secret lies in something as simple as hygiene? The story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, a 19th-century doctor who dramatically reduced maternal deaths with a single habit—handwashing—teaches us a powerful lesson: small, intentional actions can create life-saving results. In this blog, I’ll walk you through simple yet impactful strategies to keep your whelping or queening process smooth, safe, and stress-free. Because when it comes to your litters, every detail matters. Ready to elevate your care? Let’s get started.

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1. Clean Hands, Clean Start
2. Preparing the Nest
3. Spot Cleaning: The Right Balance

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A few years ago, I came across a story that really stuck with me. 

It was about Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian doctor in the 1800s, who made a discovery that was both revolutionary and painfully simple.

Back then, women in maternity clinics were dying at alarming rates from what was called childbed fever. 

But here’s what caught his attention: deaths were far less common in the midwives’ clinic than in the one run by doctors.

The difference? The doctors were coming straight from performing autopsies without washing their hands.

Semmelweis introduced a simple rule—everyone had to wash their hands with a chlorinated solution before assisting with births. 

The results were stunning: mortality rates dropped from 18% to less than 3%.

When I first read this story, it hit me how much small, thoughtful actions can matter. 

And I have no doubt that dog and cat breeders who embrace these principles will see remarkable results.

The way you prepare and handle the birthing process can have a huge impact, not only on the mother’s health but on the long-term well-being of her newborns as well. 

Now, let’s focus on practical strategies to keep whelping or queening stress-free and seamless.

Clean Hands, Clean Start

Good hygiene starts with you. 

As a breeder, your hands are often the first point of contact during whelping or queening. 

Taking a few simple precautions can prevent infections and protect both the mother and her newborns.

• Wash Thoroughly: Use soap and warm water before and after assisting with the birth. Don’t forget areas like under your nails and between your fingers.
• Glove Up: Disposable gloves are essential when handling bodily fluids, the mother, or newborns. They minimize contamination risks and ensure a safe, sterile touch.
• Protect Yourself: Wear clean aprons or clothing, and cover any cuts or scrapes on your hands to avoid exposure to zoonotic diseases (especially canine brucellosis for dog breeders).

Pro Tip: Set up a small hygiene station near the whelping area with gloves, hand sanitizer, and clean towels. One breeder told me this saved precious time during a chaotic birth—it’s worth the effort!

Preparing the Nest

Think of the whelping or queening area as the mother’s safe haven. 

A calm, clean, and comfortable environment is key to reducing stress and ensuring a smooth birthing process.

• Choose the Right Space: Find a clean, quiet, warm, and draft-free area. Keep it private to help the mother feel secure. The best option is a dedicated whelping room, but if that’s not possible, choose a quiet, easy-to-clean space like a bathroom—definitely not the kitchen.
• Introduce Early: Bring the mother into the space 7–15 days before birth so she can get comfortable.
• Add a Pheromone Diffuser: These pet-safe tools promote maternal bonding and reduce stress. Studies show they make a big difference in maternal behavior. These pheromone diffusers are designed specifically for dogs or cats and should be placed in the room as soon as the mother enters the maternity area.
• Prepare Bedding: Use washable or disposable bedding, like puppy pads or towels. Make sure they’re clean and easy to replace after the birth.

Pro Tip: Have a cleaning kit nearby to handle messes quickly without disturbing the mother or her litter.

Spot Cleaning: The Right Balance

In dog and cat breeding, clean doesn’t mean sterile. 

Spot cleaning—a concept I learned in shelter medicine—is perfect for maintaining hygiene while minimizing stress for the mother and her newborns.

Spot cleaning focuses on removing visible waste without disrupting the entire environment.

How to Spot Clean:

• Tackle Soiled Areas: Remove waste, soiled bedding, or spills without overhauling the space.
• Preserve Comfort: Leave clean bedding in place to retain familiar scents that comfort the mother and her litter.
• Opt for Proven-Effective Products: Clean and disinfect only the soiled areas to avoid unnecessary chemical exposure. Remember, cleaning and disinfecting are distinct steps in the process. AHPs (=Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxides) are my go-to products here! 
• Maintain Ideal Conditions: The critical factors are nest temperature and room humidity. Adjust the nest to 30°C (86°F) for the first week, 28°C (82°F) for the second, and 25°C (77°F) for the third, while the room remains at 21°C (70°F). Keep humidity between 50–65%.

Pro Tip: Schedule a deep clean every few days and stick to spot cleaning daily. This balance keeps the area hygienic without causing unnecessary stress.

➡ Looking for a step-by-step guide? Download my Spot Cleaning Protocol to make this process even simpler!

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Whelping and queening are moments of both vulnerability and strength. Every small choice you make—from setting up a cozy nest to spot cleaning—creates a safer, more supportive environment for the mother and her newborns.

What’s one tip you’ve found helpful during whelping or queening?

I’d love to hear your insights!